Aviation Safety at Risk as Federal Employees Miss First Full Paycheck

Shutdown Enters Week Four

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), today released an updated statement urging Congress to take the necessary steps to reopen the government as federal aviation personnel receive their first zero-dollar paycheck:

“Today, air traffic controllers and thousands of other federal aviation employees missed their first complete paycheck as the government shutdown enters its fourth week. It is long past time for our nation’s leaders to come together, reach an agreement, and end this shutdown.

“These essential professionals play a vital role in keeping millions of passengers and tons of cargo safe every day. Adding financial strain to the immense responsibility they already carry is unacceptable and undermines the safety and security of our entire national air transportation system.

“ALPA’s focus will always remain on safety. Not paying our nation’s aviation professionals, including air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and other federal workers, adds unnecessary stress and risk to the safety of our skies.

“Safety is not political. It is fundamental. It’s time for Congress to act and end the shutdown.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.

CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org