Duffy: Next ATC Paycheck Will Be ‘Big Fat Zero’

Transportation Secretary urges air traffic controllers to continue showing up for work and blames Democrats for prolonging the government shutdown.

Jack Daleo

Friday, October 24, 2025 at 04:07 PM ET

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Jack Daleo

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy delivers remarks at Philadelphia International Airport (KPHL) on Friday. [Courtesy: USDOT live stream]

Key Takeaways:

Over 13,000 air traffic controllers (ATCs) are working without pay during the government shutdown, facing significant financial stress, with many taking on second jobs to make ends meet.
This financial strain on ATCs, coupled with existing staffing shortages, is leading to increased stress and "sick calls," causing concerns about aviation safety and contributing to air travel delays.
The shutdown is jeopardizing the FAA's efforts to hire and train new ATCs, with academy students at risk of losing funding, and is halting a critical $31.5 billion modernization plan for air traffic control systems due to furloughed safety and engineering personnel.

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If the U.S. government remains shut down through Tuesday, more than 13,000 air traffic controllers (ATCs) will receive a “big fat zero” on their next paycheck, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Friday.

Addressing the shutdown in remarks at Philadelphia International Airport (KPHL), Duffy said controllers received a partial paycheck earlier this month and have been notified that their next could be $0.