The Secretary of Transportation was in New Jersey meeting with air traffic controllers who aren’t getting paid due to the ongoing government shutdown.

As essential workers, air traffic controllers and TSA employees must work through government shutdowns.

After his meeting with controllers, Secretary Sean Duffy stopped by Terminal A at Newark Airport to push for an end to the government shutdown.

Duffy says controllers are worried about mortgage payments and providing for families along with their professional obligation of keeping air travelers safe.

He also cautioned there could be mass flight delays and cancellations if some workers take unpaid sick time to work other jobs

“Now what they think about as they’re controlling our airspace is 'How am I going to pay my mortgage? How do I make my car payment? How do I put food on the table?'” said Duffy.

During previous government shutdowns, air travel has come to a halt due to controllers calling out.

However, through six days of this shutdown, Newark Airport hasn’t suffered any such delays.