Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that air traffic controllers who call in sick during the government shutdown could face dismissal, describing them as “problem children”. In an interview with Fox Business on Thursday, Duffy claimed that while 90% of controllers are showing up for work, a small fraction are “lashing out” and causing widespread disruption.
Air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers and are required to work without pay during federal shutdowns. Duffy stated that those who miss work will not receive back pay for the days they were absent once the government reopens. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) responded by noting that procedures exist to address inappropriate use of sick leave.
The union has urged legislators to end the shutdown, warning that thousands of aviation professionals, including aircraft certification engineers, could be furloughed. NATCA also highlighted the added strain on a workforce already operating 24/7 in the world’s most complex airspace.
Since the shutdown began over a week ago, airports across the country have experienced thousands of flight delays and staffing shortages. On Thursday, a facility in Fort Worth, Texas, reported an hour-long staffing gap, while six FAA facilities, including towers at Denver International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, faced shortages the previous day.
The US has faced a chronic shortage of air traffic controllers for decades, with the Department of Transportation aiming to hire nearly 9,000 more by 2028. Recent aviation disasters, including a January collision near Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people, have intensified scrutiny of the air traffic control system.
