Additional Coverage:
- Air traffic controllers say pilots and flight attendants are sending them free food. The shutdown has them working with no pay. (businessinsider.com)
Pilots and Flight Attendants Deliver Meals to Unpaid Air Traffic Controllers Amid Government Shutdown
Across the nation, air traffic controllers are receiving a heartwarming show of solidarity from the aviation community as they continue to work without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown. Pilots, flight attendants, and even their Canadian counterparts are stepping up to deliver free meals to these essential workers.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), confirmed that these gestures of support are widespread. Pete LeFevre, a NATCA union representative and controller in Washington, D.C., shared that his facility recently received pizzas from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), a union representing over 80,000 pilots. ALPA confirmed to Business Insider that they have been making these deliveries almost daily.
Social media posts on Thursday highlighted similar acts of kindness, with Alaska Airlines pilots sending pizza to the ATC tower at San Francisco International Airport, and Delta Air Lines pilots providing food to all towers and arrival facilities serving their hubs.
The generosity extends beyond pilots, with the Association of Flight Attendants, representing over 50,000 crew members, also contributing. Teamsters Local 357, a union representing flight crew at regional carrier Republic Airways, reported delivering food to controllers in Indianapolis, where the airline is headquartered.
“We have received deliveries on multiple occasions,” LeFevre stated. “Here we have airline pilots, flight attendants, and companies that are all rallying around their air traffic controllers. Now we just need the government to rally around us, too.”
Daniels also noted that Canadian controllers have sent meals in solidarity, mirroring their actions during the 2019 shutdown. Even US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy delivered pizza to controllers at Newark Liberty International Airport during a recent visit.
Financial Strain and Fatigue Among Controllers
While the free food is greatly appreciated, controllers are facing significant financial and personal strain. Since the shutdown began on October 1st, they have received a partial paycheck and anticipate receiving no pay on their October 28th pay stubs. Although back pay is expected once the shutdown resolves, LeFevre emphasized that immediate concerns like rent, mortgages, car payments, and childcare remain pressing.
Some controllers are reportedly exploring “gig work,” such as driving for Uber or Instacart, to make ends meet. “The babysitter doesn’t take an IOU,” LeFevre remarked.
“We’re all going to be faced with tough decisions. On my one day off, am I going to go and drive for Uber, Uber Eats, Instacart, so I can make my payments?”
These side hustles are a frequent topic of conversation in break rooms and could become a reality if the shutdown persists.
This added financial stress could exacerbate fatigue within a workforce already dealing with one of the most demanding jobs. An anonymous air traffic controller, whose identity was confirmed, told Business Insider that “sick leave for fatigue is very real.”
They added, “If you worked our schedule, you’d notice serious impacts to sleep and quality of life, and your immune system takes a noticeable and seriously concerning hit. When you throw children into the mix, it sometimes feels like managing life outside ATC is more complicated than at work.”
Air traffic controllers often work up to 10-hour shifts, six days a week, with mandatory overtime – a common issue even before the shutdown due to a nationwide shortage. The anonymous controller highlighted that this can feel like “one and a half years’ worth of work in just one,” and that overtime pay is not factored into their retirement.
While aviation safety consultant Anthony Brickhouse believes there are no immediate safety concerns, he cautioned that “the longer this situation plays out, it could definitely turn into a safety threat.” The anonymous controller echoed this sentiment, assuring the public not to worry about safety but urging awareness of the extensive overtime – up to 20 hours a week – controllers are working to maintain the national airspace.