Air traffic controllers who had perfect attendance during the government shutdown that caused weeks of strain on the system and forced flight cancellations will receive a $10,000 bonus, the Federal Aviation Administration announced.

The bonuses will go to 776 air traffic controllers and technicians, just a fraction of those who worked without pay, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford announced on Nov. 20. The payments will go out no later than Dec. 9, they said.

"Santa’s coming to town a little early," Duffy said in a social media post. "776 patriotic men and women will get $10K checks, just in time for Christmas."

Air traffic controllers were among the essential government employees who continued to work without pay during the record-breaking 43-day shutdown. Some 13,000 controllers worked without pay, adding to the strain of an already overworked staff. Many failed to show up to work as they looked for other jobs to make ends meet.

As the shutdown stretched on and staffing shortages piled up, the FAA ordered a reduction of flights at 40 major U.S. airports, which was reversed after the shutdown ended.

President Donald Trump proposed the bonuses to air traffic controllers who continued to work during the shutdown in a social media post on Nov. 10, also threatening to dock pay for those who didn't show up.

"All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!” Trump said in a post.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Big bonus for air traffic controllers who worked through shutdown

Reporting by Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect