[mariuolo]

I'm no expert and as European I have no horse in this race, but couldn't the lack of a paycheck be actually contributing to the stress and resulting inability to work?

ATCs are responsible for the lives of many in the air and a mistake could result in a disaster and possibly criminal charges.

[R_D_Olivaw]

Now, you see... The issue here is that you're bringing logic across the pond.

The States is currently running sans logic and mostly on anger and emotion. So, no. ATCs are simply being lazy, or gaming the system, or are all secretly Democrats probably. /s