Air traffic controllers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are working without pay due to a prolonged government shutdown, which began on October 1. The shutdown, caused by a congressional deadlock over the healthcare budget, has led to federal employees missing their first full paychecks on Tuesday. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has raised concerns about the financial stress and staffing shortages affecting the National Airspace System.
Controllers at LAX, led by NATCA representative Michael Flores, distributed leaflets to inform the public and urge an end to the shutdown. According to USC Annenberg Media, Flores stated, “It’s the first day that we are receiving a zero on our paycheck. You can imagine how stressful that is for air traffic controllers in an already stressful profession.”
The shutdown has exacerbated existing staffing shortages, with CNBC reporting that 44% of flight delays on Sunday were due to air traffic controller staffing issues. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the impact on training and recruiting, noting that funds for trainee stipends are running low.
The CNN reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recorded over 264 staffing problems since the shutdown began, more than four times the number reported last year. The shortage has led to flight delays and increased anxiety among travelers.
NATCA continues to advocate for an immediate resolution to the shutdown, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety and operations despite the lack of payment. The ongoing situation poses a significant risk to aviation safety, with potential long-term effects on the recruitment and retention of air traffic controllers.
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