By
Megan Cerullo
Megan Cerullo
Reporter, MoneyWatch
Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.
Updated on: October 6, 2025 / 6:33 PM EDT
/ CBS News
The union representing the nation’s air traffic controllers is directing its members to keep working during the U.S. government shutdown now stretching into its second week, with the labor group warning that failure to report for duty could lead to termination.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) told members Monday that it discourages federal employees from taking any actions to compromise air safety. The group represents more than 20,000 air traffic controllers, engineers and professionals in aviation safety-related roles.
“Air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals take their responsibility to protect the safety of the flying public very seriously. Participating in a job action could result in removal from federal service,” NATCA said in a message to members posted in part on the group’s website. “It is not only illegal, but it also undermines NATCA’s credibility and severely weakens our ability to effectively advocate for you and your families.”
Sick calls edge up
The union’s warning came as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday at a news conference at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey that TSA has seen a slight increase in air traffic controllers calling in sick since the shutdown began last week.
“We’re tracking sick calls, sick leave. And have we had a slight tick up in sick calls? Yes,” he told reporters. “You’ll see delays come from that. … Our priorities are safety, and so if we have additional calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate that’s safe for the American people.”
Duffy also acknowledged the potential effect on worker morale of being required to work without pay.
“They have bills,” he said. “So now they’re thinking about that at the same time that they’re controlling the airspace, which I don’t like that. … We want them to leave their personal problems at the door when they go into a tower or into a facility.”
The Federal Aviation Administration defines air traffic controllers as essential workers, requiring them to stay on the job during government closures despite going unpaid. Essential employees required to continue working during a shutdown are guaranteed back pay once the stalemate ends and lawmakers restore government funding.
“We cannot stress enough that it is essential to avoid any actions that could reflect poorly on you, our Union, or our professions,” NATCA said in the message to workers. “We urge you to stand in solidarity with your brothers and sisters by continuing to exhibit the same unwavering professionalism that the aviation community and the American people deserve.”
“Uncertainty and hardships”
In a video message on TikTok, NATCA President Nick Daniels also noted that the government shutdown “creates uncertainty and hardships for our members.”
NATCA didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.
TSA officers are also deemed essential essential workers under federal rules and must continue reporting to work during the lapse in federal funding. During previous shutdowns, being forced to work without pay has led to a rise in worker absences and some leaving government service, according to former TSA officials.
During the 34-day government shutdown from December of 2018 to January of 2019, roughly 10% of TSA workers called in sick, according to the agency, leading to delays in security screenings at major airports across the U.S.
More recently, a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers has led to delays at airports across the U.S. According to a CBS News review, more than 90% of air traffic control towers across the country are understaffed (Visit fly.faa.gov for real-time information on any flight impacts at U.S. airports because of staffing, weather or other factors.)
As the impasse in Congress continues, the Senate is expected to hold procedural votes again on Monday night on dueling measures to fund the government and end the shutdown.
Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.
The post Air traffic controllers told to keep working during shutdown appeared first on CBS News.
