TSA Workers Without Pay Face Rising Absences as Shutdown Hits Airports

The federal government shutdown has left many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers unpaid for an entire month. As a result, roughly ten percent of TSA personnel skip work each day.

Spike in Absenteeism

On Tuesday, the situation worsened dramatically.

• At New York JFK, Pittsburgh, and Houston‑Bush airports, about thirty percent of officers were absent.
• At Houston‑Hobby, the absence rate jumped to forty percent.

Normally, TSA staff call in sick or miss work at a rate below two percent. However, on that Tuesday the spike hit an unprecedented ten point two percent, according to Homeland Security officials. Since the shutdown began, 366 officers have resigned.

Consequences and Responses

• Some airports are cutting back on security checks.
• Others are raising funds to help officers purchase food and supplies while they await payment.

A TSA leader warned that if this trend continues, smaller airports might have to close entirely due to a lack of security staff.

Background

The shutdown began on February 13, after Congress failed to agree on immigration reform. The pause has already slowed travel for many passengers, and airlines are concerned about the busy spring season when a record number of travelers will fly. CEOs of major airlines have urged Congress to end the shutdown quickly.

Takeaway

The disruption underscores how politics can severely impact air travel. When flights are cut or delayed, passengers may face long waits in line. The TSA’s staffing crisis highlights the critical importance of paid work for maintaining airport safety and efficiency.