Government shutdown impact: Air traffic controllers

"The lingering shutdown of the federal government could have long-term ramifications on how New Yorkers get around, including by causing delays to flights and in the construction of two major transit infrastructure projects, the nation's top transportation official said Monday. Some air traffic controllers are already working without pay during the ongoing shutdown, according to union officials. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, at a news conference at Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday, said some airports have seen "a slight tick up in sick calls" from air traffic controllers, which he said could be attributed to them working second jobs."

"Galen Munroe, spokesman for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, confirmed his union's members are already working without pay, and will receive partial paychecks on Oct. 14 covering only through Oct. 2. Under the law, federal workers get back pay when a funding agreement is reached. The longer the shutdown goes on, the more hardship and stress for air traffic controllers and their families, said Michael McCormick, a former head of the Air Route Traffic Control Center in Ronkonkoma who now teaches at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. "Most controllers are financially secure enough that they can go a pay period without a paycheck. But to go beyond that, it gets to be problematic - especially those who live or work in high cost-of-living areas" like New York City and Long Is"

The federal government shutdown is creating operational and financial strains on New York transportation systems. Unpaid air traffic controllers have led to a slight increase in sick calls and some are working without pay, raising risks of staffing shortages. A shortage of controllers could force scaled-back air traffic, causing flight delays and cancellations. Transit infrastructure projects face potential construction delays. Union officials say partial paychecks will cover limited dates and federal workers will receive back pay once funding is restored. The prolonged shutdown increases hardship and stress for controllers and their families, especially in high cost-of-living areas.

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