Senator Duckworth Calls for Fair Treatment of Air Traffic Controllers in Bonus Program
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth is urging the Transportation Department to extend the $10,000 bonus to all air traffic controllers and FAA technicians who worked without pay during the government shutdown. The department had initially announced that the bonuses would only be given to those who did not miss a day of work during the shutdown. Duckworth criticized this decision, calling it unfair and disrespectful to the dedicated employees who worked under stressful conditions to ensure the safety of the Nation Airspace System.
Last month, the Transportation Department revealed that 776 air traffic controllers and technicians would receive the $10,000 bonuses as a token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication during the shutdown. However, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association expressed concern that only a fraction of its members would be eligible for the bonus, excluding thousands of controllers who reported for duty without pay.
The union representing controllers emphasized that the work performed by these aviation safety professionals during the shutdown deserved recognition and gratitude. They raised concerns about the exclusion of a significant portion of the workforce from the bonus program. Similar bonuses are being awarded to TSA officers who did not miss a shift during the shutdown by the Department of Homeland Security.
Senator Duckworth warned that the selective distribution of bonuses could create a dangerous incentive for controllers to avoid using authorized leave, even when they are ill. She expressed concerns that this policy could compromise the safety of the National Airspace System during future shutdowns. Duckworth, along with other Democratic lawmakers, called for all controllers to receive the bonus, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the entire workforce for their dedication.
The Transportation Department has assured that the $10,000 bonus payments will be disbursed by December 9. Senator Duckworth criticized the exclusion of thousands of dedicated employees from the bonus program, especially at a time when the FAA is facing staffing shortages and declining morale among air traffic controllers. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made by all employees who worked without pay during the shutdown.