WASHINGTON, Nov 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — US President Donald Trump threatened to dock the pay of air traffic controllers who don’t report to work, after the Senate reached a compromise to end the 41-day government shutdown.
“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!” Trump said on social media Nov 10. “Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked.’”
A Senate bill that advanced Nov 9 aims to temporarily fund the government until Jan 30 and provide back pay to federal workers impacted by the shutdown. But the Senate and House must still hold votes on the measure, which could take several more days.
Air traffic controllers continued working without paychecks during the shutdown as essential personnel. But some failed to show up as they looked for other jobs to make ends meet during the congressional impasse, so the Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to cancel 4% of their flights during the weekend. More than 10,000 flights were delayed Nov. 9.
Trump urged controllers who didn’t show up for work to quit. And he pledged to recommend $10,000 bonuses to controllers who continued working.
“For those Air Traffic Controllers who who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country,” Trump said. “For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU.” — NNN-AGENCIES
