Shutdown Resources

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN Q&A – v. September 29, 2025

At this critical juncture, it is more important than ever that we rise to the occasion and continue delivering the consistent, high level of public service we provide every day. We must also recognize that in the current political climate, federal employees are under heightened scrutiny. We cannot stress enough that it is essential to avoid any actions that could reflect poorly on you, our Union, or our professions.

Time after time, NATCA members have proven that we are dedicated and resilient. We urge you to stand in solidarity with your brothers and sisters by continuing to exhibit the same unwavering professionalism that the aviation community and the American people deserve. We are deeply grateful for and proud of your steadfast commitment to the safety of the flying public and the integrity of National Airspace System (NAS).

Q1. What does it mean to be designated as “excepted” or “non-excepted?”

A1: In the context of an emergency shutdown furlough, “excepted” refers to employees whose work is funded through annual appropriations but are not furloughed because they are performing tasks that are allowed by law to continue during a lapse in appropriations. This work is referred to as “excepted” and includes emergency work involving the safety of human life or the protection of property. Employees who do not perform excepted work are designated as “non-excepted” and will be furloughed. 

Q2. If an employee is scheduled to work during the shutdown, is reporting to work optional?

A2: No. Employees not on furlough are obligated to report to work. Existing rules and procedures apply to authorized absences from duty during the shutdown.

Again, it is more important than ever that we rise to the occasion and continue delivering the consistent, high-level of public service we provide every day. We must also recognize that in the current political climate, federal employees are under heightened scrutiny. We cannot stress enough that it is essential to avoid any actions that could reflect poorly on you, our Union, or our professions.

Q3. Are Developmentals and CPC-ITs considered excepted?

A3: Yes. The Agency has informed us that Developmentals, including those who have no position certifications in their current facility, will be determined to be excepted during the shutdown. Training at facilities will continue.

Q4. Will excepted employees be paid for performing work during a shutdown furlough? If so, when will excepted employees receive such payments?

A4: Yes. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (GEFTA), excepted employees required to perform work during a lapse in appropriations must be paid for those work periods occurring during the lapse. At the earliest date possible after the lapse ends, retroactive pay must be provided at the employee’s standard rate of pay. 

For excepted employees, the “standard rate of pay” is the pay the employee is entitled to for the actual hours of work under the normally applicable pay rules. For example, excepted employees who perform overtime during a shutdown will be paid for that overtime work. 

Q5. Will employees who are placed in a furlough status get paid?

A5: Yes. Under GEFTA, employees placed in a furlough status as the result of a lapse in appropriations must be paid for furlough periods that occurred during the lapse. After the lapse ends, retroactive pay is provided at the employee’s “standard rate of pay.” If the pay may not be provided on the normal pay date for the given pay period, it must be provided at the earliest date possible after the lapse ends.

Q6. May an excepted employee be permitted to earn premium pay (e.g., overtime pay, Sunday premium pay, night pay, OJTI, and allother premiums and differentials contained in NATCA’s Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)) during the furlough period?

A6: Yes. Excepted employees who meet the conditions for overtime pay, Sunday premium pay, night pay, and other premium paymentswill be entitled to payment in accordance with applicable rules, subject to any relevant payment limitations.

Q7. If the next regularly scheduled pay date occurs during the shutdown, will employees be paid?

A7: Employees will receive pay for pay periods that were completed prior to the shutdown even if the pay date is during the shutdown. 

If a shutdown occurs in the middle of a pay period, employees will receive pay on the regularly scheduled pay date for the time worked prior to the shutdown.

Q8. Can employees request absence due to incapacitation (sick leave) during a shutdown?

A8: Yes. However, during a shutdown, excepted employees cannot be in a paid leave status. An excepted employee who is incapacitated for duty should follow existing procedures in Article 25 of the CBA. They will be placed on a furlough status during their absence. They must return to work for the next regularly scheduled shift for which they are no longer incapacitated for duty. 

Q9. Can employees request absence from duty (annual leave/credit hours) for reasons other than incapacitation during a shutdown?

A9: Yes. However, during a shutdown, excepted employees cannot be in a paid leave status. Absence from duty may be requested using Article 24 of the CBA and local procedures. Approval is subject to staffing and workload. They will be placed on a furlough status during their absence.

Q10. Can employees use previously approved annual or sick leave during a shutdown?

A10: Yes. However, during a shutdown, excepted employees cannot be in a paid leave status. They will be placed on a furlough status during their absence.

Q11. I am scheduled to be on Paid Parental Leave (PPL) during the shutdown. How does a shutdown affect my overall PPL entitlement?

A11: FMLA leave, including PPL, taken during a shutdown furlough period does not count toward the employee’s 12-week FMLA entitlement. 

During a shutdown, excepted employees cannot be in a paid leave status, and their FMLA-eligible leave will be treated as any other paid leave. Such employees will be placed in a furlough status. Their absence from work will not be counted against the FMLA 12-week limit.

Q12. Can employees use holiday leave during a shutdown?

A12: During a shutdown, employees cannot be in a paid leave status. This includes holiday leave. Excepted employees who are notscheduled to work the holiday will be placed in a furlough status for the holiday and shall return to work on their next scheduled workday. Non-excepted employees will remain in a furlough status for the duration of the shutdown. 

Q13. Do employees accrue sick and annual leave during the shutdown?

A13: Yes. Excepted employees continue to accrue leave. However, the leave will not be credited until after the shutdown ends. After the shutdown has ended, non-excepted employees are entitled to be paid the employee’s standard rate of pay during any furlough period, including any accrual of sick or annual leave. Employees’ leave balances should be credited with the payment of retroactive pay.

Q14. May an excepted employee be permitted to earn compensatory time off or credit hours during the shutdown period?

A14: Yes. Excepted employees may earn compensatory time off and credit hours, subject to requirements found in the CBA.

Q15. Can employees use Parental Bereavement Leave (PBL) during a shutdown?

A15: Yes. However, during a shutdown, excepted employees cannot be in a paid leave status. They will be placed on a furlough status during their absence. Such absences from work will be subject to the eligibility criteria in accordance with the CBAs and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on those topics.

Q16. Do employees maintain health care during a shutdown?

A16. Federal employees will maintain their healthcare under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program during a government shutdown. Any premiums that accrue during the shutdown will be taken out of the employees’ checks that are issued once the shutdown ends.

Q17. Can we still actively conduct OJT during the shutdown?

A17: Operational training for excepted employees will continue as an excepted activity.

Q18. What is the status of the FAA Academy during the shutdown?

A18: The FAA has informed us that the FAA Academy has sufficient funding to continue to operate for approximately thirty days.

E)  FEDERAL CONTRACT TOWERS

Q19. How does the shutdown affect Federal Contract Towers (FCTs)?

A19: FCTs have informed us that they will continue to operate during a shutdown.

F)  MEDIA INQUIRIES

Q20. I have been contacted by the media about the shutdown. How should I handle this?

A20: As a federal employee, you should not speak to the media without authorization. Federal employees who speak with the media without prior authorization from the FAA could be subject to disciplinary action. Please direct all media inquiries to NATCA Deputy Director of Public Affairs Galen Munroe at [email protected].

If you have questions or concerns, please contact your Regional Leadership: