The Transport Workers Union is urging House and Senate leaders to work together this week to prevent a shutdown of some federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration. A shutdown would begin on March 2nd if Congress does not act.
A government shutdown would halt the training of new air traffic controllers and prevent the federal government from backfilling open positions – leading to flight delays and travel headaches. Additionally, hard-working TWU flight attendants, ramp workers and mechanics working for Allegiant Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines would face major headaches, including higher likelihoods of being stranded or being forced to work overtime due to cascading flight issues that are likely to occur in a shutdown scenario.
“Hard working people don’t deserve to have their livelihoods interrupted because Congress won’t act,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “Congress needs to figure out a solution to prevent a shutdown and come up with a long-term plan to keep the federal government funded.”
The last long-term government shutdown in 2019 put significant strains on the aviation system. In 2019, Samueslsen warned that the safety of the aviation system was “on the brink” due to the 35-day shutdown.
Background: Some government agencies, including DOT, are set to see their federal funding lapse starting on March 2nd without government action. Other government agencies have a March 8th funding deadline. The FAA’s authorization also expires on March 8th.