For nearly three weeks, about 60,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers and air traffic controllers have been working without pay because of the ongoing government shutdown. These essential workers, who keep airports safe and air traffic running smoothly across the U.S., last received partial paychecks in mid-October. Many now face tough choices, such as borrowing money or taking second jobs to make ends meet.
Neal Gosman, a TSA officer and union treasurer in Minnesota, shared that his last paycheck was only about 60% of his usual pay, while some of his coworkers received as little as six dollars. Many are considering gig economy jobs like Uber or DoorDash to cover basic needs like food and childcare. Nick Daniels, head of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said controllers will soon get pay stubs showing no upcoming wages and are already struggling to provide for their families.
At the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, officials are stepping in to help by offering nonperishable food to federal employees, following similar efforts in the 2018-2019 shutdown. If the shutdown continues into November, they plan to provide boxed lunches as well. Still, for many workers, this support won’t be enough. A TSA officer at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, who asked to remain anonymous, plans to take out a $3,000 loan to keep up with rent and car payments.
The last extended shutdown in 2019, which lasted 35 days, saw a spike in sick calls from TSA staff and controllers. That slowdown caused long waits at airport checkpoints and forced some places like New York to reduce air traffic. Currently, many worry that a repeat of those disruptions could happen again if the shutdown continues.
The Transportation Department has shared guidelines for those who want to help TSA workers. Donations of food, clothing, and other essentials are welcomed, but cash is not—plus, donations should not be made at checkpoints to avoid security issues.
The shutdown is the result of a standoff in Congress. Republicans have the majority in both the House and Senate but need at least seven Democratic votes to pass a funding bill. Democrats are pushing for expanded healthcare subsidies for people who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act. A new vote on funding is expected soon, offering a chance to end the shutdown.
Meanwhile, TSA workers hear little from lawmakers. “It’s frustrating,” said a TSA officer from Ohio. “Why is my paycheck a political game?” As the days go on, more of these frontline workers are feeling the strain, hoping for a quick end so they can get back to focusing on passenger safety—not bills.