Air traffic controllers still working without pay in gov’t shutdown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Air traffic controllers have missed two paychecks, but they are still expected to show up to work in what has become the longest government shutdown in history. Nationwide thousands of flights have been delayed and hundreds canceled as airlines deal with forced FAA flight cuts, staffing shortages and winter weather.

Winter weather is adding a strain on an already stretched system. Air traffic controllers are among the essential government workers forced to continue working with no pay in the government shutdown that now exceeds 41 days.

“We just want to do the work that we love and continue serving the flying public but not have to question how we’re going to pay the bills,” Amy Lark, Air Traffic Controller said.

The FAA was already dealing with a shortage of air traffic controllers before the shutdown. Now after missing two paychecks, many workers are picking up second jobs to make ends meet.

“That uncertainty, that fear creates a distraction that no air traffic controller should have to carry when we’re ensuring the safety of the flying public,” Lark said.

President Trump has threatened to dock pay for air traffic controllers who don’t show up to work while awarding a $10,000 bonus to those who keep working through the shutdown. With flight cuts and staffing shortages, travelers hope federal leaders come to a resolution to end the shutdown ASAP.

“It’s horrific, they need to settle the budget issues they’re having and put people back to work and open the government,” Greg Kenner Flying from CLT to Chicago Midway said.

Air traffic controllers are hopeful that the deal that passed through Senate will also pass the House before the end of the week to reopen the government.