TSA agents are missing out a full paycheck this weekend due to the partial gov' shutdown
TSA agents could start to call out, which would in turn create hours long lines at airports. Mass callouts in New Orleans and Houston had travelers waiting three to four hours to get through security checkpoints.
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The lack of pay from the federal government is not only harming TSA employees and their families but it could also affect air travelers if agents retaliate with mass call outs.
It's been seen in Houston and New Orleans, where the lack of staff created three and four hour long lines.
At Newark Airport on Friday, people headed to checkpoints were checking on TSA wait times along with flight times in order to know how early to get in line.
“Oh yeah, I’m paying attention to it. Absolutely. I have an app on it the whole 9 yards I’m following Newark Airport App. I haven’t had a problem here. I hope it stays this way but I also hope they get paid soon," said Susan Powell.
Another traveler flying into Newark from Miami didn't know about the lack of pay for these workers and couldn't tell from the work of TSA agents he encountered.
"They weren’t complaining, so they’re doing a good job being professional about it. But I had no clue. So I hope they find a solution," said Francisco Reyes.
During their last pay period, TSA agents were received only 25% of the money they were owed. This time they'll be losing their full pay.
News 12 learned that some of these employees are being forced to dip into 401 (k) savings to pay for rent or mortgages, while others are picking up second jobs and accepting donations of groceries.
Members of Congress have be debating over immigration reform which has caused Homeland Security and TSA employees to lose federal funding.
TSA agents are technically essential workers and not allowed to take off, even when not getting paid.
