The vast majority of American air traffic controllers who worked without pay during a recent government shutdown have been denied a $10,000 bonus, due to a single stringent rule imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Out of more than 10,000 controllers who performed their duties without a salary, a mere 776 are set to receive the payment suggested by President Donald Trump. The FAA has stipulated that only controllers with perfect attendance records throughout the shutdown period would qualify for the financial reward.
Financial Strain Led to Widespread Absences
The government shutdown placed immense financial pressure on controllers, forcing them to work for over a month without a regular pay cheque. As the situation dragged on, a significant number found themselves unable to continue reporting for duty.
Many were compelled to call out of work because they could no longer afford essential costs such as childcare or fuel for their commute. Others sought secondary employment to make ends meet during the period of unprecedented financial hardship.
Travel Chaos and Policy Response
The high rate of absences among air traffic controllers had a direct and severe impact on the national travel network. The widespread staff shortages led to considerable disruption, causing significant delays at airports across the United States.
The situation became so critical that the government was forced to cut flights at 40 of the nation's busiest airports to manage the safety and logistical challenges. President Trump had initially floated the bonus idea on social media, also proposing that controllers who missed work should be penalised with docked pay. However, FAA officials have not indicated any public plans to implement such punishments.
The episode highlights the profound operational challenges and human cost that government shutdowns inflict on essential public services and their workers.
