Atlanta TSA Workers Speak Out After First Payless Weekend

Union leaders call on Congress to act as spring break travel strains staffing

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:04pm

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Union leaders representing TSA workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are speaking out on Monday after federal aviation workers missed their first full paycheck due to a Department of Homeland Security funding lapse. With spring break travel picking up, workers are showing up without knowing when they will be paid and are also managing increased passenger volume. According to the U.S. Transportation Secretary, 300 TSA workers have quit their jobs during the shutdown period.

Why it matters

The funding lapse and resulting missed paychecks for TSA workers at the world's busiest airport are causing staffing shortages and long wait times for passengers just as spring break travel season begins. This highlights the impact of political gridlock on critical public services and the need for Congress to find a solution.

The details

Over the weekend, federal aviation workers missed their first full paycheck due to the Department of Homeland Security funding lapse. Union leaders with AFGE Local 554 say workers are showing up without knowing when they will be paid and are also managing increased passenger volume. On Monday morning, wait times at the Atlanta airport crept up to 105 minutes. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported that 300 TSA workers have quit their jobs during the shutdown period.

  • Over the weekend, federal aviation workers missed their first full paycheck.
  • On Monday morning, wait times at the Atlanta airport crept up to 105 minutes.

The players

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 554

The union representing TSA workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Sean Duffy

U.S. Transportation Secretary who reported that 300 TSA workers have quit their jobs during the shutdown period.

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What’s next

Union leaders are expected to hold a press conference on Monday to discuss the impact of the funding lapse on TSA workers and call on Congress to find a solution.

The takeaway

The missed paychecks and staffing shortages at the Atlanta airport highlight the real-world consequences of political gridlock, underscoring the need for Congress to quickly resolve the funding lapse to ensure the continued operation of critical public services like airport security.