Denver International Airport (DEN) has requested permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use airport revenue to provide temporary wage support for federal employees working at the airport without pay during the ongoing government shutdown.
The airport’s request focuses initially on air traffic controllers, who are performing essential duties under increasing pressure.
The FAA’s Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, published at 64 FR 7696 (16 February 1999), sets out restrictions on how airport funds may be used. DEN has asked for a waiver of these restrictions, with the intention of seeking reimbursement from the federal government for wages covered during the shutdown once normal operations resume.
Phil Washington, CEO of DEN, said:This is a critical time for travel both here at DEN and around the country. Staffing issues are already being identified at a number of airports, impacting travel. As the shutdown drags on, air traffic controllers, in particular, are being stressed unnecessarily.
As part of our airport family, it’s our hope that we can reduce the hardship on them by covering their wages during the shutdown, with reimbursement by the FAA later. We would love to be able to do more and provide wage support for all the federal workers at DEN, as they are all critical to our operation, but given the number of federal employees, we are only able to support controllers at this time.
In addition to financial support, DEN has set up a food and essentials pantry for federal employees working at the airport without pay, including staff from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), FAA, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). While airport employees have contributed items, DEN is also accepting donations from the public to keep the pantry supplied during the shutdown.
Donations of non-perishable food, toiletries, baby products, and pet supplies can be dropped off at the Final Approach cell phone lot building on Peña Boulevard (7684 N Wenatchee Street) or at the Information Booth in the Terminal Great Hall, Level 5. Monetary donations and gift cards for essential items are also accepted at the Airport Office Building, located between the West Security Checkpoint and the A Bridge, between 08:00 and 16:00.
Washington added:DEN’s federal employees continue to do all they can to ensure our airport operates efficiently, without getting paid. But as this shutdown continues, just getting to work and covering the everyday expenses of life becomes increasingly challenging for many of the 1,800 federal workers at DEN. As an expression of our gratitude and support, we have set up a pantry and are collecting monetary contributions to help make this difficult time a little more bearable for our federal colleagues. We welcome the public’s help in providing additional support.
