Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Federal Aviation Administration officials on Friday night urged Congress to approve government funding as more air traffic controllers call in sick amid the shutdown.
The nation's nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers and additional Transportation Security Administration agents are deemed essential, but they are not being paid during the government shutdown that started on Oct.1.
Now in its 32nd day on Saturday, the FAA said the strain on unpaid employees is causing many to call in sick due to other obligations, such as supervising children, and out of frustration, The Hill reported.
"A surge in callouts is straining staffing levels at multiple facilities, leading to widespread impacts across the [National Airspace System," FAA personnel posted on X.
Related
