U.S. AIRPORTS — Delta Air Lines temporarily suspended expedited airport services for members of Congress during the federal government shutdown. The airline cited impacts on resources from the government shutdown as the reason for suspending congressional services.
Members of Congress typically receive expedited screening, airport escorts to bypass security lines, and dedicated reservation desks that allow last-minute changes. TSA workers missed their third pay period without a paycheck after funding for parts of the Department of Homeland Security was halted due to an impasse between the White House and Congress over immigration enforcement and voting policies.
Several airports have experienced security lines that snake through check-in areas and take travelers more than four hours to clear. As of Monday, 10.93% of TSA employees nationwide had called in sick or notified employers they could not work their scheduled shifts. At Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, the TSA callout rate was 40.3% as of Monday. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the TSA callout rate was 37.4% as of Monday.
On Monday, the administration deployed ICE agents to several airports to perform security tasks, allowing TSA agents to focus on screenings. Airports, unions and charities have held food drives, meals and collections for TSA workers.
"People are not quitting the job because they want to quit the job. They love the job. They aren't showing up to work because they have no choice," said Hydrick Thomas, President of AFGTSA Council 100.
Johnny Jones, an AFGE council member, said employees have contended with on-and-off shutdowns for months. Employees told the union they have incurred about $75 per day in late rent fees for apartments and other fees for car loans. TSA employees reported they have been unable to pay bills and feed their families because they have not been paid.
"Don't even think about going home for Easter recess while tens of thousands of American families are going without paychecks," said Everett Kelley, AFGE national president. Everett Kelley said the administration sent ICE agents to airports as replacement workers instead of addressing pay for transportation officers.
Employees reported they have been charged bank fees when payments cannot be automatically processed from their accounts. Johnny Jones said employees reported that back pay after the previous shutdown did not cover the fees they incurred.