Air traffic controllers across the United States are receiving free meals from airline pilots and flight attendants during the ongoing government shutdown. This gesture comes as controllers face financial uncertainty, having not received a paycheck since the shutdown began on October 1, 2023.
According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, pilots and flight attendants are providing support by delivering food to controllers at various facilities. Nick Daniels, president of the association, noted that both American and Canadian airline crews have participated in this effort. He stated, “It’s heartwarming to see the community come together during these challenging times.”
Controllers at multiple locations have shared their experiences of the financial strain caused by the shutdown. Pete LeFevre, a union representative and controller based in Washington, D.C., mentioned that his facility has received multiple pizza deliveries from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). This organization, which represents over 80,000 pilots, confirmed that it has been sending food “almost daily” to controllers in need.
Food deliveries have not been limited to one area. For instance, social media posts showed that Alaska Airlines pilots sent pizzas to the air traffic control tower at San Francisco International Airport, while Delta Air Lines provided meals to every control tower and arrivals facility serving their hubs. Additionally, the Association of Flight Attendants, which represents over 50,000 crew members, has also contributed to these efforts.
The support from airline crews highlights the solidarity within the aviation industry during this challenging period. LeFevre remarked, “Here we have airline pilots, flight attendants, and companies that are all rallying around their air traffic controllers. Now we just need the government to rally around us, too.”
Despite the generous gestures, controllers are facing significant financial challenges. Since the shutdown began, they have only received a partial paycheck and expect to see nothing on their pay stubs issued on October 28, 2023. Although controllers anticipate receiving back pay once the shutdown concludes, many are exploring gig work options, such as driving for rideshare services, to manage immediate expenses.
LeFevre pointed out the harsh realities of working without pay, emphasizing that “the babysitter doesn’t take an IOU.” Conversations among controllers about side jobs have become commonplace as they navigate the pressure of financial obligations, including rent and childcare.
The stress of working without regular income adds to the already intense demands of the job. Controllers typically work up to ten-hour shifts and six days a week, often with mandatory overtime. One anonymous controller shared that fatigue and stress are serious concerns, noting, “If you worked our schedule, you’d notice serious impacts to sleep and quality of life.”
While aviation safety has not yet been compromised, experts in the field are cautious about the potential long-term risks associated with extended shifts and increased workloads. Aviation safety consultant Anthony Brickhouse remarked that while safety concerns have not yet arisen, “the longer this situation plays out, it could definitely turn into a safety threat.”
As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that the support from airline crews serves as a lifeline for air traffic controllers during the shutdown. The aviation community’s commitment to one another underscores the importance of collaboration in facing shared challenges.
