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 are working without pay due to the government shutdown, causing severe financial stress, forcing some to take second jobs, and raising concerns about their well-being.
This financial strain and increased stress among controllers are impacting aviation safety and operations, leading to a rise in sick calls and significant flight delays.
The shutdown threatens long-term improvements by jeopardizing new ATC training programs and halting a crucial $31.5 billion modernization plan for air traffic control systems due to furloughed technical staff.

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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.