US Air Traffic Controllers' Sickness Rises Amid Government Shutdown

During the ongoing federal government shutdown, air traffic controllers are required to work without pay, leading to a slight increase in sick calls and staffing reductions of up to 50% in some areas, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Despite these challenges, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association urges workers to remain on the job, warning against organized job actions which could result in removal from federal service. The shutdown has intensified stress and fatigue among controllers, many of whom are early-career workers with limited financial backup, raising concerns about absenteeism and attrition if the shutdown continues. While no major flight delays have yet been attributed to the shutdown, the situation poses risks to air travel safety and efficiency. Duffy and other officials have publicly addressed these impacts, highlighting both the immediate effects of the shutdown and broader systemic issues within the air traffic control system. The ongoing funding impasse also reflects broader political conflicts, with significant cuts to transportation aid in Democratic-leaning states adding to the tension.