FAA rewards air traffic controllers who worked during government shutdown with $10K bonus – here’s how many received the payment

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US Government Rewards Only Perfectly Attended Air Traffic Controllers with $10,000 Bonus During Record-Long Shutdown

A total of 776 air traffic controllers out of over 10,000 who had to work without pay during the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown will receive a $10,000 bonus for maintaining perfect attendance. The gesture was first suggested by President Donald Trump but has raised questions about why other controllers who also worked diligently without pay were excluded from the recognition.

The prolonged shutdown led to financial difficulties and even prompted some air traffic controllers to seek side jobs or struggle with childcare and fuel costs. Despite this, many chose to report for duty, albeit at a significant personal cost. The decision to reward only those with perfect attendance has sparked controversy, as some argue that all air traffic controllers who consistently worked during the shutdown should receive bonuses.

"We are concerned that thousands of air traffic controllers who consistently reported for duty during the shutdown, ensuring the safe transport of passengers and cargo across the nation, while working without pay and uncertain of when they would receive compensation, were excluded from this recognition," said the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. The union emphasized that every dedicated professional deserves a bonus, particularly those instrumental in keeping America moving.

Federal Aviation Administration officials have confirmed that only 311 of their members are eligible for the bonuses, suggesting that some of the money is being directed towards managers. However, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has defended the gesture, stating that it acknowledges the dedication and hard work of controllers who maintained perfect attendance during the shutdown.

Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen has expressed his disappointment at not seeing all air traffic controllers receive the bonus, arguing that every single one of them deserves recognition and back pay. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has pledged to collaborate with Duffy to find a way to recognize other controllers who also worked diligently during the shutdown.

The FAA was already grappling with an air traffic controller shortage before the shutdown, which led to critical staffing shortages at airports across the country. To address this issue, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been working on boosting controller hiring and streamlining training processes in order to alleviate the shortage over the next several years.
 
🤔 This whole thing just feels like a band-aid solution for the real problem here - the air traffic control shortage. I mean, $10k isn't going to magically solve the issue or help those who didn't make the cut for attendance bonuses. And let's be real, 311 out of 10k is still a pretty small number. It just feels like some people are getting recognition while others are being left behind.

I think what really bothers me here is that it's not just about recognizing dedicated workers - it's about addressing systemic issues within the FAA and finding sustainable solutions to staffing shortages. We can't keep relying on bonuses or token gestures when we need real, long-term fixes. And I'm all for acknowledging hard work and dedication, but this feels like a missed opportunity to have a broader conversation about how to support our air traffic controllers in the first place.

And let's not forget, this is just one more example of why I wish we had a more robust system for addressing these kinds of issues. We're always talking about the importance of accountability and transparency, but when it comes down to it, we need systemic changes that address the root causes of problems like this.
 
😒 I don't get why they're only rewarding those who didn't even have to deal with the stress of not getting paid. I mean, what about all the others who had to juggle side jobs and childcare costs while trying to keep air traffic running smoothly? It's just a slap in the face, if you ask me. And now we know that some of that money is being funneled into manager pockets... it's just another example of the system being rigged against the people on the front lines. 🤑
 
omg i think its so unfair that they only rewarded air traffic controllers with perfect attendance 🤷‍♂️ $10k is a big deal but what about all the others who worked hard too? 🤔 i get that everyone needs to be recognized for their efforts, especially during a record-long shutdown 😩. it wouldve been cool if they couldve given bonuses to all controllers who showed up on time 💪. btw, didnt they say there was an air traffic controller shortage already before the shutdown? like, what were they doing with that money 🤑
 
Ugh, can you believe this? 🤯 I mean, I get it, people who worked hard during that shutdown deserve some kinda reward, but $10k just seems like a lot. Like, what's the logic behind only giving out perfect attendance bonuses? 🤔 It's not like those other controllers didn't work their tails off too. And don't even get me started on the managers getting some of that cash... 😒

I mean, I'm all for acknowledging people's hard work and dedication, but this feels kinda tone-deaf. Like, what about everyone else who had to deal with childcare costs or fuel expenses during that shutdown? 🚗 Those poor guys were struggling just as much as the air traffic controllers. It's not like they're getting a pat on the back either.

And can we talk about how convenient it is for the government to only reward people who worked "perfectly" without pay? 🙄 Like, what even is perfect attendance in this situation? Did they have some kinda attendance tracker or something? 😂

I guess what I'm saying is that while I get why the government wants to recognize people's hard work, this whole thing feels like a PR stunt to me. And honestly, it's making me question whether there are more important things being done behind the scenes... 🤔
 
I'm low-key surprised they're rewarding only those who didn't even miss a beat during that crazy shutdown 🤯 Like, what about all the others who were trying to keep it together despite their own financial struggles? It's like, you can't just leave people high and dry while they're already drowning in bills and childcare costs 💸👪. I mean, 776 out of 10k is still a decent chunk of people who didn't get any love here... feels like some folks are getting a little too comfy behind their desks 🚫.
 
🤔 I'm not convinced that handing out $10k bonuses just for showing up is a fair way to recognize their hard work during the shutdown. I mean, we all know air traffic controllers have some of the toughest jobs out there, dealing with life-or-death situations on a daily basis... but perfect attendance isn't exactly unique to them 🤷‍♀️. And what about those who took on extra shifts or worked overtime without pay? It seems like some folks got left behind in this recognition process.

And let's be real, $10k is a pretty small price to pay for the stress and uncertainty they endured during that 43-day shutdown 😬. I think we should be looking at more comprehensive solutions to address the FAA's staffing shortages, rather than just slapping some token rewards on a select few 🤑.
 
I'm low-key shocked that only 311 air traffic controllers get $10k bonus 🤑🚫 like they're the only ones who cared about keeping the country moving during that record-long shutdown. I mean, I get that perfect attendance is a big deal, but what about those who still showed up to work despite struggling with financial issues and personal costs? It feels like some people are getting left behind 🤷‍♀️. The whole thing just doesn't sit right with me...
 
This 10k bonus thingy is just so... basic 🤷‍♂️. I mean, come on, what about all those other air traffic controllers who still showed up to work despite having no pay? Doesn't that count for anything? 💸 It's like, thanks for the free money, but what about the rest of us who were struggling too? 😒 And btw, is it just me or does it seem like some people are getting more benefits than others? 🤔 Like, 311 out of 10k = 3% of controllers get a bonus... that's not exactly a ringing endorsement of fairness. 👎
 
I mean come on 🤯, 776 air traffic controllers out of 10k who had to work without pay for 43 days get a measly $10k bonus? That's like me showing up late one day and suddenly getting paid for my whole month 😂. It just don't sit right with me. I feel bad for those controllers who got left out, you know, the ones who were still working their butts off while struggling to make ends meet 🤕.

I get it, perfect attendance is something to be proud of, but why not a pat on the back or a small raise instead? It just seems like a token gesture, you know? And now I'm hearing that some of the money might be going towards managers? Like, hello, how about those guys who couldn't even show up for work 🙄. I mean, what's next? A 'participation trophy' for showing up to meetings on time? 🏆

And don't even get me started on the timing, you know? The FAA was already having issues with staffing shortages before this shutdown, and now they're gonna just gloss over it and give out bonuses like candy? It's just not right. I think those air traffic controllers who worked hard during that shutdown deserve way more than $10k 💸.

It's all about the politics and who gets to say what, you know? The union is pushing for a bigger payout, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out 🤔. One thing's for sure, though - I'm keeping an eye on this one 👀.
 
Umm... so like, I don't get why they gotta pick just the ones with perfect attendance 🤔... isn't it more about being there and doing a good job during that crazy long shutdown? Like, didn't everyone kinda struggle or something? 😕 And what's up with only 311 getting bonuses? That seems low 🤑. I mean, I guess it's better than nothing, but it feels kinda unfair to those others who were also working super hard without pay 💸. Can someone explain to me how this whole thing works and why they didn't go with a full bonus for everyone? 🤔
 
This is so weird 🤯, I mean, $10k bonus for just showing up? It's like they're trying to make it seem like the shutdown was all their fault instead of President Trump's 🙄. And what about those who had kids and couldn't afford childcare while working without pay? Or those who had to dip into their own savings to cover fuel costs? Not a word from the government, just silence 💁‍♀️.

I don't get why they're excluding other controllers who were still showing up on time. It's like they're trying to create a sense of 'us vs them' 🤝. The NATA is right though, every single one of those air traffic controllers deserves some kinda recognition, not just the ones with perfect attendance 👏.

And can we talk about how this whole thing feels like a PR stunt? Like, 'Hey, look at us being all generous and rewarding our hardworking controllers' 📺. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, they're still trying to figure out how to fix that air traffic controller shortage without throwing more money around 🤑.

It's just not right, you know? The government should be acknowledging the sacrifices those people made during the shutdown instead of just slapping a Band-Aid on it with a $10k bonus 💸.
 
I'm low-key disappointed in this whole thing 🤔. I mean, come on, $10k for perfect attendance is a nice start, but what about those who worked their tails off without pay? Like, literally went into debt and struggled to keep up with their bills just to get the job done. It's like, yeah, you showed up, great job, now give us some financial love 💸. And don't even get me started on the managers getting a piece of the pie 🤷‍♂️. I feel like we should be recognizing all air traffic controllers who put in the hard work without pay, not just those who played it perfect. It's a small gesture, but at least it's something, right? ✈️
 
i think its kinda weird that they only gave bonuses to air traffic controllers who showed up every single day 🤔
imagine if you were working 40 hours a week without getting paid, but your boss just gives you a pat on the back and says "good job" 👍
but what about the ones who had to balance work with childcare or struggled to pay for fuel? they deserve some love too ❤️
i mean, im all for recognizing people's hard work, but this feels like a pretty small gesture 🤑
shouldnt they be giving bonuses to everyone who showed up during that time? its not like it was easy for them to keep showing up without pay 💪
 
I FEEL LIKE THIS BONUS IS kinda LATE IN THE GAME 🤦‍♂️, YOU KNOW? IT'S NOT LIKE THEY'RE AVOIDING OTHER CONTROLLERS WHO ALSO WORKED HARD DURING THE SHUTDOWN... I MEAN, COME ON, $10,000 JUST FOR PERFECT ATTENDANCE? IT'S LIKE THEY THINK THOSE OTHER GUYS DIDN'T DO ENOUGH? 🤔

AND WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO HAD TO STRUGGLE WITH PAYCHECKS AND STUFF DURING THE SHUTDOWN? 💸👀 I GET THAT PREZ TRUMP SUGGESTED THIS, BUT IT FEELS LIKE THEY JUST FANDED THE TOWN TO HELP OUT THOSE 311 GUYS... 🤑

I GUESS WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY IS, CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG AND RECOGNIZE EVERYONE WHO WORKED HARD DURING THAT SHUTDOWN? 🤝 IT'S NOT ABOUT PARTISANSHIP OR STUFF, IT'S JUST ABOUT SHOWIN' SOME APPRECIATION FOR THE PEOPLE WHO KEEP OUR SKIES SAFE! 💕
 
I'm so confused about this whole thing... $10k bonus for 776 out of 10,000 air traffic controllers who worked during that record-long shutdown? I mean, what about the others who didn't get a free pass? They were basically working without pay too 🤷‍♂️. It's just not right that only those with perfect attendance are getting rewarded 💸. And what about all the other air traffic controllers who might have had to juggle childcare or fuel costs while still showing up to work? It's like, you gotta recognize all the dedicated folks who put their lives on hold for the country 🚀.

And I don't get why it had to be a "perfect attendance" thing. If someone showed up consistently despite the shutdown, shouldn't they at least get some kind of nod or apology from the government? 🤔. It's just weird that only 311 controllers are eligible, and now some folks are saying it might be going towards managers 🤑. What about fairness in this situation? 🙄
 
Ugh, gotta say, 776 controllers gettin' a whoppin' $10k bonus for showin' up is kinda rich, especially when you consider they were already strugglin' with fuel costs and childcare. I mean, what about those who took side jobs or went on unpaid leave? Didn't they deserve some love too? 🤔 It's all about the perfect attendance, but what about the ones who were still doin' their job, even when it was tough? And let's not forget, the FAA is still dealin' with a staffing shortage... shouldn't they be shinin' a light on that instead of just rewardin' a select few? 😒
 
can you believe theyre rewarding ppl who showed up on time but didnt have a say in what was happening with the government lol 43 days of shutdown and some get $10k but others are like "im still trying to pay my bills" meanwhile they got managers on it 🤷‍♂️
 
Umm this $10k bonus for only perfect attendance is weird 🤔. I mean, don't get me wrong, those controllers did put their lives on hold during that shutdown but why just 311 out of 10k? Some might be mad at the government for excluding others who still showed up and worked hard too 😒. And what's with the managers getting some of the money 💸? It feels like they're more worried about keeping those in charge happy than helping the actual people on the ground 🤷‍♀️. I think it'd be better if all controllers got a bonus or back pay, not just the ones who didn't miss a single shift 👍
 
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