Shutdown Averted for Now: Don't Wait 44 Days to Fix it!

Shutdown Averted for Now: Don't Wait 44 Days to Fix it!

October 1, 2023 — In a last minute deal on Saturday night, House Republicans finally agreed to a clean government funding extension for 45 days to avert a government shutdown, and fund the FAA through December 31. While this is in no way acceptable because it doesn’t provide the stability that’s needed for hiring, training, maintaining infrastructure or updating technology - at least it keeps federal workers on the job and covering the important safety and security functions we count on for our jobs and our home lives.

"Federal workers and all of us who count on them don’t need this kind of disruptive drama," said Sara Nelson, AFA President. "It’s good there’s no shutdown, but this whole exercise stopped hiring, training, maintaining all of our systems and implementing new technology. Don’t wait 44 days to fix it!"

This is not just about government services, this is about jobs and families. This is not just about government services, this is about jobs and families. Millions of government workers are spending this week securing government offices, setting voicemail and email notifications, and finalizing plans in the event of a shutdown.

According to agency shutdown plans posted online, the FAA and DHS, which includes TSA and CBP, will furlough tens of thousands of employees. All NMB staff will be furloughed. This affects nearly everything we do, including urgent contract bargaining.

During a government shutdown, 'essential' operations such as the FAA air traffic control system and TSA security screening will continue. However, these Air Traffic Controllers, Transportation Security Officers and Customs and Border Protection Officers will go to work without receiving a paycheck, and without the support of other workers who normally help them do their jobs.

Safety and security is non-negotiable. It is critical that Washington fund the government now!

These are the people who keep us safe, and they are people who live and work in our communities. If they can’t do their job, Flight Attendants can’t do our job.

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