FAA Layoffs Begin as Hundreds of Workers Get Termination Notices

Why Are FAA Workers Being Fired?

The administration has prioritized cutting federal workforce numbers, particularly targeting probationary employees—workers employed for less than a year—who have fewer job protections and limited appeal rights.

More than 200,000 federal employees fall into this category, and Trump’s government efficiency team (DOGE) has ordered agencies to push forward with firings as part of a broader federal workforce shake-up.

“Staffing decisions should be based on an agency’s mission-critical needs. To do otherwise is dangerous when it comes to public safety.” — David Spero, National President of PASS

Aviation Safety Concerns Grow

The FAA already faces a staffing crisis—with shortages of air traffic controllers and outdated infrastructure. The recent DC midair collision, which killed 67 people, highlighted vulnerabilities in the system. Days later, a critical flight alert system failure forced pilots to rely on backups, further exposing weaknesses in aviation safety.

While air traffic controllers are not included in these layoffs, removing technicians responsible for maintaining safety infrastructure raises serious concerns about flight safety in the U.S.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the administration was working with DOGE and Elon Musk to implement upgrades to the air traffic control system. However, Musk’s involvement has been met with skepticism from aviation experts.

What’s Next for the FAA?

With probationary workers losing their jobs, federal workforce morale is at an all-time low, and unions are preparing legal challenges to fight the terminations.

For now, the question remains—will these sweeping layoffs improve government efficiency, or are they putting public safety at risk?

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.