FAA Workers Face $0 Paychecks Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

URGENT UPDATE: Thousands of workers at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are grappling with the harsh reality of receiving $0 paychecks as the government shutdown continues. This financial strain is deeply affecting the lives of dedicated employees like Cleverson Schmidt, a radar technician based in Washington, DC, who feels the weight of this burden daily.

Schmidt expressed his distress, stating, “I’m trying to stay level, and I’m praying I don’t get a heart attack or stroke.” Despite not receiving pay, he is obligated to certify vital aircraft systems, crucial for the safety of flights carrying hundreds of passengers. His family’s financial stability hinges on his income, as his wife works part-time to care for their son. “Having to tell your child that you can’t provide for them is a difficult burden,” he lamented.

The situation is dire for many FAA employees, with approximately 5,000 workers facing the same plight as they continue to work under extreme pressure. Schmidt’s union, the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, represents around 11,000 FAA employees, highlighting the widespread impact of the shutdown.

Corinne Wiseman, whose husband is a controller at Boston TRACON, described the overwhelming stress on their family. Her husband often works six days a week, including mandatory overtime, which keeps him away from their four children. “He doesn’t really see his kids hardly at all,” she said, emphasizing the emotional toll on their family life.

As the holidays approach, families like the Schmidts and Wisemans are forced to make significant lifestyle changes. Wiseman shared that they have canceled or postponed medical appointments to avoid further financial strain. “We’ve been just trying to be very frugal,” she said, noting that the family no longer eats out and is cutting costs wherever possible.

DEVELOPING STORY: With reports of air traffic controllers calling in sick due to burnout and frustration over the ongoing shutdown, staffing shortages are causing ripple effects across the aviation industry. Wiseman’s husband has expressed growing resentment and exhaustion, even as he clings to his dream job of nearly two decades. “He loves the work, he is angry that the federal government could get away treating them the way they have,” she said.

The toll on mental health is alarming, with both Schmidt and Wiseman highlighting the constant stress present in their households. Schmidt is now seeking side jobs to cover essential expenses while navigating creditor calls to manage their bills. As Wiseman searches for online work to support her family, she reflects on the heartbreaking reality of parents trying to provide stability amidst chaos.

Historically, such crises have led to drastic actions among air traffic controllers. In January 2019, a similar situation prompted controllers to call out sick, which temporarily closed operations at major airports, including LaGuardia. The consequences of their absence forced the government to negotiate a temporary funding measure.

As uncertainty looms over how this shutdown will end, families are left struggling to meet their basic needs while continuing to fulfill their obligations in keeping the skies safe. The urgency of their situation is clear, as the financial and emotional impacts of this shutdown continue to escalate.

WHAT’S NEXT: As the shutdown drags on, these families are bracing for further challenges. With no immediate resolution in sight, the pressure to maintain financial stability while performing critical safety roles is mounting. The public and policymakers are urged to recognize the sacrifices made by these essential workers and to advocate for a swift conclusion to the shutdown.