Air traffic controllers are among the thousands of US workers impacted by the stand-off between the President and Congress, resulting from disagreements on public funding to build a wall between the US and Mexico. The shutdown is now the longest in US history, with many federal government employees having missed their first paycheque of the year.
The aviation sector has been severely affected by the shutdown, given that federal employees like air traffic controllers provide an essential service in ensuring the safety of passengers and other workers. US trade unions are demanding that workers are paid for continuing to carry out their duties at this time of national uncertainty.
ITF civil aviation secretary Gabriel Mocho Rodriguez has written to our affiliate unions, the National Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) and Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), expressing the support of the ITF family at this challenging time.
It is with anger and frustration that we continue to read the reports from the United States of the shutdown and the failure of the government to end it. The fundamental entitlement of pay for work must be restored. We send all our thoughts, solidarity and support to you on behalf of the aviation workers of the world.”
