Air Traffic Controllers Ask Public For Donations As Shutdown Drags On

Air traffic controllers in the United States missed their paychecks for the first time on October 28 due to the ongoing government shutdown. In response, controllers gathered at several airports nationwide to ask the public for donations and to urge their congressional representatives to reopen the government. The effort was organized by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which represents nearly 20,000 controllers, engineers, and other safety-related professionals. The association's president, Nick Daniels, joined Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at New York's LaGuardia Airport for a press conference about the missing paychecks. The shutdown has strained the nation's network of air traffic controllers, causing flight delays and cancellations as staff shortages leave some towers without enough support. The extra stress of worrying about paying bills has exacerbated the crisis, making the system less safe, according to Daniels. Many controllers, especially new ones, are struggling to make ends meet and some have taken on second jobs to get through the shutdown. Transportation Secretary Duffy warned that missing another paycheck would be devastating for most controllers and that the shutdown could create long-term problems for the Transportation Department. The demonstrations at airports were meant to send a message to Congress, which failed to pass a bill that would have provided pay to critical workers, including air traffic controllers. The government shutdown is taking a toll on the air traffic control system, with some trainees leaving the program and instructors not being paid, which could drive people out of the profession.