Helping Fellow Controllers Working Without Pay During Partial Government Shutdown

Canadian air traffic controllers are doing what they can to help out their U.S. counterparts on Long Island as the American controllers work without pay during the partial government shutdown.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reports that Atlantic Canada controllers ordered up several pizzas and had them delivered to the control center on Long Island. Controllers there have been working without pay since December 22 due to the partial shutdown.

There are currently about 14,000 controllers in the U.S. working without pay, according to NATCA. Union representative Doug Church, the deputy director of public affairs, said the New York controllers were thrilled to get the pizza delivery. "It's just a really good shot in the arm of positive energy and positive emotion to know that, 'Hey they've got our back'," he said. "On behalf of the entire NATCA and air traffic control around this country, we extend our thanks and our gratitude."

Peter Duffey, president of the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA) said the Long Island delivery was part of a larger effort to show solidarity with their U.S. counterparts. Controllers in Edmonton had the original idea to send pizzas across the border into Alaska on Thursday evening. The Long Island delivery happened Friday, and as of Sunday morning, Canadians had sent pizza to 35 U.S. control centers in the U.S., Duffy said.

"This is as grassroots as it gets, with our members just jumping on board this like crazy," he said. "I couldn't be more proud of what my members are doing."

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report