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As the shutdown continues, staffing issues are causing delays at US airports.

Staffing issues caused delays at Newark and Denver airports on Monday. This comes just hours after the U.S. Transportation Secretary said that the number of air traffic controllers who called in sick has increased since the shutdown began.

The shutdown will not affect the 13,000 air traffic control officers and the 50,000 Transportation Security Administration agents who must continue to work. The controllers will miss their first pay on October 14 because they are not paid.

Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary, said that the staffing of air traffic has sometimes been reduced by 50% since last week's shutdown.

According to the FAA, staffing problems at air traffic control are affecting flights in many airports, including Newark and Phoenix. Also, Denver, Las Vegas, Burbank, and Las Vegas have been affected. FlightAware reported that more than 4,00 U.S. flights were delayed on Monday, including 29% of arriving flights in Denver, 19% at Newark, and 15% at Las Vegas. Flights are also affected by weather issues.

Donald Trump made transportation the focal point of a battle between him and the Democrats over a government shut down. He cut off $28 billion in aid to climate programs, subways and tunnels, and mass transit, in states that lean Democratic, including New York and Illinois.

Duffy added that the reduction in staffing will cause delays. If sick calls rise, air traffic will flow at a pace that maintains safety.

Duffy and the President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association addressed a press event at Newark Liberty International Airport in order to discuss the impact of the shutdown. This airport, one of three in the heavily Democratic New York metro area, is also a major hub for United Airlines.

Duffy said controllers are concerned. Duffy noted that controllers are worried.

The union reminded employees on Monday that "participating" in a protest could lead to removal from federal employment and is illegal.

The union reminded its members that it was more important than ever to continue providing the high level of service and consistency we offer every day. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to avoid actions that may reflect badly on you, your union or our professions.

The number of controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers absent during the 35-day shutdown in 2019 increased as employees missed paychecks. This led to longer waits at checkpoints. The authorities were forced to reduce air traffic in New York to put pressure on legislators to end the standoff.

Nancy Pelosi (a Democrat who was then the Speaker of the House) said that the shutdown "pushed our airspace to breaking point."

Airlines for America, the airline trade group that represents United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, has warned of the possibility that, during a funding gap, "the system could slow down and reduce efficiency", which would impact travelers.

Flights are being delayed due to a persistent shortage of controllers. Many are also working six-day work weeks and mandatory overtime. About 3,500 air traffic control positions are not enough to meet the FAA's target staffing level. Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Bill Berkrot and Nick Zieminski; Chris Reese, Lincoln Feast, Lincoln Feast, Chris Reese, Lincoln Feast, Lincoln Feast, Lincoln Feast, Lincoln Feast, Nick Zieminski.

(source: Reuters)