FAA Union Protests at O’Hare as Government Shutdown Hits Flights
Union members from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) convened at O’Hare Airport, protesting as the government shutdown reached its 39th day. Many members of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union, which includes approximately 11,000 FAA and Department of Defense personnel, are either furloughed or working without compensation. Their demonstrations aim to highlight the detrimental effects the shutdown has on aviation safety and the toll it takes on their families.
Details of the Protests at O’Hare Airport
The FAA union members began their picketing at 10 a.m. between Terminals 2 and 3. This action comes as O’Hare Airport is among several locations nationwide facing significant flight reductions. In response to directives from the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines were instructed to decrease air traffic by 10% at 40 high-volume airports.
Flight Cancellations
As of Saturday, O’Hare International Airport saw the cancellation of 83 flights, while Midway International Airport experienced 16 disruptions. United Airlines has published a list of affected flights on its website and urges passengers to check for updates regarding cancellations.
Airline Responses
- United Airlines is attempting to minimize cuts between major hubs, including O’Hare, Denver, and Houston.
- American Airlines has encouraged customers to sign up for notifications regarding cancellations, emphasizing that the situation is ever-changing.
FAA union members are determined to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles in the aviation industry amid the government shutdown. Their efforts reflect broader concerns about safety and job security in the sector.
El-Balad will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as they become available.
