The Secretary of Transportation of the United States, Sean Duffy, threatened this Tuesday to take “measures” against air traffic controllers. who are absent from their jobs because they are not receiving a salary due to the government shutdown, the longest in history.
Initially, Duffy urged air traffic controllers to return to work. He assured them that they would receive 70% of their salary within 24 to 48 hours after the government reopened, “I encourage all of you to come to work,” Duffy said, urging them to “be patriotic” and help keep airspace safe.
Duffy made these statements after President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he intends to cut the pay of those controllers who are not going to work and provide a $10,000 bonus for those who do go to work.
“I’m concerned about their dedication. I’m concerned about their patriotism. We haven’t made a decision yet, but we’re going to look at those controllers who repeatedly decided not to show up for work,” Duffy said from the Chicago airport.
“I am trying to hire more air traffic controllers, not get rid of them, but if we have controllers who are systematically not doing their job, we will take action,” he added.
The secretary stated that the control towers experienced fewer staffing problems because the majority of workers “see the end of the closure near and feel more optimistic,” after the Senate advanced a resolution to reopen the Administration.
The closure of the federal government due to lack of funds, which at 42 days is the longest in history, andIt is especially impacting air transport, as thousands of controllers who are not receiving a salary are absent every day citing health reasons.
The shortage of controllers forced the Trump Administration to order a 10% reduction in air traffic at the country’s top 40 airports, which has resulted in a wave of flight delays and cancellations.
More than 1,200 planes have been grounded this Tuesday and another 3,200 have experienced delays, while Americans’ concern increases as the Thanksgiving holidays approach at the end of November.
After several weeks of failed attempts, the Senate approved on Monday, with the support of a group of rebel Democrats who joined the Republicans, a budget extension to reopen the Administration, a project that must now be approved by the House of Representatives and signed into law by Trump.
Keep reading:
· House Democrats Call for 3-Year Extension of Obamacare Subsidies
· Trump demands changes to Obamacare subsidies as government shutdown continues
· Reopening of the government and promises of the health system, the Republican challenges facing the midterm