As the U.S. government shutdown stretches into its 41st day, President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to air traffic controllers who have been calling in sick or missing work due to unpaid wages. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared: “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked.’ … I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU” The Punch World Socialist Web Site.
The shutdown has severely strained the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with over 2,300 flight cancellations and 8,700 delays reported in a single day The Punch. Controllers have been working six-day weeks, 10-hour shifts, and many have taken second jobs to survive World Socialist Web Site. Despite this, Trump labeled absent workers as unpatriotic, while praising those who continued working as “true Patriots” and promising $10,000 bonuses for their loyalty POLITICO.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) responded by calling its members “unsung heroes” and demanded Congress end the shutdown immediately. The union emphasized that controllers are essential safety workers and should not be punished for circumstances beyond their control The Punch.
The FAA has begun reducing domestic flights at 40 major airports to ease pressure on the system POLITICO. Trump’s threats have sparked backlash from labor advocates and political opponents, who argue that penalizing unpaid workers is both unethical and counterproductive.
This standoff highlights the broader impact of the shutdown on critical infrastructure and raises questions about labor rights, executive overreach, and the resilience of public services under political strain.
Sources: The Punch World Socialist Web Site POLITICO
