NATCA in the News: NATCA President Nick Daniels Says No Concerted Effort Among ATCs to Impede Flights Nationwide During CBS News Appearance

NATCA President Nick Daniels appeared on CBS’s Evening News on Tuesday, Oct. 7, saying there is no concerted effort among air traffic controllers to impede flights nationwide. Daniels stressed during an interview with reporter Kris Van Cleave that ATCs remain critically staffed, “what it shouldn’t be is waiting to see how long air traffic controllers can last, waiting to see when we do break in a system that is as fragile as it is today,” said Daniels.

Currently ATCs work six day work weeks, with an average of ten hour workdays. Daniels added the on-going government shutdown is only putting a spotlight on a system that is already short-staffed. Air traffic controllers are essential workers, and they continue to show up for work despite the government shutdown. If the government remains closed, ATCs face the prospect of a partial paycheck next week and no paychecks later in the month.

Watch highlights from the interview: