The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to furlough more than 11,000 employees—nearly a quarter of its workforce—as the US government funding deadline expires, triggering a government shutdown.
The furloughs, part of the Department of Transportation’s contingency plan, primarily target employees in non-safety and support functions.
However, critical “excepted” personnel, including all 13,000-plus air traffic controllers and other essential safety staff, will be required to continue working without pay.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has warned its members that taking industrial action “in the current political climate” could negatively affect their job security.
“Participating in a job action could result in removal from federal service. 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,” said the Association in a message on their website.
“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. We are deeply grateful for and proud of your steadfast commitment to the safety of the flying public and the integrity of National Airspace System (NAS).”
Beyond immediate travel delays, aviation groups are most concerned about the shutdown’s long-term effects on the already-strained national airspace system.
Progress on critical infrastructure projects and the FAA’s NextGen technology upgrades may halt, and routine safety inspections, pilot evaluations, and certain certification activities for new aircraft could be delayed.
NATCA said that furloughs of academy trainees could cause significant delays in the hiring pipeline. The FAA is currently facing a deficit of approximately 3,800 controllers from its target staffing level.
Congress has historically authorised back pay for all federal workers, both furloughed and essential, once a government funding deal is passed. However, the immediate lack of pay for thousands of critical staff is expected to put immense pressure on the system as the shutdown begins.
Bryan Bedford was confirmed as FAA administrator earlier this year.
