Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has weighed in on the increase in air traffic controllers calling out of work amid the United States’ latest government shutdown.
Duffy discussed how some air traffic controllers are avoiding going into work on an October 9 episode of Fox Business’ Varney & Co. Since the government shutdown began, air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents have been forced to work without their scheduled pay, which has disincentivized some and led them to call in sick. When asked about whether there was a way for controllers to get paid during the shutdown, Duffy said that the situation was “challenging.”
Duffy, who confirmed that there’s been a rise in controllers calling out, said, “I think what’s happening here, 90% of the controllers, they show up, they come to work, but 10% of them are lashing out.”
“If we have a continual small subset of controllers that don’t show up to work and they’re the problem children — we need more controllers, but we need the best and the brightest, the dedicated controllers. And if we have some on our staff that aren’t dedicated like we need, we’re going to let them go. I can’t have people not showing up for work,” he later stated.
What Else Is There To Know About The Government Shutdown’s Impact On Air Travel?
Duffy made his comments about the future employment of air traffic controllers just days ahead of a long holiday weekend in the U.S. Columbus Day — a federal holiday — and Indigenous Peoples’ Day — celebrated throughout the country — both fall on October 13 this year. Both holidays are always celebrated on the second Monday in October.
Although most federal workers are given a paid day off on Columbus Day, air traffic controllers are excluded due to the essential nature of their work.
Airports and air traffic control facilities across the U.S. have been strained due to the latest government shutdown, which began on October 1. Newark Liberty International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, and others have experienced flight delays or cancellations.
In his Varney & Co. interview, Duffy claimed that U.S. air travel is still safe amid the government shutdown and its subsequent problems. “We will slow down traffic, we will stop traffic, if we can’t control the airspace safely. Because that’s the number one mission.”
