FAA Awarding $10,000 Bonuses to Select Workers Amid Shutdown Fallout

Fri Nov 21 2025 15:36:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amid a recent government shutdown, only 776 air traffic controllers and technicians with perfect attendance will receive $10,000 bonuses while nearly 20,000 are left out. This decision raises widespread concerns among affected workers and lawmakers.

A recent announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that only 776 air traffic controllers and technicians who maintained perfect attendance during the government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonuses, leaving nearly 20,000 workers without recognition. The decision has sparked debates about fairness, as many dedicated employees worked without pay to ensure safety in the skies. Lawmakers and union representatives have voiced concerns over the exclusion of thousands who contributed significantly during the shutdown, emphasizing the need for equitable recognition.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that only 776 air traffic controllers and technicians who maintained perfect attendance during the recent government shutdown will be awarded $10,000 bonuses, while nearly 20,000 other workers will not receive any acknowledgment. The shutdown lasted for 43 days, exerting extreme stress on personnel who worked without pay.

During the shutdown, many controllers began calling out of work due to financial pressures. Some took on side jobs, while others struggled with childcare and transportation costs associated with their roles. This led to significant delays at airports nationwide, prompting the government to mandate airlines to reduce their flights at 40 major airports.

In a social media statement, President Donald Trump suggested the bonuses for employees who remained on duty throughout the shutdown, while also proposing that controllers who missed shifts should face pay deductions. However, FAA officials have not revealed any plans to penalize absent controllers.

Thousands of FAA technicians played a crucial role during the shutdown, with at least 6,600 expected to maintain essential equipment required by air traffic controllers. Moreover, over 3,000 additional technicians could have been called upon to work during this period.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed that the bonuses were meant to honor the dedication of workers who never missed a shift. He described it as a festive reward for those committed to keeping air travel safe. However, the controllers' union noted that only 311 of its over 10,000 members will receive any financial recognition, raising concerns about the fairness of including only a select few.

Duffy's comments highlighted the dedication of these employees, yet many unions stress that all workers who reported to duty during the shutdown—risking financial instability—merit acknowledgment. Democratic Representative Rick Larsen criticized the administration's decision not to extend bonuses to all hard-working personnel, asserting that every dedicated worker deserves compensation for their efforts during the tumultuous period.

The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union similarly pointed out the essential contribution of all technicians during this crisis, urging that recognition should extend beyond the small number currently awarded bonuses.

The FAA was already facing challenges with air traffic controller shortages before the shutdown, with the agency working to expedite training and hiring practices. Duffy previously noted that numerous controllers left for other jobs, and some chose early retirement during the shutdown.

As absences increased and safety concerns grew, the FAA mandated cuts to airline schedules to alleviate pressure on an already strained system. Notably, controller staffing has improved post-shutdown, allowing airlines to resume regular operations once more.