CHICAGO (WGN) – On Tuesday, a group of air traffic controllers at O’Hare International Airport assembled to spotlight the dangers and staffing challenges caused by the ongoing government shutdown.

The controllers launched an informational campaign at the airport, distributing flyers and urging Congress alongside President Trump to approve a budget and bring the shutdown to a close.

Marking the sixth government shutdown since 1990, past instances have seen employees receiving back pay. Yet, the air traffic controllers argue that an IOU is not a sufficient solution.

“We are professionals committed to our work, ensuring we fulfill our duties effectively,” said Peter LeFevre, an air traffic controller. “However, when paychecks are withheld, it inevitably introduces a level of stress we all have to manage.”

Air traffic controllers play a crucial role daily, overseeing tens of thousands of flights nationwide.

Chicago’s airports alone have nearly 3,000 daily takeoffs and landings.

“We will never jeopardize safety. We just want an end to the government shutdown,” LeFevre said.

Air traffic controllers also said they’re woefully understaffed at 10,800 right now, as a fully staffed group would be closer to 14,000.

“We’re in uncharted waters,” Joe Schwieterman, DePaul University professor and transportation expert, said. “So just losing a few people can trigger these changes and that leads to added spacing between flights. That could lead to some big delays here.”

For airline workers, the delays on the ground at Capitol Hill are unacceptable.

“This is crazy,” Capt. Jason Ambrosi with Air Line Pilots Association, International said. “We send lawmakers to DC to do their jobs, fund the government, end the shutdown and get folks back to work. Get these folks paid.”

For some passengers, it’s another potential frustration for flying.

“How do you keep planes in the sky when you don’t have air traffic control?” one passenger said. “It’s a super stressful job. Trying to control the planes on the tarmac, coming in the air, landing, taking off. It sucks that they’re not being paid to do their jobs and it sucks.”

The Air Traffic Controllers Association said if the shutdown does not end, the next paycheck they would expect on Oct. 28 will not be there.