‘Slight Tick Up’ in Sick Calls at Air Traffic Control – Risk of Absenteeism Rises as Shutdown Drags On 

Key Points

• Sick calls among air traffic controllers are rising as the government shutdown continues, raising concerns about absenteeism.
• Essential employees like air traffic controllers and TSA agents must work without pay during the shutdown but will receive backpay afterward.
• Past shutdowns caused significant air travel disruptions, and there is currently no indication that Congress is close to a deal to reopen the government.

Summary

Sick calls among air traffic controllers have started to increase as the U.S. government shutdown enters its second week, raising concerns about possible absenteeism and disruptions in air travel. Essential employees such as air traffic controllers and TSA agents are required to work without pay during the shutdown, though they are promised backpay once it ends. Past shutdowns led to major delays and airport closures, and with no resolution in Congress in sight, there is growing unease about the shutdown’s impact on air travel.