Trump Proposes $10,000 Bonuses for Shutdown Air Traffic Controllers, Pay Cuts for Absentees

Air traffic controllers who worked during the recent government shutdown are facing a potential $10,000 bonus, while those who did not report to work could see pay cuts, according to President Donald Trump's proposal. The announcement came as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continued to implement deeper cuts to flights at 40 major U.S. airports, exacerbating flight cancellations and delays. The FAA reported that airlines scrapped over 2,100 flights on Monday, following the cancellation of 5,500 flights from Friday to Sunday. Controller shortages, combined with wintry weather, led to four-hour delays at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on Monday. The situation has become increasingly dire, with some air traffic controllers unpaid for more than a month and citing the added stress and need to take second jobs. President Trump took to social media to pressure controllers to return to work, tweeting "NOW!!!" and stating that he wants to reward those who stayed on the job with a $10,000 bonus. He also suggested docking the pay of those who did not report to work. The proposal has been met with criticism from the head of the controllers union, who described the move as using controllers as "a political pawn in the fight over the shutdown." The current government shutdown, which has entered its fourth week, has had a significant impact on air traffic control operations. The FAA has been operating with a reduced staff, leading to a decrease in air traffic control services and resulting in flight cancellations and delays. The situation is expected to worsen this week, even if the government shutdown ends, as the FAA continues to implement deeper cuts to flights at 40 major U.S. airports. The proposal to reward air traffic controllers who stayed on the job with a $10,000 bonus has sparked debate among aviation experts and union representatives. While some see it as a way to incentivize controllers to continue working, others argue that it is a short-term solution that does not address the underlying issues of staffing and funding. The current situation has significant implications for the aviation industry and the traveling public. Flight cancellations and delays can have a ripple effect, causing disruptions to travel plans and impacting the economy. The FAA has warned that the situation is likely to worsen this week, and airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status before traveling. As the situation continues to unfold, the FAA and the government are working to find a solution to the staffing shortages and funding issues that have led to the current crisis. The proposal to reward air traffic controllers who stayed on the job with a $10,000 bonus is just one part of the equation, and it remains to be seen how it will be received by the aviation community and the public.