A Growing Crisis: Airlines Step In to Feed Air Traffic Controllers Amidst Government Shutdown
As the partial government shutdown enters its 29th day, air traffic controllers and other federal aviation workers are facing a stark reality: they're going without pay. To mitigate this crisis, some airlines have taken matters into their own hands, providing meals for these essential workers.
United Airlines has been particularly proactive, stating that it's donating meals to air traffic controllers and other federal workers whose pay is delayed. This support will be extended across the airline's hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, N.J., San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
Delta Air Lines has also confirmed its involvement, arranging for a limited number of meals for transportation sector workers while adhering to strict rules established for employees of federal government agencies. Meanwhile, JetBlue is working with local aviation officials and airport staff to offer meals as a gesture of support.
The situation has taken a toll on air traffic controllers, who are struggling financially due to the unpaid paychecks. Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted this issue during a press conference at LaGuardia Airport in New York, emphasizing that the first day without pay is just the beginning of an increasingly difficult period for these workers.
Controllers are calling in sick in larger numbers than usual, seeking side gigs like Uber or DoorDash to make ends meet. The pressure is real, according to air traffic controller Joe Segretto, who works at a regional radar facility directing planes at airports in the New York area.
According to data from the Transportation Security Administration, controllers were responsible for roughly 44% of Sunday's flight delays and 24% of Monday's delays. The financial struggles faced by these workers are palpable, with one controller sharing a distressing story about running out of money to pay for medicine for his daughter.
As the shutdown enters its third week, it remains unclear when air traffic controllers will receive their first full paycheck. Until then, airlines like United and Delta are stepping in to provide support, ensuring that these essential workers continue to keep the nation's skies safe.
As the partial government shutdown enters its 29th day, air traffic controllers and other federal aviation workers are facing a stark reality: they're going without pay. To mitigate this crisis, some airlines have taken matters into their own hands, providing meals for these essential workers.
United Airlines has been particularly proactive, stating that it's donating meals to air traffic controllers and other federal workers whose pay is delayed. This support will be extended across the airline's hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, N.J., San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
Delta Air Lines has also confirmed its involvement, arranging for a limited number of meals for transportation sector workers while adhering to strict rules established for employees of federal government agencies. Meanwhile, JetBlue is working with local aviation officials and airport staff to offer meals as a gesture of support.
The situation has taken a toll on air traffic controllers, who are struggling financially due to the unpaid paychecks. Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted this issue during a press conference at LaGuardia Airport in New York, emphasizing that the first day without pay is just the beginning of an increasingly difficult period for these workers.
Controllers are calling in sick in larger numbers than usual, seeking side gigs like Uber or DoorDash to make ends meet. The pressure is real, according to air traffic controller Joe Segretto, who works at a regional radar facility directing planes at airports in the New York area.
According to data from the Transportation Security Administration, controllers were responsible for roughly 44% of Sunday's flight delays and 24% of Monday's delays. The financial struggles faced by these workers are palpable, with one controller sharing a distressing story about running out of money to pay for medicine for his daughter.
As the shutdown enters its third week, it remains unclear when air traffic controllers will receive their first full paycheck. Until then, airlines like United and Delta are stepping in to provide support, ensuring that these essential workers continue to keep the nation's skies safe.
Airlines should be more than just donating food, they're also paying the employees directly 
. This is a big deal for air traffic controllers who can't afford basic necessities like medicine 
. It's not just about showing support, it's about having a safety net in place. The government shutdown is affecting everyone, but these workers are literally keeping our lives safe 
.
It's crazy how airlines are stepping up to support them though, providing meals and all that. United is doing a solid job, I love it! Delta's getting in on the action too, even if it means being super strict with their rules. JetBlue's working together with locals to get these workers some grub... let's be real, we need our air traffic controllers safe and sound 
Airlines are totally bailing out air traffic controllers who are going without pay due to the gov shutdown 
. I mean, can you blame them? These guys are basically keeping our planes in the air and getting us from point A to point B safely 
. It's like they're the unsung heroes of the aviation world 
. I'm glad airlines are stepping up and providing meals for these workers - it's not just about giving them food, but also showing that they care about their well-being 
. Hopefully, the gov gets its act together soon and these workers get paid 
.
. Airlines are stepping up because the feds can't be bothered to take care of their own people 
. It's like they're saying, 'We'll handle it later', but what if it doesn't get handled later? 
. And let's be real, if they can't even rely on their government employers to provide basic necessities like food and healthcare, how can we trust them to make decisions that affect our safety 
. It's not just about the money; it's about the principle of accountability 
. The government needs to step up and provide for its employees, especially during times of crisis 
.
I'm really concerned about what's happening to our air traffic controllers 
. It's not right that they have to choose between paying their bills and doing their job, especially when it comes to families like the one where a controller is worried about medicine for his daughter 
. The government needs to get its act together and figure out a solution ASAP 
. These workers deserve better than to be treated as if they're disposable 
. I hope something changes soon so they can receive their paychecks and stop stressing about making ends meet 
.
I feel bad for these air traffic controllers dude they're literally struggling to make ends meet while keeping our skies safe 
. Airlines like United and Delta are stepping up their game though 
, providing meals for these workers who are going without pay. It's a huge help, but still, 29 days is way too long 
. The situation's getting real, with controllers calling in sick and taking side gigs just to pay bills 
i mean its cool that united & delta is doin dis, but whats the deal wit the gov? cant dey get sum1 2 sort dis out 4 eva?! 
. I mean, they're the ones keeping us safe in the air, and yet we hear them struggling to make ends meet 
. I feel so sorry for these controllers who are barely scraping by with Uber gigs or something 
.