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(Newark, NJ) — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was at Newark Liberty Airport October 6th and says air traffic controllers are more stressed than ever due to the federal government shutdown.
Duffy spoke to air traffic controllers when he arrived and said they’re worried about whether they’ll get a paycheck next week. The Transportation Secretary noted, they’re stressed over how they’ll pay their mortgage or put food on the table “while controlling our airspace.”
But Duffy says the skies are safe, despite a slight uptick in controllers calling out sick. They’re essential employees and must show up for work with or without a paycheck and their own union is reminding them of that.
There’s concern the partial federal government shutdown could lead to disruptions at Newark Airport, which has already been plagued with problems this year. A series of issues including a shortage of air traffic controllers, equipment problems and runway construction have all led to numerous flight delays and cancellations at Newark Airport this year and led to flight restrictions being put in place.
