US Transportation Secretary Threatens To Fire Absent Air Traffic Controllers During Shutdown. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has threatened to fire air traffic controllers who are calling in sick while working without pay amid the ongoing government shutdown. Speaking to Fox Business News, Duffy called the absent employees “problem children” and said they are responsible for more than half of flight delays across the country. Duffy praised the majority of controllers who continue to show up to work, noting only about 10% are “lashing out” by not coming in. He said the “small subset” of staff is creating a “massive disruption” of flight schedules, leading to delays and cancellations. On the issue of backpay, Duffy referenced President Trump’s suggestion that some federal employees might not receive retroactive pay. He clarified: “When you come to work you get paid. If you don’t come to work, you don’t get paid. That’s the way we’re going to do it.” Air traffic controllers are considered “essential workers” and are still required to perform their duties despite the shutdown. [Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT]