Members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association plan to hand out pamphlets Tuesday at airports across the country — including Charlotte Douglas International Airport — to inform passengers about effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Tuesday will mark the first missed paycheck for air traffic controllers nationwide as the federal shutdown nears one month. Despite the lapse in pay, controllers have still been working mandatory overtime six days a week, with shifts as long as 10 hours a day, to keep planes flying safely.
Union officials say the pamphlets are focused on educating travelers about the shutdown's impact on air traffic controllers and the aviation system. The effort will take place at 22 airports.
The Federal Aviation Administration has warned travelers that staffing shortages may lead to significant delays at airports across the country if the shutdown continues.
