The Secretary of Transportation says that the closure of the government adds stress to air traffic controllers

The Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, said on Monday that the closure of the government is putting more stress in air traffic controls that already have an extremely stressful work, as well as threatening a program in which small communities trust to help subsidize air service.

The controllers are expected to continue working without a payment check, Duffy said, so they are now worried about how to pay their bills, in addition to worrying about keeping flights safe.

“Now, what do you think they are controlling our airspace? How am I going to pay my mortgage? How do I pay my car? I have a couple of children at home. How do I put food on the table? I am working six days a week. Do I have to take a second job and promote Uber when I am already exhausted by doing a job that is already stressed to think about how I can earn additional money because the government cannot provide me with a payment payment?” Duffy said.

Travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport, where Duffy held their press conference, said drivers must pay for their work.

“Everyone should receive what they are doing. Of course it bothers me,” said Daniel Johansson from North Carolina.

A Utah traveler, Nancy Taylor, agreed.

“Yes, that would be difficult to work without pay,” Taylor said. “But I think they understand the importance of their work. And the security that provides us with travelers. They must receive a payment.”

The transport department has been able to keep the Academy of Air Traffic Controllers open in Oklahoma City with funds from previous years, but Duffy is still concerned about the potential impact on efforts to hire and train new controllers in the hope of eliminating a long -standing shortage. Duffy said that the support personnel who train the controllers after leaving the academy could be fired.

The head of the Union of Air Traffic Controllers, Nick Daniels, remained away from political comments, but urged Congress to end at the close.

“We need to close this closure, so that the Federal Aviation Administration and committed aviation security professionals can leave this distraction behind and focus completely on their vital work,” Daniels said.

Duffy said there has already been a small increase in controllers that call patients in some places. If that worsens as the closure is dragged, the FAA could be forced to reduce the amount of takeoffs and landings, which would create delays and possibly cancellations.

The essential air service program that subsidizes the service of airlines to small communities from all over the country will also run out of money quickly. Duffy said the program enjoys strong bipartisan support and provides an important life line for many small communities. It is especially important in Alaska, where flying is the only way to travel among many communities.

“That money is exhausted this Sunday. Therefore, there are many small communities throughout the country that will now not have the resources to ensure that they have air service in their community,” said Duffy.

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Associated Press’s cameraman, Joseph Frederick, contributed to this Newark report, New Jersey.