Over 10% of Airport Security Officers Missed Work During Shutdown

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The Trump administration reported that just over 10% of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security officers did not show up for work on Sunday, as the partial government shutdown stretched into its 30th day. Typically, less than 2% of TSA workers call in sick or miss work, but the shutdown has led to a spike in absences, with rates over 50% in Houston and over 30% in New Orleans and Atlanta. The CEOs of major U.S. airlines have urged Congress to quickly resolve the standoff, as the travel industry is being disrupted and spring break travel is in full swing.

Why it matters

The high rate of TSA officer absences during the government shutdown is causing significant disruptions to air travel, with travelers facing long lines and delays at security checkpoints. This is impacting the travel industry during a peak season, and raises concerns about the ability of the TSA to effectively screen passengers and maintain security at airports.

The details

The partial government shutdown has forced 50,000 TSA officers to work without pay. The Homeland Security Department reported that 366 TSA officers have left their jobs during the shutdown. Some airports have closed security checkpoints and are working to raise money to help TSA workers buy food and other essentials as they go without pay.

• On Sunday, just over 10% of TSA officers did not show up for work.
• Since February 14, when funding expired, the rates for TSA officers not showing up for work have been about 20% in Atlanta, New York JFK, and Houston.
• On Sunday and Monday, absences spiked over 50% in Houston and over 30% in New Orleans and Atlanta.

What’s next

The White House held a call on Monday with travel industry officials, including Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu, as they push for an end to the standoff. Senators from both parties failed on Thursday in competing efforts to fund the TSA.