Washington, D.C.: The US government shutdown has entered its 22nd day, leaving over 750,000 federal employees without pay and forcing many to take up part-time jobs to survive. The prolonged deadlock in Congress has hit essential services hard — particularly the aviation sector, where air traffic controllers (ATCs) have been working up to 60 hours a week without salaries.
Since the start of the fiscal year on October 1, the federal budget has not been approved, causing multiple government agencies to suspend funding for regular operations.
✈️ Air Traffic Controllers Working Without Pay
Among the hardest hit are the air traffic controllers, who continue to work despite not receiving paychecks for over three weeks. According to Nick Daniels, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), many controllers are now struggling to make ends meet.
“We’re being told we’ll get our salaries at some point, but that doesn’t reduce our bills or pay our mortgages. Getting paid later doesn’t help our present,” Daniels said.
Due to severe staff shortages and mandatory overtime, controllers are working 60-hour weeks, often juggling part-time jobs in food delivery, cab driving, and retail to support their families.
💼 750,000 Federal Workers Unpaid
The shutdown has left approximately 750,000 US federal employees across various sectors without pay since October 1.
With the holiday season approaching, many workers are turning to short-term jobs or community aid programs to stay afloat.
Several federal services, including transportation, security, and administrative offices, are operating with skeleton staff, as only “essential personnel” are permitted to work — and even they are doing so without compensation.
⚠️ Aviation Sector Worst Affected
The aviation industry is bearing the brunt of the crisis. Long working hours, low morale, and financial stress among controllers have raised safety concerns at airports across the country. Flight delays and reduced staffing levels are already being reported at several major airports, including Atlanta, Chicago, and New York.
Airlines and travel associations have urged the government to resolve the funding stalemate immediately to prevent a nationwide travel disruption.
📉 What Is a US Government Shutdown?
In the United States, the fiscal year begins on October 1.
If Congress fails to pass the federal budget by that date, government agencies run out of funding — leading to what’s known as a “shutdown.”
During a shutdown:
- Non-essential government services are suspended.
- Essential workers (such as air traffic controllers, TSA agents, and healthcare personnel) must continue working without pay.
- Federal contracts, projects, and payments are delayed.
This year’s shutdown has been triggered by a political impasse between Democrats and Republicans over healthcare subsidies — particularly the Obama-era healthcare program.
- Democrats want to increase healthcare subsidies to make coverage more affordable.
- Republicans argue that expanding subsidies will inflate government spending and divert funds from other essential programs.
As neither side has reached a compromise, the federal budget remains blocked, pushing the US into one of its longest partial shutdowns in recent history.
💬 Economic and Social Fallout
Economists warn that prolonged shutdowns hurt both federal employees and the broader economy, as delayed salaries reduce consumer spending and weaken public confidence.
The financial strain is particularly severe for middle-income workers dependent on monthly paychecks.
Community organizations and unions have begun setting up relief drives to support affected families, while political leaders continue to debate a resolution in Congress.
Summary:
The ongoing US government shutdown has plunged thousands of workers into crisis, with air traffic controllers and essential service staff working unpaid for over three weeks. As the political standoff drags on, the impact on public safety, aviation, and the US economy continues to deepen — with no immediate end in sight.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
