US Air Traffic Union Urges Members to Work Unpaid Amid Shutdown

The union representing more than 13,000 US air traffic controllers has urged members to continue working without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has also affected around 50,000 Transportation Security Administration employees at airport checkpoints.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) warned members that “participating in a job action could result in removal from federal service,” stressing that such actions are illegal. The union added, “It is more important than ever that we rise to the occasion and continue delivering the consistent, high level of public service we provide every day. We cannot stress enough that it is essential to avoid any actions that could reflect poorly on you, our union, or our profession.”

US Transportation Department Secretary Sean Duffy and NATCA President Nick Daniels held a press conference Monday at Newark Liberty International Airport, a major United Airlines hub near New York City, to address the shutdown’s impact. The airport has not yet reported delays directly linked to the funding lapse.

Duffy highlighted the financial strain on controllers, noting that many are struggling to meet personal obligations while maintaining six-day workweeks. “As they control our airspace, they are thinking, how am I going to pay my mortgage? My car payment? How do I feed my kids? Do I have to drive for Uber after a six-day week just to make ends meet because the government isn’t paying me?” he said.

Beyond paychecks, Duffy warned that the Essential Air Service (EAS) program — which subsidizes airline service to small US communities — could run out of funds as soon as Sunday. “Many small towns will lose critical air service,” he said, noting the program’s importance in Alaska, where flying is often the only transportation option.

Daniels avoided political commentary but urged Congress to end the shutdown. “We need to bring this shutdown to a close so the Federal Aviation Administration and its dedicated aviation safety professionals can put this distraction behind us and focus fully on their vital work,” he said.