Air traffic controller union at SEA Airport amid shutdown, missed paychecks
Gov't shutdown: Air traffic control union shows up to Sea-Tac Airport
Air traffic controllers are about to miss their first paycheck due to the government shutdown. Their union is sending out teams to airports across the U.S. to remind and educate people of the current situation for these workers, including forced overtime and long shifts. Seattle's Sea-Tac International Airport is one of those places.
SEATTLE - Passengers flying in and out of Seattle are now seeing union members at the airport as air traffic controllers begin to lose their paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown.
As the shutdown persists, air traffic controllers are experiencing increasing challenges, including missing their first paycheck.
In response, union members are demonstrating at nearly 20 airports nationwide, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, to highlight the widespread effects of the shutdown on the aviation industry.
Union members pass out information pamphlets at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport during the 2025 government shutdown
Local perspective:
The American Federation of Government Employees, representing over 800,000 workers, is urging lawmakers to temporarily reopen the government amid the ongoing shutdown. This development introduces a new pressure point for Democrats and Republicans in Washington to get a deal done.
Union representatives at Sea-Tac have been distributing informational flyers to raise awareness about the impact on air traffic controllers and the national airspace system. The shutdown has resulted in mandatory overtime, with controllers working six-day weeks and ten-hour shifts. Many are seeking second jobs to cover expenses, exacerbating stress and fatigue within the system.
Compounding air traffic controller shortages
The transportation secretary has noted that some air traffic controllers are calling in sick due to financial pressures and stress, compounding existing shortages in the industry. The union reports that the number of air traffic controllers is at its lowest level in decades, with a deficit of 3,000 professionals.
Union leaders emphasize the dedication and passion of air traffic controllers, who are committed to their work despite the current challenges. However, they express concern that their efforts are not fully appreciated during the shutdown.
Union members pass out information pamphlets at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport during the 2025 government shutdown
Why you should care:
The shutdown is also delaying projects aimed at modernizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), potentially affecting passengers through flight delays. On Friday, flights at some airports were delayed by 20 to 40 minutes due to shortage-related issues, and a ground stop occurred in Austin, Texas.
The union's demonstration at Sea-Tac will continue throughout the day, as members aim to inform the public about the ongoing impact of the government shutdown on air traffic controllers and the broader aviation system.
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