As the partial government shutdown entered Day 25, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, AFL-CIO (NATCA) today filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on behalf of its 15,000 members who have not been paid for their work since the FAA’s appropriations lapsed in late December. The suit asks for a temporary restraining order against the government, as well as an injunction demanding the government halt any additional pay blockages against air traffic controllers.
NATCA Files Suit Against the Federal Government Over Back Wages
Key Takeaways:
- The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, including President Trump, because its 15,000 essential air traffic controllers were working without pay during the partial government shutdown.
- The lawsuit sought immediate relief (temporary restraining order, injunction) and back pay (including overtime), arguing the lack of wages constituted an unlawful taking of property under the 5th Amendment.
- NATCA highlighted severe concerns for the National Airspace System, citing low controller morale, potential mass retirements, and the unsustainable strain of controllers working mandatory long hours without pay or support staff.
- While the initial request for a temporary restraining order was denied, the court acknowledged the controllers' hardships and ordered an expedited hearing for a preliminary injunction on January 31st.
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