Air traffic controllers say they want their minds on the sky, not missing paychecks, as federal shutdown rolls on

WINDSOR LOCKS, Connecticut – The people who manage air traffic over southern New England are going without pay. They plan to help travelers understand how that feels.

On Tuesday, on what would normally be payday for them, air traffic controllers will be visible in the passenger terminals at Boston Logan International Airport handing out leaflets and making their case to the traveling public, said Kevin Curtiss, regional vice president of the New England chapter of NATCA , the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

There are 560 FAA air traffic controllers across New England, including about 45 air traffic controllers/trainees and safety professionals in two facilities at Bradley International Airport.

Unless something changes drastically, each one will get zero-dollar paychec