ALPA Rallies Behind Unpaid Controllers, TSA Officers, and Federal Staff

Coming up on a month of government shutdown pains means that thousands of aviation workers are feeling the sting of their first missed paychecks. Air traffic controllers, systems specialists, TSA officers, and other federal employees are still showing up to work without pay… and unions are trying to keep them sane in the meantime.

ALPA President Capt. Jason Ambrosi, for example, says the situation has pushed the limits of fairness and endurance in an already demanding industry.

“The safety of millions of passengers and tens of thousands of tons of cargo is in the hands of these workers. Worrying about how they’ll make their mortgage payment or pay for daycare is an added stress they do not need,” Ambrosi said in a message to ALPA members. He noted that many controllers and safety specialists are now entering their first zero-dollar pay cycle while maintaining the focus needed to keep aviation running smoothly.

Ambrosi also emphasized another soft spot in commercial aviation: another round of furloughs at Spirit Airlines. The low-cost carrier has, again, declared bankruptcy and is working to cut costs as much as it can without cleaning out its fleet entirely. This means that 400-some pilots are being ditched or demoted in the coming months.

“To all Spirit Airlines pilots: If you are furloughed, downgraded, or flying with fewer colleagues, we have your back, and we will all keep fighting with you,” he expressed.

There is no end in sight for the shutdown, putting the entirety of aviation in a fragile state. Multiple commercial airports have reported an increase in controllers calling out sick, forcing them to cap arrivals and departures. Ambrosi has praised pilots and other union members for stepping up to offer support, from delivering meals to offering direct help at airports nationwide.

“As we reach a critical moment with these workers missing their first paycheck, please be mindful and grateful in your interactions with them,” Ambrosi continued. “These can be thankless jobs even when they are getting paid, yet they continue to show up and get the job done.”

FMI: www.alpa.org