Government Shutdown Threatens Safety, but Spurs Union Solidarity

A Message from Capt. Jason Ambrosi

As we enter the fourth week of the federal government shutdown, our union colleagues working for the government continue to feel the brunt of Washington’s gridlock. On Tuesday, air traffic controllers, systems specialists, transportation security officers, and thousands of other federal employees will experience their first zero-dollar pay cycle. The safety of millions of passengers and tens of thousands of tons of cargo is in the hands of these workers. Worrying about how they’ll make their mortgage payment or pay for daycare is an added stress they do not need.

I’m proud of the way ALPA members have stepped up to support our colleagues through this hard time. I’ve been in regular communication with National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels, including joining him for an informational leafletting event at Washington National Airport last week. He told me he appreciates our support, especially the show of solidarity by ALPA members who have brought meals to hundreds of controllers at work.

In challenging moments, unions are all about how we step up for each other. That is true as our colleagues at the federal government struggle, and it’s true as our fellow pilots face setbacks at the negotiating table or instability at their airline. Last week, Spirit pilots received another round of bad news as the company announced additional furloughs in the coming months. Our staff and pilot leaders are working diligently with the Spirit MEC to make sure their pilots have the resources and protections they deserve as this instability continues. To all Spirit Airlines pilots: If you are furloughed, downgraded, or flying with fewer colleagues, we have your back, and we will all keep fighting with you.

The shutdown doesn’t just affect operations, safety, and security. It also creates additional setbacks for our groups in mediated negotiations with the National Mediation Board (NMB). Time is of the essence when negotiations drag on to the point that the NMB must be engaged, and we are working with pilot groups in mediated negotiations, like ATI, FedEx, Frontier, and Western Global. The pressure is on, and we are ready to fast-track negotiations once NMB services resume.

As I commute during this shutdown, I’m impressed with the professionalism and dedication that all the federal employees exhibit as they are forced to work without a paycheck. They are keeping our system moving, and they are keeping us and our passengers, cargo, and colleagues safe and secure despite the challenge. As we reach a critical moment with these workers missing their first paycheck, please be mindful and grateful in your interactions with them. These can be thankless jobs even when they are getting paid, yet they continue to show up and get the job done.