ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The union that represents the air traffic controllers say they are coming to work stressed out, short-staffed and without pay — but says it’s still safe to fly.

What You Need To Know

The air traffic controllers union says they’re coming to work stressed out, short-staffed and without pay, but says it’s still safe to fly

“Only 16 towers in the entire country have what we would say is adequate staffing,” said the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association 

The NATCA asks for patience from travelers during government shutdown delays

“This is a severely understaffed system where one person can make a difference,” said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

Air traffic controllers are considered essential employees and have to work, despite going without pay during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

“Ninety percent of air traffic control facilities to not have everybody they need … we are ensuring that this is called out because we want to fix it,” said Daniels. “Passengers don’t have anything to worry about in the fact of, ‘do air traffic controllers keep them safe?’ What we’re calling attention to is that we need to continue working and improving on that.”

The union represents nearly 11,000 certified Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers and more than 3,300 trainees.

“Only 16 towers in the entire country have what we would say is adequate staffing,” said Daniels. “We do see daily delays. We do see having to combine up sectors having to take on additional responsibilities and duties.”

Daniels explains air space is restricted, creating a runway backlog, but keeping the airways safer. Some controllers are also calling in sick.

“If we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate that’s safe for the American people,” said Sean Duffy, U.S. secretary of transportation.

Daniels says each day the government shutdown continues, the more challenging it becomes for air traffic controllers.

“So for an air traffic controller, look at it as when everybody has turned their back on us, everybody is putting us in a position to not succeed, why is a government shutdown, somehow, the burden of it being shouldered by air traffic controllers?” said Daniels. “We don’t want to be in this. Controllers don’t start shutdowns. Controllers don’t end government shutdowns. The politicians do.”

In the meantime, Daniels asks this from those planning to take flight: “Please have patience and realize what we’re contending with and what we’re dealing with. But know that you’re going to get the amazing service of some of the most talented controllers and the most talented individuals in the entire world.”

Daniels said air traffic controllers should absolutely not be distracted with how they will put food on their tables and pay their bills while they are keeping watch in the control towers. He is strongly urging lawmakers to end the shutdown.