TSA Agents Required to Provide Doctor's Notes During Shutdown

Union representatives say the policy forces workers to pay for doctor visits for minor illnesses.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Transportation Security Administration officers who call out sick for a single day during the partial government shutdown can be disciplined if they don't provide a doctor's note documenting their illness. Union representatives say the policy seems designed to pressure workers not to take absences while they continue to work without being paid.

Why it matters

The new sick note policy is putting financial strain on TSA workers who are already struggling due to the government shutdown, as they are forced to pay for doctor visits just to justify taking a single sick day. This could lead to increased safety risks at airports if workers feel pressured to come in while ill.

The details

According to a March 5 guidance memo, TSA said that if a worker was sick for three days or less during the shutdown, management could require them to provide a signed and dated doctor's note stating that the employee was 'incapacitated' during the absence. An illness-related absence any longer than that could require more documentation. Union representatives say this policy is a departure from normal times, when workers can 'self-certify' their illness for up to three days.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
  • Workers will miss their entire paychecks for the first time since the shutdown began on Friday.

The players

American Federation of Government Employees

The union representing TSA workers.

Department of Homeland Security

The agency that includes the TSA, which has not been funded for 25 days due to the government shutdown.

Joe Shuker

Regional vice president at the American Federation of Government Employees and recently retired TSA agent at the Philadelphia airport.

Cameron Cochems

A union representative and TSA agent in Boise, Idaho.

George Borek

A AFGE union steward and TSA officer at Atlanta airport.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't know of any [workplace] that has you bringing a note after one callout. They're forcing these people to go to the doctor and pay $40 for a copay. They're creating bigger problems for us.”

— Joe Shuker, Regional vice president at the American Federation of Government Employees and recently retired TSA agent at the Philadelphia airport (HuffPost)

“That's just another way the agency is, I would say, intimidating people to not call out.”

— Cameron Cochems, Union representative and TSA agent in Boise, Idaho (HuffPost)

“Operationally, we're nowhere near where we should be. This is survival of the fittest right now. People are trying to not lose their apartments and cars, and to put food on the table. They don't have the money for child care. It's a vicious circle.”

— George Borek, AFGE union steward and TSA officer at Atlanta airport (HuffPost)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.