Pilots and flight attendants are sending free food to air traffic controllers. They're not getting paid during the shutdown.

"Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, told Business Insider on Thursday that airline pilots, flight attendants, and even their Canadian counterparts are buying and delivering free food to air traffic controllers caught in the crosshairs of a government shutdown. Pete LeFevre, a union representative and controller based in Washington, D.C., said his facility received pizzas from the Air Line Pilots Association, a labor union representing over 80,000 pilots. When contacted by Business Insider, ALPA confirmed the gesture, saying the organization has been doing this "almost daily.""

"Social media posts on Thursday show Alaska Airlines pilots sent pizza to the ATC tower at San Francisco International Airport, and Delta Air Lines pilots sent food to every tower and arrivals facilities serving their hubs. The Association of Flight Attendants, a union representing over 50,000 crew members, has also contributed, Daniels said. Teamsters Local 357, a union that represents flight crew at regional carrier Republic Airways, told Business Insider it has been delivering food to controllers in Indianapolis, where the airline is headquartered."

""We have received deliveries on multiple occasions," LeFevre said. "Here we have airline pilots, flight attendants, and companies that are all rallying around their air traffic controllers. Now we just need the government to rally around us, too.""

Airline pilots, flight attendants, and Canadian counterparts are buying and delivering free food to U.S. air traffic controllers working without pay during the government shutdown. Deliveries include pizzas and other meals sent almost daily by unions and airline crews, with examples at San Francisco International Airport and multiple hubs served by Delta pilots. Unions involved include the Air Line Pilots Association, the Association of Flight Attendants, and Teamsters Local 357. Controllers are experiencing financial strain, stress, and fatigue, and some are considering gig work such as driving for Uber to make ends meet. The support demonstrates cross-industry solidarity but underscores the unresolved need for a government solution.

Read at Business Insider