DOT Chief Warns Air Traffic Controllers of Job Termination for Work Absence

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DOT Chief Warns Air Traffic Controllers of Job Termination for Work Absence

Transportation Secretary Threatens to Fire ‘Problem’ Air Traffic Controllers Amid Shutdown

Government Shutdown Causes Air Travel Disruptions Across U.S.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a stern warning to non-compliant air traffic controllers amid the ongoing government shutdown. Duffy stressed that air traffic controllers who fail to report to work could face termination as flight delays continue to affect multiple airports nationwide. With staffing issues largely attributed to controllers calling in sick, the delays have persisted for four consecutive days, impacting major airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National, Chicago O’Hare International, and Newark Liberty International, among others.

Duffy’s Firm Stance on Staffing Issues

Appearing on Fox Business News, Duffy remarked, “If we have a continual small subset of controllers that don’t show up to work, and they’re the problem children, we’re going to let them go. I can’t have people not showing up for work.” He emphasized, however, that this is not a widespread issue, noting, “It’s a small fraction of people who don’t come to work that can create this massive disruption.”

Trump Administration’s Response to the Shutdown

Following Duffy’s comments, President Donald Trump, in a Cabinet meeting, announced potential permanent budget cuts, stating, “We’re only going to cut Democrat programs.” The government shutdown was initiated after Democrats objected to passing a Republican-proposed “clean” spending measure, citing the need to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies to prevent millions from losing healthcare.

Federal Workers and Back Pay Concerns

As the shutdown wears on, thousands of federal workers have been furloughed from agencies, including the Commerce and Education Departments, the IRS, and NASA. The White House is heavily debating whether furloughed workers should receive back pay once the shutdown ends. However, the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 ensures that all federal employees receive back pay post-shutdown, creating a conflict with recent White House assertions.

Union Response to Air Traffic Controller Staffing Challenges

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association addressed Duffy’s threats, clarifying that there are established processes to handle inappropriate sick leave usage. The association stated they do not endorse actions that compromise flight safety or cause delays, warning members that participating in any job action could result in termination from federal service.

Comparisons and Context

While the Transportation Department did not immediately clarify Duffy’s compensation, it’s noted that his predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, earned an annual salary of $221,400. When Duffy served as a Republican congressman from Wisconsin in 2011, he previously faced criticism for indicating financial struggles on a $174,000 salary.