TSA workers want a permanent solution to shutdowns stopping their pay
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Multiple bipartisan bills have been repeatedly introduced in Congress since 2019 to guarantee pay for air traffic controllers and TSA agents during government shutdowns, but none have been passed into law.
- Shutdowns, including the record 43-day lapse last fall, have caused significant disruptions at airports, with unpaid aviation workers facing financial hardship and staffing shortages impacting flight safety and security.
- Labor unions, airline and airport industry groups have intensified pressure on lawmakers to pass legislation like the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and Keep America Flying Act to protect essential aviation workers' pay.
- Despite broad support and public outcry, political gridlock and short public memory after shutdowns have hindered progress, leaving essential federal aviation employees vulnerable to future funding lapses.
- Experts warn that without guaranteed pay protections, ongoing shutdowns risk increased absenteeism, lower morale, and retention problems among critical aviation workers, threatening the safety and efficiency of U.S. air travel.
