The union representing the country traffic controllers orders its members to continue working during the closure of the United States government in his second weekWith the working group warning that not to arise for the law could lead to termination.
The National Air Traffic Cuellers Association (NATCA) told members on Monday that it discourages federal employees from taking measures to compromise air -security. The group represents more than 20,000 air traffic controllers, engineers and professionals in air -related roles.
“Air traffic controllers and other air professionals have their responsibility to protect the security of the flying public very seriously. Participation in professional action could lead to the withdrawal of the federal service,” Natca said in a message to the members published in part on the group’s website. “It is not only illegal, but it also undermines the credibility of Natca and seriously weakens our ability to effectively defend you and your families.”
Sick calls are bordered
The union’s warning came while transport secretary, Sean Duffy, said on Monday at a press conference at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey that the ASD has experienced a slight increase in air traffic controllers Call Since the start of closing last week.
“We follow sick calls, sick leave. And have we had a slight blow in sick calls? Yes,” he told journalists. “You will see delays resulting. … Our priorities are security, and therefore if we have additional calls, we will reduce the flow in accordance with a safe level for the American people.”
Duffy has also recognized the potential effect on workers’ morale to be required to work without salary.
“They have invoices,” he said. “So now, they think there at the same time that they control the airspace, which I don’t like that. … We want them to leave their personal problems at the door when they enter a tower or in an installation.”
The Federal Aviation Administration defines air traffic controllers as essential workersForcing them to stay at work during government closings despite not being remunerated. The essential employees required to continue working during a closure are guaranteed a return salary once the dead end and the legislators restore funding of the government.
“We cannot insist enough for it to be essential to avoid any actions that could find out badly on you, our union or our professions,” Natca told workers’ message. “”We urge you to stay in solidarity with your brothers and sisters by continuing to show the same unshakable professionalism as the aviation community and the American people deserve. “”
“Uncertainty and difficulties”
In a video message on Tiktok, the president of Natca, Nick Daniels, also noted that the closure of the government “creates uncertainty and difficulties for our members”.
Natca did not immediately respond to a request for comments.
TSA officers are also judged essential essential workers under federal rules and must continue to make reports to work during the federal funding parade. During previous closures, being forced to work without salary led to a increased workers’ absences And some leave government services, according to former TSA officials.
During 34 -day government stop From December 2018 to January 2019, around 10% of TSA workers called the sick, According to the agencyleading to delays in security projections in the main airports of the United States
More recently, a nationally shortage of air traffic controllers has resulted in delays in United States airports according to a CBS News review, more than 90% Air traffic control towers across the country are in sub-employment (visit FLY.FAA.GOV for real-time information on the flight impacts in American airports due to the staffing, weather or other factors.)
While the impasse at the Congress continues, the Senate should exercise procedural votes on Monday evening on duel measures to finance the government and end the closure.
