• Source:JND
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US Government Shutdown: The US government entered its seventh day of shutdown on Tuesday with no end in sight, as Senate Democrats once more blocked a Republican-introduced bill to fund operations through November 21. The deadlock has seen around 750,000 federal workers furloughed or working without pay, and a new memo from the White House has raised the fear that these employees won't automatically get back pay once the shutdown is over. 

The memo, circulated by the Office of Management and Budget, suggested that the decision on whether furloughed workers would receive back pay was still under consideration. Asked about the issue on Tuesday, President Donald Trump responded, “I would say it depends on who we’re talking about.”Congressional leaders, however, insisted their understanding was that back pay was legally mandated.

Aviation Disruptions Highlight Risks

The political standoff is already taking a heavy toll on key sectors, particularly aviation. On Monday night, Hollywood Burbank Airport in California had to keep operating for almost six hours without any air traffic controllers in its tower. Instead, the facilities were managed remotely by the Southern California TRACON centre in San Diego. The rare step caused flight delays, cancellations, and growing concerns about passenger safety.

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Staffing Crisis Deepens

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged that staff at some of the largest air traffic control facilities has been cut as much as 50 per cent. While controllers are designated as essential personnel and are required to report for work, numerous others are showing up to the job as sick due to increasing economic hardship from lost wages. "We are monitoring sick calls. Have we seen a small increase? Yes," Duffy testified, threatening to further slow flight flow in order to maintain safety.

Union Urges Controllers To Remain At Work

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) encouraged its members to keep working as usual, even during the shutdown. In a release, the union noted the necessity of upholding the safety of the National Airspace System while advising against any concerted effort that would make things worse in terms of disruption. The pressure on the workforce is starting to be felt, with reports of delays not just in Burbank but also in Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Phoenix. 

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California Governor Gavin Newsom directly blamed Trump for the crisis, posting on X, “Thanks, Donald Trump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15 pm to 10 pm today because of YOUR government shutdown.”