Pilots demand end to government shutdown
The government shutdown is making air travel riskier, according to pilot union ALPA.
The shutdown is threatening the security and safety of millions who fly from American airports, the union said in a letter to President Donald Trump, calling for a swift resolution.
It urges Trump to ‘take the necessary steps to immediately end the shutdown of government agencies that is adversely affecting the safety, security, and efficiency of our national airspace system,’ Captain Joe DePete, president of ALPA, wrote.
ALPA represents more than 60,000 pilots working at several airlines including Delta, JetBlue and United.
The Union fears a shortage of working inspectors and FAA regulatory officers could affect safety.
TSA security officers are working without pay and there are reports of hundreds of TSA officers not showing up for work.
"They are dutifully providing safety of life services while facing increasingly difficult financial pressures to provide for those dependent on their paycheck," said DePete.
"There are also airline and aircraft manufacturing oversight activities that either stop or are significantly reduced," he added.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association also said it is extremely concerned over pressures put on air traffic controllers who are understaffed and currently working unpaid.
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