Air traffic controllers across the United States are expressing frustration and anger over a recently announced $10,000 retention bonus, calling the payment inadequate given the mounting pressures facing the profession and the critical staffing shortages plaguing the Federal Aviation Administration.
Controllers and union representatives have described the $10,000 figure as tone-deaf, particularly when compared to the high-stakes nature of their work and the severe consequences of staffing shortages. Air traffic controllers are responsible for safely managing thousands of flights daily, separating aircraft in crowded airspace, and making split-second decisions that directly impact passenger safety.
“It feels like a slap in the face,” said one controller who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We’re working six-day weeks, mandatory overtime, dealing with outdated equipment at some facilities, and they think $10,000 fixes that? Meanwhile, the stress is driving people out of the profession faster than we can train new ones.”
Not 100% sure, but they should have received all their back pay including OT.
There’s also a bill moving to use an FAA fund to pay for any damage done to commandeered airlines to pay ATC during in future shutdown.
And like, our last budget was FY24, we already lapped without a budget before anybody paid attention. I legitimately think will keeping using “continuing resolutions” until trump’s out of office.
Even if Dems sweep in midterms, trump won’t sign it if it’s not exactly what he wants.
Maybe they will, maybe they won’t.
SNAP benefit money was already approved by Congress specifically during government shutdowns because of those issues in the past. The money was already allocated. Trump chose to have the administration not process that.
Yeah, but it’s been 11 days since CR…
I don’t know their pay schedule, but statistically speaking they were paid today at the latest.
What are you going off of?
You mean about Trump not paying people?
Because that’s well documented for decades, across his businesses, even as recently as the East Wing demolition.
Or do you mean about the money already being available and Trump choosing not to distribute it?
SNAP’s Contingency Reserve Is Available for Regular SNAP Benefits, as USDA and OMB Have Ruled in Past
Do you think he personally signs the checks?
It was people in offices waiting to press a button on a computer, when the CR passed they were able to press the button.
I don’t know why you keep wanting to talk about snap, no one else was talking about snap but you keep mentioning it…
Of course not. Just like he doesn’t personally handle the payments for his businesses that don’t pay contractors. I guarantee it was his decision to actively not pay them though.
Because it’s a recent example of the Trump administration actively choosing not to make payments that are owed, and are even normally handled automatically.
Not sure how you’re missing the relevance to whether they are not making other owed payments related to similar events.