PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The National Air Traffic Controllers Association says the stress of working without pay poses a threat to passenger safety in the sky.
Air traffic controllers, including Amy Lark, have been working for weeks without pay amid the ongoing government shutdown. She says this experience has been “unbearable.”
“We work in an environment that requires 100% focus and presence, and then having to have those conversations at home with your family, with your kids, that ‘Hey, Christmas might look a little bit different this year,’ that adds a stress that we’ve never had to deal with in the past,” Lark said.
Lark spoke at the NATCA office in Washington, DC, where President Nick Daniels said that every day his members go without pay is a new risk to air safety.
“If you want to know what the real fall-out of the shutdown is, it’s the smallest and most dangerous shift when the most disciplined safety workforce in America is forced to think about survival instead of public safety,” Daniels said.
The safety concerns have prompted thousands of nationwide flight cancellations and delays.
On Friday, air traffic was reduced by 4% at 40 high-volume markets around the country, including Philadelphia International Airport. Nearly 200 flights have been canceled at PHL since Saturday. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, deeper cuts are ahead: six percent on Tuesday and 10% by the end of the week.
On Monday, President Donald Trump posted on social media that air traffic controllers should “get back to work, NOW!!!” He also said he wants a $10,000 bonus for controllers who've stayed on the job every day and to dock the pay of those who didn't.
Daniels charged that his members are being used as political pawns and urged an end to the shutdown.
The Senate took a first step Sunday toward reopening the federal government, although final passage could still be days away. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy made clear last week that flight cuts will remain in place until the FAA sees safety metrics improve.
To check the status of your flight, visit phl.org/flights.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.