A bonus check of $10,000 for air traffic controllers who worked through the government shutdown has been sent to less than 10% of the workforce.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association says it is concerned that just 311 of more than 10,000 members are set to receive their bonus. The pay-out was promised by Donald Trump in a post to Truth Social, with the president making it clear that those who had continued to serve during the government shutdown would be rewarded.
Trump had written on Truth Social that air traffic controllers must "get back to work" on November 10. He shared, "All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially 'docked.' REPORT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY."
He also posted, "For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU." There was also a promise of a $10,000 bonus to those who had stayed at work throughout the government shutdown.
But the NATCA has aired their concerns over the low numbers of people who will be paid out. The union said these workers with perfect attendance deserve recognition, but so do the others.
Their statement reads, “We are concerned that thousands of air traffic controllers who consistently reported for duty during the shutdown, ensuring the safe transport of passengers and cargo across the nation, while working without pay and uncertain of when they would receive compensation, were excluded from this recognition. More than 311 of these dedicated professionals were instrumental in keeping America moving."
Questions from Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen also questioned why other crucial airport staff members were not given bonuses. He said, "For the Trump administration to not give a bonus to every single one of these hardworking women and men is wrong; they all deserve a bonus and back pay."
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the bonus would be handed out to those air traffic controllers with a "perfect attendance" in a post to X.
He wrote, "These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown."