Oct. 8 (UPI) — Flight delays have been reported throughout the United States for a second day due to staffing issues at airports as the government shutdown continues.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association called on its 20,000 members on Tuesday to remain on the job.
“We’re asking America’s air traffic controllers, who get 45,000 U.S. flights safely to their destinations every day, to work without pay,” it said in a statement on X.
“Congress must #EndtheShutdown.”
On its website, it is urging its members that “it is more important than ever that we rise to the occasion and continue delivering the consistent, high-level of public service we provide ever day.”
“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.”
A ground stop was issued for flights late Tuesday at Nashville International Airport while delays were announced throughout Tuesday evening and day at international airports in Chicago, Boston, Newark, Orlando and Denver.
The staffing shortages come amid a government shutdown that has continued into its second week and on a day when President Donald Trump threatened that some furloughed federal workers would not recieve back pay after Congress agrees to a resolution to fill the federal coffers.
Republicans are blaming Democrats and Democrats are blaming Republicans.
“The Democrats have put a lot of people in great risk and Jeopardy,” the American president said Tuesday. “For the most part, we’re going to take care of our people There are som people that really don’t deserve to be taken care of, and we’ll take care of them in a different way.”
In turn, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said: “Thanks, @realDonaldTrump!”
“Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. today because of YOUR government shutdown.”
On Monday when delays were being announced amid a rising number of controllers calling out sick, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged to reporters at Newark that they had seen “a slight tick-up” in sick calls.
“If we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate that’s safe for the American people,” he said.
The government shutdown began Sept. 30 and will continue until Congress passes a stopgap bill.