Union Urges Air Traffic Controllers to Stay on Duty Despite Government Shutdown

The union representing more than 13,000 U.S. air traffic controllers has called on its members to continue reporting for duty even as the government remains in a partial shutdown, meaning many controllers must work without pay. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association warned that engaging in any work stoppage could lead to dismissal from federal service.

At a joint press event held at Newark Liberty International Airport, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and union leaders addressed the pressures faced by controllers operating under mounting financial strain. They stressed that air safety and continuity of service must be preserved despite the funding impasse.

The shutdown has affected more than just controllers: around 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff are also required to remain on the job without receiving paychecks. The union emphasized that maintaining high service standards is essential and appealed to workers to avoid actions that could damage professional reputations or public trust.

The union noted that during previous shutdowns, increased absences among air traffic controllers and TSA personnel contributed to longer waits, slower processing, and operational disruptions at major airports. This history fuels concern that the current shutdown, if prolonged, could strain the system further.

With a persistent shortage of roughly 3,500 controllers nationwide, many in the network are already working extended hours and six-day weeks. The added burden of not being compensated only heightens stress on the system. Airline industry groups have warned that if staffing dips further, the efficiency of the national airspace could decline, potentially causing travel delays across the network.