November 21, 2025
Hundreds of air site visitors controllers who labored with out pay throughout the federal government shutdown are being excluded from Trump’s “excellent attendance” bonus.
Hundreds of air site visitors controllers who labored with out pay throughout the federal government shutdown are talking out after being excluded from Trump’s $10,000 “excellent attendance” bonus.
On Nov. 20, the Nationwide Air Visitors Controllers Affiliation introduced that solely 776 of the greater than 10,000 controllers who labored unpaid throughout the file shutdown will obtain the $10,000 bonus, The New York Publish reported. Of these, solely 331 are union members, with the affiliation assuming the remaining bonuses are going to managers.
Whereas the union expressed gratitude for these being acknowledged, it voiced concern that 1000’s of staff who persistently confirmed up throughout the shutdown with out pay had been disregarded.
“We’re involved that 1000’s of air site visitors controllers who persistently reported for obligation throughout the shutdown, guaranteeing the secure transport of passengers and cargo throughout the nation, whereas working with out pay and unsure of once they would obtain compensation, had been excluded from this recognition. Greater than 311 of those devoted professionals had been instrumental in holding America shifting,” the union mentioned in a press release.
As what grew to become the longest authorities shutdown in American historical past stretched previous one month, some air site visitors controllers started calling out on account of monetary pressure, inflicting delays at airports nationwide and forcing flight reductions at 40 busy hubs. Trump proposed $10,000 bonuses for many who stayed on the job and prompt docking pay for absences.
Whereas the FAA hasn’t introduced any penalties, Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem just lately held a press convention the place she awarded $10,000 bonuses to a handful of TSA officers who labored with out pay. The controllers’ union hopes to work with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to make sure all controllers who served throughout the shutdown are acknowledged.
Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen, a rating member of the Home Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has questioned why many who saved flights working weren’t included within the bonuses.
“For the Trump administration to not give a bonus to each single one in all these hardworking ladies and men is unsuitable; all of them deserve a bonus and again pay,” Larsen mentioned.
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