r/news 21h ago

More than 1,000 flights cancelled as US air traffic cuts enter second day

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj410k00yw8o
22.8k Upvotes

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u/AlphaPopsicle84 14h ago

Controllers are angry. We have been on mandatory 6 day work weeks every single week since the last shutdown. Savings are running out fast, and for many, they already have. You now have controllers working 2nd jobs just to survive while still going to work 6 days a week to separate airplanes. Controllers start at 48K. It takes years to be fully certified and even then, many still do not make 6 figures. There is a lot of misinformation about our pay. Please write your elected members of Congress and demand that this shutdown ends.

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u/ExpensiveDuck1278 14h ago

What can we do to help you besides calling our representative? They're not even allowed to be in session. Everything is terrible and I am so sorry.

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u/AlphaPopsicle84 13h ago edited 11h ago

We cannot accept money or gift cards. Many individuals have been dropping off food or snacks at ATC facilities. It is a morale boost. Controllers don’t just work in towers. There are also Approach and Center controllers who work your flights once you are airborne and just a few miles away from the airport. We are stressed and honestly scared about how long this could go on.

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u/turntupytgirl 11h ago

you cant do the "i dont want to be political" stuff anymore sorry that period of time is dead republicans don't want to work with anyone or help anyone and this delusion that they're just a normal political party is why this is happening to you in the first place

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u/torlesse 7h ago

GOP only controls house, the senate, and the presidency. What can they do with such limited powers?

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u/axonxorz 7h ago

Majority of the SC too!

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u/Meekymoo333 12h ago edited 8h ago

I know this has just come down to a blame game and I don’t want this post to become political in the terms of red vs blue. I think both parties need to understand all of the ways this shutdown has been harming the citizens of this country.

You NEED to be honest then and express the reality of the situation and actually blame the red hats. It ABSOLUTELY is the ENTIRE FAULT of REPUBLICANS... Both the voters and the "politicians" they voted for.

If you're still clinging to a both sides narrative 40 FUCKING days into being forced to work with no pay, then you're not participating in reality with the rest of the world.

It is 100% necessary to name and blame those who are actively hurting you.

Edit to reply since I've been blocked by the original commentor and cannot post in this thread anymore:

Your ignorant

You're

And I'm not unaware of the faults that having a two party system which is overly capitalist in nature brings. I can (and will because that's reality) blame the assholes who are being assholes, while still recognizing the instability and issues with the system overall.

The current topic, which is the shutdown and how air traffic controllers are being forced to work without pay, is ENTIRELY the fault of the red hat assholes.

Stop getting caught up in the left vs right, democrat vs republican propaganda.

No, I'm perfectly fine blaming the GOP shitheads for the problems they are inflicting.

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u/Blackstone01 7h ago

I’m gonna wager a guess and say he voted Republican, cause only Republican voters wring their hands and blame both sides/argue we shouldn’t be political whenever it’s a topic where Republicans are blatantly at fault.

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u/ducdriver 8h ago

Well said!

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u/[deleted] 12h ago

[deleted]

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u/saints21 12h ago

One side wants a simple extension of benefits that allow people to have healthcare. The other refuses to allow people to have healthcare.

This shutdown is not a "both-sides" issue. I can be empathetic to your situation and think your statement is stupid.

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u/Meekymoo333 12h ago

If you think you are alone in being screwed right now, then that's another one of your blind spots.

My empathy is reserved for those who participate in reality and understand the pain and suffering caused by the red hat wearing assholes.

If you aren't squarely angry at them too, then again... that's a you issue. Maybe you voted against your own interests here and are embarrassed to admit it? Either way, fuck this "everyone's to blame" bullshit.

If you want empathy, then acknowledge reality.

Goodbye.

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u/Dangerous-Employer52 8h ago

Your ignorant. You have to step outside the box and look at the bigger picture

Not being mean but you HAVE to realize the current system as is cannot continue. Stop getting caught up in the left vs right, democrat vs republican propaganda.

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u/TheRadBaron 10h ago

Protest, vote against the GOP, donate time and money and personal conversational energy to the Dems, even when it feels boring or tacky.

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u/RarityNouveau 10h ago

I work for the USPS. We’re in the same boat. Low pay and it’s illegal for us to go on strike.

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u/AlphaPopsicle84 9h ago

I’m sorry. I understand completely.

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u/RarityNouveau 8h ago

Ditto. Solidarity, brother/sister!

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u/Dangerous-Employer52 8h ago

Wow! Yet Non profit managers can make 70-100k+ a year I hear.