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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Josh Funk

Air traffic controllers who duck unpaid work during the gov't shutdown could be fired, Duffy warns

Government Shutdown Aviation - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Even though the U.S. has a stark shortage of air traffic controllers, ones who call in sick instead of working without a paycheck during the federal government shutdown risk being fired, the U.S. transportation secretary warned.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said this week that he understands the controllers' frustrations and worries. But during an appearance Thursday on Fox Business, he said that by calling in sick they are causing major disruptions to air traffic, and it won't be tolerated.

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