Transportation Secretary Promises Retribution for Striking Air Traffic Controllers

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mentioned that disciplinary measures might be applied to air traffic controllers who frequently reported...

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mentioned that disciplinary measures might be applied to air traffic controllers who frequently reported being ill during the government shutdown, even prior to their initial paycheck being delayed.

Duffy's remarks on Tuesday atChicagoO'Hare International Airport came after the PresidentDonald TrumpA much more severe warning to the authorities the day prior.

All air traffic controllers are required to return to their duties immediately," Trump wrote on Monday. "Anyone who fails to do so will face significant pay cuts.Truth Social. "For those who only complained and took time off, even though everyone was aware they would be fully paid soon, I am not happy with you."

When a journalist inquired about Trump's remarks, Duffy aimed to explain the administration's stance.

"My worry is about the air traffic controllers who, prior to missing a paycheck during the shutdown, consistently chose not to come to work," he said.

I'm worried about their commitment. I'm concerned about their loyalty, and therefore, we haven't reached a decision yet, but we are going to review the controllers who consistently chose not to be present at work.

"And once more, we need to examine the data. I would like to inform you that I am working to bring in more air traffic controllers. I am not aiming to remove air traffic controllers, but if we find controllers who consistently fail in their duties, we will take appropriate measures," he concluded.

The government shutdown, now in its 43rd day, started on October 1. Mid-October saw air traffic controllers receiving partial payments, and they missed their first full paycheck on October 28.

It remains uncertain if Duffy intends to take disciplinary measures against individuals who started speaking out prior to October 28, or if the period will be restricted to those who ceased attending before mid-month.

The Daily Mail sought additional information from the Department of Transportation.

Duffy also commended Trump for his proposal to incentivize air traffic controllers who remained on duty during the shutdown.

President Trump, brilliant! The air traffic controllers who didn't miss a single day and showed up for every scheduled shift they had, they deserve a bonus," he said. "Now, I'm not sure how many there will be, we'll need to conduct that analysis, but I agree with the president.

Controllers are scheduled to miss their second full paycheck this week. This situation can be prevented if the House endorses the Senate-approved continuing resolution, which will support government operations until January 30, 2026.

The House is set to cast its vote on Wednesday night, and Trump has indicated he will approve the proposal once it reaches his desk.

Numerous air travelers have experienced travel interruptions due to staff shortages caused by the shutdown at prominent US airports.

The most disastrous day was November 9, featuring over 10,000 flight delays and approximately 2,700 cancellations.

If the shutdown concludes this evening, the nation will have prevented a situation where airports are severely affected during Thanksgiving, the holiday that sees the highest number of American travelers.

Experts had predicted that Thanksgiving travel would set new records in 2025. In the previous year, almost 80 million Americans traveled by car or plane.

With the government funding shutdown nearing a conclusion, 42 million Americans may soon regain their SNAP benefits, while approximately 1.4 million federal employees could resume receiving their paychecks.

A agreement was reached on November 9, as eight Senate Democrats defied their party and supported the House bill.

The Democratic party had opposed this resolution 14 times as it failed to provide a long-term extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which help reduce the cost of health insurance for tens of millions of Americans.

The defectors were assured of a December vote by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, regarding the extension of these subsidies.

The proposal has a difficult time passing in the Senate, and House Speaker Mike Johnson has not promised to schedule a vote on it.

Read more

• What impact is the government shutdown having on essential air traffic controllers who are not receiving their pay and on airport operations?
• What effect will Trump's suggested $10,000 reward for 'patriotic' air traffic controllers have on the rising tensions during the extended government closure?
• Why are air traffic controllers struggling under the stress of a challenging government shutdown, leading the FAA to reduce flight schedules?
• Could a government shutdown disrupt US aviation, causing air traffic controller shortages to create chaos in national travel plans?
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