Atlanta Air Traffic Controllers Join Nationwide Protests Over Missed Pay During 2018-2019 Government Shutdown

Nationwide Protests Erupt as Paychecks Missed

In January 2019, air traffic controllers across the United States, including those stationed in Atlanta, engaged in protests after missing their first paycheck due to the prolonged federal government shutdown. The shutdown, which commenced on December 22, 2018, and lasted for 35 days until January 25, 2019, became the longest in U.S. history. Approximately 11,000 to 13,000 air traffic controllers, deemed essential federal employees, were required to work without pay, leading to significant financial strain and widespread demonstrations.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, controllers distributed leaflets to travelers, urging them to contact lawmakers and demand an end to the fiscal impasse. Maximilian Crawford, an air traffic controller working out of Peachtree City, was among those actively participating in the protests, spending his day off to raise awareness.

Impact on Controllers and Aviation System

The absence of paychecks created immense financial hardship for controllers, many of whom reported living paycheck to paycheck. Some resorted to taking on second jobs or seeking loans to cover basic expenses like mortgages and groceries. The stress of working without compensation raised concerns about the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) emphasized that controllers must maintain '100% of focus 100% of the time,' a task made increasingly difficult by financial worries.

The shutdown led to a notable increase in sick calls among air traffic controllers, contributing to significant disruptions in air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing-related delays, with thousands of flights delayed and some canceled across the country. Major airports in cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, Newark, and Austin experienced staffing issues and subsequent delays. The situation prompted warnings from transportation officials about the potential for further flight disruptions as the shutdown continued.

NATCA's Advocacy and Shutdown Resolution

The NATCA played a crucial role in advocating for its members and highlighting the detrimental effects of the shutdown. The union organized demonstrations at numerous airports nationwide, including Boston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Chicago, Orlando, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Tampa, and Washington. Paul Rinaldi, then President of NATCA, stated that the union was 'grateful and relieved' when an agreement was reached to temporarily end the shutdown.

The shutdown concluded on January 25, 2019, with an agreement to reopen the government through February 15, 2019. Following the shutdown, Congress passed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, ensuring that all federal employees, including air traffic controllers, would receive back pay for the period they worked without compensation. The event underscored the vulnerability of essential government services to political impasses and the critical role of air traffic controllers in maintaining national infrastructure.