Transportation Secretary Warns Air Traffic Controllers of Potential Job Loss Over Sick Calls During Shutdown
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Transportation Secretary Warns Air Traffic Controllers of Potential Job Loss Over Sick Calls During Shutdown

Summary

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautions air traffic controllers that calling in sick during the government shutdown could lead to job termination, amid rising concerns over staffing shortages and flight delays.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has cautioned air traffic controllers that calling in sick during the ongoing government shutdown could result in job termination.

Air traffic controllers are deemed essential employees and are required to work without pay during government shutdowns. Duffy expressed concern over reports of increased sick calls, stating, "If they're sick, they're sick. I'm fine with that. But if they're not showing up to work, and they're calling out for other reasons... I don't want those people working in air traffic."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported staffing issues at airports nationwide due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. Delays could worsen if the shutdown continues, as the U.S. was already facing a staffing shortfall before the government shutdown began.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has advised its 19,000 members that coordinated "sick outs" are illegal. However, union officials and individual controllers have indicated that the uncertainty of not knowing when the next paycheck is coming is adding to the stress of working in an already strained system.

Air traffic controllers are scheduled to receive a partial paycheck on Tuesday, October 14, and a zero paycheck two weeks later, according to Nick Daniels, president of NATCA.

The Essential Air Service program, which subsidizes airline service to small communities, is also at risk of running out of funding. Duffy noted that the program enjoys strong bipartisan support and provides an important lifeline to many small communities, especially in Alaska, where flying is the only way to travel between many communities.

Source

Forbes

First reported

Air Traffic Controllers Face Challenges Amid Government Shutdown

• NPR

Fact-checking

Fact-check the facts of the article using external sources and databases.

✓
Confirmed

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has cautioned air traffic controllers that calling in sick during the ongoing government shutdown could result in job termination.

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Confirmed

Air traffic controllers are deemed essential employees and are required to work without pay during government shutdowns.

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Confirmed

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported staffing issues at airports nationwide due to a shortage of air traffic controllers.

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Confirmed

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has advised its 19,000 members that coordinated 'sick outs' are illegal.

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Partly Confirmed

Air traffic controllers are scheduled to receive a partial paycheck on Tuesday, October 14, and a zero paycheck two weeks later, according to Nick Daniels, president of NATCA.

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Confirmed

The Essential Air Service program, which subsidizes airline service to small communities, is also at risk of running out of funding.

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