TSA Absences Increase as Government Shutdown Reaches 30 Days
As the partial government shutdown enters its 30th day, the Trump administration has reported that just over 10% of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security officers did not show up for work on Sunday. This is significantly higher than the typical absentee rate of under 2%.
The shutdown, which began on December 22, 2018, has forced 50,000 TSA workers to continue working without pay. This has caused disruptions in travel and prompted CEOs of major airlines to speak out and call for a quick resolution.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the rates of workers not showing up for work have been around 20% in cities like Atlanta, New York JFK, and Houston since February 14, when funding expired. The DHS also reported that 366 TSA officers have left their jobs during the shutdown.
The increase in absences has resulted in longer wait times for travelers, with some experiencing two-hour lines at security checkpoints. This has led to a call for action from the CEOs of American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Air, and others. In a joint statement, they urged Congress to quickly end the standoff, citing the impact on travelers during the busy spring break travel season.
In an effort to resolve the shutdown, the White House held a call with travel industry officials on Monday, including Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu. The group declined to comment on the details of the call.
This is not the first time air travel has been affected by a government shutdown. Last fall, a 43-day shutdown resulted in widespread flight disruptions and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a 10% reduction in flights at major airports. The CEOs of major U. S. airlines expressed frustration, stating that air travel should not be used as a political bargaining chip.
Despite efforts from both parties, a deal to fund the TSA was not reached last Thursday. The shutdown began after Congress failed to come to an agreement on immigration enforcement reforms demanded by Democrats.
As the spring travel season approaches, airlines are expecting record-breaking numbers of passengers, with an estimated 171 million people expected to fly, which is a 4% increase from last year. In response to the shutdown, some airports have closed certain security checkpoints and others are raising funds to help TSA workers who are going without pay to purchase essential items like food.
In conclusion, as the government shutdown continues, the effects are being felt in the travel industry, with increased absentee rates and longer wait times for travelers. The call for a quick resolution from airline CEOs highlights the urgency of the situation and the impact it is having on both workers and travelers.