The announced bonuses, going to 776 employees, will exclude the overwhelming majority of workers who continued to provide air traffic safety services during the longest government shutdown in American history. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association told the Associated Press that the perfect attendance requirement for the bonus makes only 311 of its over 10,000 members eligible.
“These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement. “Democrats may not care about their financial well-being, but President Trump does. This award is an acknowledgement of their dedication and a heartfelt appreciation for going above and beyond in service to the nation.”
The Transportation Department made the announcement on Thursday, coming after weeks of Duffy standing before the press during the shutdown, raising alarm bells about air traffic controllers being stretched thin as they worked without pay. Controllers themselves spoke publicly about the stress of working during the shutdown as paycheck periods came and went with no reward.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the recipients of the $10,000 bonus have “dedication” that “represents the highest levels of public service.”
“I am profoundly proud and grateful for the air traffic personnel who worked during extraordinary operational challenges to keep the NAS running safely during the longest government shutdown,” Bryan Bedford said.
As the shutdown dragged on and flights were canceled, Duffy and the Trump administration admonished air safety employees who did not report to work.
Thursday’s announcement comes after President Donald Trump recommended $10,000 bonuses in an early November Truth Social post, in which he also scolded workers who were not showing up.
“For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country. For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU,” Trump wrote.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association told the Associated Press that the controllers without perfect attendance also deserve recognition.
“We are concerned that thousands of air traffic controllers who consistently reported for duty during the shutdown, ensuring the safe transport of passengers and cargo across the nation, while working without pay and uncertain of when they would receive compensation, were excluded from this recognition. More than 311 of these dedicated professionals were instrumental in keeping America moving,” NATCA said in a statement to Associated Press.
SENATORS WARN OF ‘FRAGILE’ US AIR SYSTEM AFTER 43-DAY SHUTDOWN
The Transportation Department said recipients of the bonus would be notified of their receipt during the week of Nov. 24.
Bonuses are expected to be distributed before Dec. 9.
