Air traffic controllers are not showing up for work during this government shutdown and it is causing more and more problems for air travel. Solution? Pay them a bonus for showing up for work, something like a $100 per day, perhaps more.

Look at it from their perspective. Everyone knows they are going to get back pay once this shutdown ends. Everyone. Whether you are at work or not you will be paid the same.

So what incentive is there for these controllers to show up to a tough job that is getting tougher by the day? Are they saps for doing so while their co-workers are sleeping in, perhaps fishing or hunting, partying every night, etc.? Who is the stupid one and who isn’t?

Yeah, I’ve heard it all before about pride in the job, etc. but the reality is this can really chafe as you put up with untold nonsense while more and more people’s lives are placed in your understaffed hands. The way it is set up, only those who actually show up for work are the fools.

How to solve this? By that great motivator: cold, hard cash. Commit to a bonus program -- ideally paid now, though they can be paid later when the government shutdown ends -- and you can stop and maybe even reverse this bleeding. 

Want Air Traffic Controllers to Show Up? Pay Them