What a Government Shutdown Means for Flight Attendants
September 27, 2023 — Congress' lack of action has us on the brink of a full government shutdown, which is dangerous and reckless. Yesterday, however, the Senate introduced a Continuing Resolution (CR) with funding the entire government through Nov. 17 and the FAA through the end of the year. 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 would keep federal workers on the job and covering the important safety and security functions we count on for our jobs and our home lives.
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. If Congress fails to reach a deal by midnight on Saturday, September 30: They are out of work with no knowledge of when Congress will act to get them back to work.
Call your Representative today!
"Hello, my name is _______ and I'm a constituent and flight attendant. I'm calling the tell my Representative/Senator to avert a government shutdown by passing a budget agreement before the end of September. Then immediately get to work on long-term funding so workers and the government have the stability to do our jobs and live our lives. It is unfair to expect "essential" workers, without whom the airline industry would grind to a halt, to work without pay while Congress refuses to do it's job."
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.
