NEWARK, Oct 6 (Reuters) - U.S. Transportation Secretary

Sean Duffy said the government has seen a slight "tick up" in

sick calls by air traffic controllers in certain areas since a

government shutdown began last week.

"We had a slight tick up in sick calls," Duffy said at a

press conference at the Newark Airport on Monday. "Then you'll

see delays that come from that... If we have additional sick

calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate that's

safe for the American people."