Another government shutdown? This is what we know now
The federal government has been shut down again, how is it different from the past 20? This is what we know now.
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said on October 6 that government closures are stressing already overworked and under-staffed air traffic controllers as they see rising controllers when calling for illness.
Duffy said the outer space would remain safe, but he noted that some air traffic control facilities were experiencing an increase in sick calls. Duffy warned that understaffed facilities could result in flight delays and cancellations as the Federal Aviation Administration limits capabilities through some sectors of the airspace.
Duffy said the controller, a mandatory federal employee, is worried about how to pay bills while keeping airspace safe. Thousands of controllers are expected to appear in the work during shutdown. They are not paid and are set to miss their first pay on October 14th.
“Now they’re controlling our airspace, what they’re thinking is, is, how are you going to pay a mortgage? Do you have a few kids in your car? Do I have some kids at home? How do I put food on the table? Do I work six days a week? Duffy said at a press conference at Newar Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
The FAA said staffing issues in air traffic control at several airports, including Newark, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas and Burbank, are affecting it. Flightaware reported that over 5,000 flights were delayed in the US on October 6th. This includes 31% in Denver, 21% in Newark and 18% in Las Vegas. Weather issues are also affecting flights.
California governor blames Trump for shortage of air traffic controllers at Los Angeles area airports
In a post on X, California Gov. Gavin Newsom denounced President Donald Trump for a shortage of air traffic controllers at Hollywood Burbank Airport in Los Angeles County.
“Thank you @RealdonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has zero air traffic controllers from 4:15pm to 10pm today due to government closure,” the governor wrote in a post on October 6th.
The FAA warned that the air traffic control tower at Burbank Airport was unmanned due to a lack of staff.
Duffy warns that long-term government closures could have long-term effects
During the press conference, Duffy said that long-term shutdowns could have a long-term impact on air traffic controller training, as some of the agency’s support staff could be fired.
He added that if closures continue, Essential Air Services, which will bring flights to underserved rural communities, will run out of funds on October 12th. The U.S. Department of Transport does not oversee the TSA under the Department of Homeland Security, but the agency is also preparing for the issue if the shutdown continues.
Industry experts warned that the closure could cause widespread travel disruptions, from slowing airport security to delays in passport processing, according to Northjersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. The shutdown began at 12:01am on October 1st.
Industry groups also urged lawmakers to avoid closures, warning that the travel sector is already sensitive to staffing challenges and that seasonal demand could be hit hard.
The Air Traffic Controllers’ Union warns that chic-outs are illegal
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association warned at a press conference on October 6 that it was illegal, saying “participating in job hunting could lead to removal from federal services.”
“It’s more important than ever that we can take this opportunity to stand up and continue to provide the consistent, high-level public services we provide every day,” the union told members. “We cannot fully emphasize that it is essential to avoid actions that can be inadequately reflected in you, our union, or our profession.”
Contributors: Colleen Wilson and Manahil Ahmad, northjersey.com;Reuters
