Copyright Los Angeles Times
The signs of a government shutdown were evident at airports nationwide. At least 1,200 flights were canceled Friday, as documented by my colleagues Hannah Fry and Jenny Jarvie, with the situation only expected to worsen. More than 50 flights were canceled at Los Angeles International Airport, while San Diego International Airport suffered a dozen such terminations. Meanwhile, many air travelers experienced significant lags, ranging from 90 minutes to 2 1/2 hours at Virginia’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Friday morning. The cancellations have been deemed necessary by the Federal Aviation Administration to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers, who have worked without a full paycheck for weeks. While the conditions leading to flight delays has been well documented, the plight of air traffic controllers has gone largely unnoticed, according to Western Pacific Regional Vice President Joel Ortiz of the National Air Traffic Controllers Assn. His union represents roughly 20,000 air traffic controllers, engineers and other aviation safety-related workers. Ortiz has spent the last 10 days in Southern California, visiting airports throughout the region and speaking with union members about their troubles and needs. He also chatted with The Times, hoping to illuminate the challenges faced by his union members. You're reading the Essential California newsletter Our reporters guide you through the most important news, features and recommendations of the day. By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. Enter email address Weeks of missing pay About 2,000 union air traffic controllers live and work in the Western Pacific region, which includes California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and Guam, according to Ortiz. They received one partial paycheck at the beginning of the shutdown last month and have gone unpaid through two pay periods, with a third looming a week before Thanksgiving. “The air traffic controllers live in areas with little inexpensive housing and high costs, just like everyone else,” Ortiz said. “So, they’re struggling.” Coping methods Many controllers have been forced to turn to the generosity of food banks and community organizations, while the airlines and airports have also offered aid. The Alaska Airlines Pilot Assn. contributed pizza and sandwiches to air traffic controllers in Washington and San Francisco last month. Salt Lake City International Airport converted an open space into a pantry Oct. 16, providing groceries, baby products, toiletries and pet supplies for workers in need. The help has been appreciated, Ortiz said, but concerns are mounting. “People are struggling to pay for child care, rent and to put gas in their car,” he said. Ortiz said he knows of many air traffic controllers who have taken side jobs during the shutdown, including working for ride-sharing services like Uber or as food delivery drivers and grocery store stockers. He said they must complete between 40 to 60 hours per week per contract rules before taking on second jobs. Many members are struggling, despite perceptions of six-figure salaries The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the median pay for an air traffic controller in 2024 was $144,580 annually, or about $70 per hour. But the Bureau of Labor Statistics also ranks traffic controllers as having one of the nation’s most stressful occupations. While the above-average salary may give the impression that union members have enough savings to weather financial storms, Ortiz said many don’t. Ortiz said entry-level controllers, “straight out of the academy,” earn about $47,000 annually. “Many are struggling,” he said. “Many live paycheck to paycheck.” The path forward Pre-shutdown, air traffic controllers were understaffed with figures between 70% to 75% of what they should be in the Los Angeles area, Ortiz said. Before remedying those issues, though, he implored Congress to compromise and find a solution to the shutdown. “We’re not political pawns for posturing,” he said. “We’re members who are showing up every day to work and doing our part. Now, do yours and find a solution.” The week’s biggest stories Air travel cancellations, delays Republicans fret as the government shutdown threatens Thanksgiving travel chaos. Your flight was canceled amid the FAA’s cuts to air traffic. Here’s what you can do about it. Many major U.S. airports are among 40 targeted by shutdown-related flight cuts. Flights are being delayed and canceled as airport chaos begins. California politics Republicans, including ‘cowardly’ Schwarzenegger, take heat for lopsided loss on Prop. 50. A potential shift in California’s homelessness strategy? Katie Porter’s support in the California governor’s race slips after outburst, new poll shows. California D.A. retweets 9/11 attack images as he slams Mamdani. Southern California fires Will Rogers State Historic Park to reopen after being ravaged in Palisades fire. Firefighters left blaze that later burned 243 homes in Ventura County despite ‘hot’ tractor. Media and entertainment news Real estate agent Chrishell Stause exits ‘Selling Sunset’ after 9 seasons: ‘No longer good for my mental health.’ Sony, CBS settle ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ ‘Jeopardy!’ dispute. Fox Sports hires Drew Brees, confirms former USC standout Mark Sanchez is ‘no longer with the network.’ Why the YouTube vs. Disney battle isn’t ending any time soon. Puerto Rican ‘pop girlie’ Gale unveils new album ‘Lo Que Puede Pasar.’ More big stories Simi Valley High School assistant basketball coach arrested on suspicion of lewd acts with a minor. Trump administration seeks to block court order for full SNAP payments in November. L.A. stores must immediately stop selling compounds kratom and 7-OH products, health department warns. UC seeks $130-million state loan facing Trump budget shortfalls and state cuts. Radioactive pollution still haunts Hunters Point in San Francisco. Trump adds new reasons to deny visas to immigrants: obesity and other health issues. This week’s must-read Dodgers How Dodgers’ Will Smith turned into a Game 7 World Series hero Had it not been for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Will Smith very easily could have won World Series MVP, having led the Dodgers with six RBIs while catching all 74 innings of the series. More great reads MS-13 gangsters used mountains around L.A. as killing grounds, prosecutors say. California city tried to stamp out 10-year-old’s beehive project. Saving the bees was a lesson in love. In Peacock’s ‘All Her Fault,’ Sarah Snook and Dakota Fanning take on mom guilt and the mental load. Plan to kill 450,000 owls creates odd political bedfellows — loggers and environmentalists. Opinion: Trump’s tone-deaf displays are turning off voters. Opinion: The real reason Republicans shut down the government. Opinion: The key to checking Trump’s lawlessness is to discipline his lawyers. For your weekend Going out Yo Ho! A Pirate’s Life for Me: The little-known story behind one of Disneyland’s most recognizable ride songs. Pick up sticks: The return of one of L.A.’s most iconic Chinese American restaurants. Tee time: Looking for a tee time? Here are 9 pleasant public golf courses in L.A. Find a great dish: One of L.A.’s top Alta California chefs returns with Broken Spanish Comedor. Staying in Television Review: ‘Stumble,’ NBC’s cheerleader mockumentary, gives you something to root for. Book Review: Already stressed about the holiday season? Slow down, take a breath and read this. Recipes: Here’s a recipe for instantly creamy ramen. ✏️ Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games. Have a great weekend, from the Essential California team Jim Rainey, staff writer Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor Andrew J. Campa, reporter Hugo Martín, assistant editor Karim Doumar, head of newsletters How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com. Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com.
