The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that only 776 of the over 10,000 air traffic controllers who worked without pay during a government shutdown will receive a $10,000 bonus. This bonus is being issued to controllers who maintained perfect attendance during the period they were not receiving a paycheck.
The shutdown, which lasted over a month, led some air traffic controllers to call out of work due to financial strain. Many faced difficulties affording essential expenses like childcare and gas, while others took on side jobs.
These absences resulted in airport delays nationwide and prompted the government to reduce flights at 40 busy airports. President Donald Trump had initially suggested these bonuses for controllers who continued to work and also proposed docking pay for those who missed shifts.
The FAA's decision to limit the bonuses to controllers with perfect attendance clarifies how the administration is implementing this incentive.
