Sean Duffy’s threat to fire controllers raises safety questions - and Reagan-era flashbacks

In the midst of a U.S. government shutdown, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has hit out at workers with a stark warning: air traffic controllers who skip shifts during the crisis may be terminated. His remarks have rekindled worry about the fragility of the national airspace system and prompted echoes of past clashes over labor and public safety.

Duffy’s message came during a television appearance, when he called certain absentees “problem children,” asserting that even a small number of no-shows can cascade into wide disruptions in flight schedules:

“If we have a continual small subset of controllers that don’t show up to work… they’re the problem children. We need more controllers, but we need the best and the brightest, the dedicated controllers, and if we have some on our staff that aren’t dedicated like we need, we’re going to let them go.”

Flight delays have surged across the country, impacting both smaller regional airports and major hubs. In many cases, staffing-related disruptions now account for a much higher proportion of delays than they normally would, with some estimates suggesting as much as 50 percent of delays this week being tied directly to controller absences, compared to a typical baseline of 5 percent.

The union representing controllers, NATCA, has responded by urging members to continue performing their duties while acknowledging the immense strain on its workforce: “There are processes and procedures in place to deal with the inappropriate use of sick leave,” the National Air Traffic Controllers Association said in response to Duffy.

The situation has revived reminders of a more turbulent era. It was 1981 when President Ronald Reagan fired more than 11,000 air traffic controllers who had ignored his order to return to work; two days earlier, nearly 13,000 controllers had walked out after contract talks with the Federal Aviation Administration ground to a halt.

Related stories

Terror

Stephen King's recommendation that is leaving viewers “scared for life”

CELEBRATIONS

What’s closed and what’s open on Columbus Day?

Over time, the government brought in supervisors, military controllers, and non-striking personnel to keep the air traffic system operational: today’s standoff reopens the wounds of that era.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.