FAA union workers are picketing at O'Hare Airport, demanding attention to the government shutdown's impact on aviation safety and its personal toll on their families. This comes as the shutdown enters its 39th day, with many PASS union workers either working without pay or furloughed. The strike, set to begin at 10 a.m. between Terminals 2 and 3, involves approximately 11,000 FAA and Department of Defense employees. The protest is a response to the U.S. Department of Transportation's mandate to reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 high-volume airports, leading to flight cancellations and schedule changes. As of Saturday, 83 flights were canceled at O'Hare International Airport, and 16 at Midway International Airport. United Airlines is providing a list of affected flights on its website, urging customers to check for updates. American Airlines officials advise signing up for notifications due to the fluid nature of the situation. This crisis highlights the challenges faced by aviation workers and the broader impact of government shutdowns on essential services.
