President Trump threatens to dock pay of air traffic controllers who called in sick during government shutdown as 2,000 flights are canceled.
NEW YORK: President Donald Trump threatened to dock pay for air traffic controllers who called in sick during the ongoing government shutdown.
His social media statement came as an additional 2,000 US flights were canceled on Monday.
Trump demanded “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!” on his Truth Social platform.
He threatened that controllers who do not return to work “will be substantially ‘docked.'”
The president also recommended a USD 10,000 bonus for “GREAT PATRIOTS” who did not take time off during the shutdown.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association labor union immediately pushed back against Trump’s comments.
Union president Nick Daniels said “Air traffic controllers should not be the political pawn during a government shutdown.”
The union hailed members working without pay as “unsung heroes” in a statement.
“This nation’s air traffic controllers have been working without pay for over 40 days,” the union stated.
“Many are working six-day weeks and ten-hour days without any pay.”
The record-breaking shutdown reached day 41 on Monday, creating mounting strain on the aviation industry.
Besides the 2,000 cancellations, approximately 7,100 flights involving US airports were delayed.
The Trump administration last week ordered 10% reductions in flights at dozens of airports due to “staffing triggers.”
Democratic congressman Rick Larsen called Trump’s comments “nuts.”
“The women and men working long hours in air traffic control towers deserve our thanks and appreciation, not unhinged attacks on their patriotism,” said Larsen.
Amy Lark, who works at an air traffic facility in Virginia, described the personal impact.
“Yesterday, my kids asked me how long we could stay in our house. Having to answer that question was heartbreaking,” said Lark.
She noted increased stress at work because colleagues work second jobs as Uber drivers or face childcare payment troubles.
Travelers at airports expressed frustration with the ongoing disruptions.
“It’s a little crazy this morning,” said Jack Nicks at Miami International Airport.
“I have other friends that are flying today. They’ve already had three flight changes. So it’s a little rough.” – AFP
