WASHINGTON–President of the United States, President Donald Trump on Monday called for air traffic controllers to return to work. The extended North American government shutdown has caused many people to miss work without receiving paychecks, wreaking havoc on domestic air transportation. However, the closure may be coming to an end.
“All air traffic controllers must get back to work now!!! Those who do not will have their salaries significantly reduced,” the president threatened on his Truth Social platform.
“If you wish to end your service in the near future, please feel free to leave without any kind of payment or compensation. They will soon be replaced by true patriots”added the big man.
Considered an essential worker, Air traffic controllers are forced to work without receiving pay. Since federal funding ran out on October 1st.
but, The North American Senate moved late Sunday to end the war. “shutdown”, It came after a group of moderate Democrats succumbed to negotiations and agreed with the ruling party to fund the federal government until at least Jan. 30, the longest period in the country’s history.
It was not immediately clear when lawmakers would take a final vote on the initiative. However, the Speaker of the House of Representatives republican michael johnson, announced on Monday Members of Congress will begin arriving in Washington “as of this moment.”.
“The nightmare is finally coming to an end.”Mr Johnson spoke after the House of Lords voted 60-40 to consider the government funding bill.
“We have to do this as soon as possible.”Republicans, who have kept the House in session since mid-September when the House approved an effort to keep the government funded, declared at a press conference.
Nevertheless, It could still take several days for the closure to end. In case senators object or extend the process.
The closure has created a shortage of air traffic controllers, as well as other federal employees. They haven’t received a paycheck for weeks.
Last week, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said: brian bedford, Between 20% and 40% of air traffic controllers said they didn’t show up for work every day. at up to 30 U.S. airports since closures began.
The personnel issue worsened over the weekend. Saturday was the worst staffing day since the government shutdown began.the Secretary of Transportation declared on Sunday. Sean Duffy.
Airlines canceled more than 1,660 flights within the United States on Monday.The situation is expected to worsen this week after the FAA ordered flight reductions increasing to 10% by Friday.
According to aviation tracking website FlightAware, as of 1:30 p.m. As of Monday (10:30 a.m. Central Time, Argentina), approximately 1,666 flights were canceled and 3,300 were delayed. On Sunday, 2,950 flights were canceled and about 10,800 were postponed.It was the worst day of flight disruption since the government shutdown began on October 1st.
The FAA announced late Sunday that it would suspend general aviation operations at 12 airports due to problems with air traffic controllers. Including Chicago O’Hare and Reagan Washington National.
The FAA ordered airlines to reduce daily flights by 4% at 40 major airports starting Friday, citing concerns about air traffic control safety. Flight reduction should reach 6% on Tuesday And on November 14th, it will reach 10%.
One of the big questions airlines ask themselves is: When will the FAA lift government-mandated flight reductions?. The transportation secretary said he wants to start by improving air traffic control staffing and safety data.
News agencies AFP and Reuters
About The Author
