Shutdown Threatens Air Traffic Controllers' Pay, Jobs | JQJO

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned air traffic controllers calling in sick during the shutdown could face termination and will not receive pay, a move experts fear may backfire. Despite 10% of controllers 'lashing out', Duffy noted that controller shortages were causing 53% of flight delays. Union officials and controllers expressed stress over pay uncertainty. Air traffic controllers, like TSA officers, are 'excepted' from furloughs and work without pay during shutdowns, with back-pay restored after funding resumes. However, President Trump hinted this may not occur.