TSA officers are finally receiving their backpay as the shutdown lingers, bringing relief to the nation’s airports.
Frustrating security lines at U.S. airports decreased on Monday as Transportation Security Administration officers began getting paid for their work during the government shutdown. At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a four-hour checkpoint line dwindled to a 10-minute wait, while New York’s LaGuardia Airport experienced longer wait times than usual. However, airports like Baltimore-Washington International and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International saw normal wait times.
After weeks of chaos, there is a glimmer of hope for the aviation system. Travelers are optimistic that the overdue paychecks will reduce security lines and missed flights. It remains uncertain how long it will take for wait times to return to normal, especially with the busy spring break travel season approaching.
TSA workers informed union leadership that they have received some of their back pay, with the rest expected to arrive next week. The American Federation of Government Employees expressed concerns about incorrect backpay amounts, including missing overtime and tax withholdings.
The shutdown not only caused travel delays but also led to warnings of airport closures as TSA employees missing paychecks stopped showing up to work. Despite the delayed paychecks, the union is calling on Congress to fund the entire Department of Homeland Security.
President Trump ordered the immediate payment of TSA officers, aiming to alleviate the airport lines. Democrats are demanding better identification for officers and restrictions on immigration enforcement practices. Progress on Capitol Hill has been slow, with no final agreement reached yet.
TSA workers had been without pay since February, with the DHS shutdown lasting 44 days. Multiple airports experienced high callout rates, leading to increased absenteeism among TSA officers. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were deployed to airports to assist with security as TSA callouts rose.
As TSA employees start receiving their pay, the hope is that normalcy will return to the nation’s airports.
