US Government Shutdown: Air Traffic Controllers Turn to Gig Economy

As the US government shutdown enters its fourth week, thousands of federal workers are struggling to make ends meet. One such worker, air traffic controller Jack Criss, has begun moonlighting as a DoorDash driver to supplement his lost income. Criss's situation is not unique, with hundreds of air traffic controllers taking up side gigs to cope with the financial strain. The shutdown has also led to the tapping of retirement funds and short-term loans, with some workers facing high-interest debts.

Key Takeaways:

Hundreds of air traffic controllers have taken up side gigs, including delivery driving, to cope with the financial strain of the shutdown.
Air traffic controller Jack Criss has begun working for DoorDash, clocking eight to nine hours a week, in addition to his regular hours as an air traffic controller.
Criss has tapped into his retirement funds and taken out a high-interest, short-term loan to ensure he has enough cash if the shutdown persists.
National Air Traffic Controllers Association president Nick Daniels estimates that "hundreds" of his union members have taken up side gigs, with the number growing rapidly.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has dismissed the growing hardships triggered by the shutdown, stating that air traffic controllers only need to do one job.
The Department of Defense has tapped research and development funds to pay active-duty service members during the shutdown.
The shutdown has also led to the initiation of layoffs for over 4,000 federal employees, mostly working in areas perceived to be Democratic priorities.

Statistics:

Over 4,000 federal employees will be laid off due to the shutdown.
Hundreds of air traffic controllers have taken up side gigs to cope with the financial strain.
The number of air traffic controllers taking up side gigs is growing rapidly.
The US government shutdown has now lasted for four weeks.
The longest shutdown during the previous Trump administration lasted for 35 days.

Sources:

NBC News
CBS News
Trump's social media platform (Twitter)
Contify.com