Record Number of T.S.A. Employees Called Out on Friday
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The Trump administration is attempting to bypass Congress to restore pay for TSA airport safety screeners who have missed two paychecks due to the partial government shutdown.
- On Friday, more TSA employees called out of work than any other day during the shutdown, with over 3,560 absences, representing more than 12% of the workforce.
- The shutdown, triggered by a lapse in Department of Homeland Security funding over ICE reform disputes, has forced TSA workers to work without pay, leading to thousands calling out and over 500 quitting.
- Staffing shortages have caused significant delays at airport security lines, with wait times stretching for hours, lines extending outside terminals, and travelers missing flights.
- The Department of Homeland Security highlights that many TSA officers are unable to afford basic necessities such as gas, child care, food, or rent, contributing to the high absenteeism and resignations.
