The FAA is all set to hand out $10,000 bonuses to air traffic controllers who were active during the US government shutdown. Unfortunately, the decision comes with a catch. Only air traffic controllers with perfect attendance during the shutdown are eligible for the bonus in 2025. According to AP News, as a result of this decision, only 776 air traffic controllers will be eligible for the bonus, leaving out 20,000 workers from seeking the benefit for their contribution to their jobs. The FAA’s selective attendance bonus has proven to be a controversial one.
The FAA’s $10,000 attendance bonus is set to go out to 776 air traffic controllers with a perfect attendance record during the government shutdown. (Image: Pexels)
The FAA’s $10,000 Attendance Bonus for Air Traffic Controllers Has Made Waves
The uncertainty that prevailed during the government’s 43-day-long shutdown had left many workers uncertain if they would be guaranteed back pay on the reopening of the government. Many workers were laid off or furloughed during the shutdown, marking it as a difficult time for hundreds of federal employees. As a result, many workers took a break from work to explore alternative sources of income, filling the gap in their earnings by taking on side jobs or seeking other forms of employment.
Other workers who went to work were actively involved in keeping operations continuous; however, some workers had to call in sick or take temporary breaks from their work. These workers will likely miss out on the bonuses being offered. Air traffic controllers are already limited in their numbers, and their positions have been known to be hard to fill. As a result of their limited numbers during the shutdown, the government mandated a reduction in flights at approximately 40 airports.
Now that order has returned and the government has reopened, many aspects that were left unaddressed have been reviewed over the last few days. One of the primary concerns for government workers was the question of pay, and while backpay has been approved for workers, there are questions about whether the full pay will be provided to workers.
What We Know About the FAA’s Perfect Attendance Bonus
Over the course of the lengthy government shutdown, air traffic controllers missed out on two paychecks. The latest updates on their pay suggest that they have now received about 50-60% of their back pay. As per the Federal Aviation Administration’s latest announcement, workers with “perfect” attendance will receive a $10,000 bonus in addition to their pay. With the condition in place, 776 air traffic controllers will receive the FAA’s attendance bonus.
In a statement, the Department of Transportation stated that the FAA bonuses for controllers were for “patriotic work to ensure the safety of the skies during the Democrats’ 44-day government shutdown.” Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy added that “This award is an acknowledgment of their dedication and a heartfelt appreciation for going above and beyond in service to the nation.”
Workers who are eligible for the bonus should expect to receive their bonus checks by December 9, 2025.
TSA Workers Have Received a Similar Bonus for Perfect Attendance During the Shutdown
Similar to the strategy behind the FAA’s attendance bonus for air traffic controllers, 270 TSA agents at Boston’s Logan Airport have received a $10,000 bonus for their flawless attendance during the government shutdown. The bonuses were paid out from “carryover funds” from the past fiscal year, according to CBS News.
The Homeland Security Secretary credited their effort “in the face of economic uncertainty,” adding that “These public servants who went above and beyond to keep Americans safe will be receiving a $10,000 bonus. Americans can be proud of these men and women who keep us safe every day.“
Apart from acknowledging those with a flawless attendance record, there are also suggestions that those with a less-than-stellar record could be penalised for their absence. The administration also called to dock the pay of workers who missed their shifts. Apart from verifying the air traffic attendants’ bonuses for their performance during the shutdown, the FAA has not confirmed any plans to dock pay for workers for now.
What do you think about the FAA’s attendance bonus for air traffic controllers with a perfect record? Should other workers also get credit for showing up? Let us know what you think. Subscribe to The HR Digest for more insights on workplace trends, layoffs, and what to expect with the advent of AI.