TSA Agents at Logan Airport Go Unpaid During Shutdown

Partial government shutdown leaves TSA workers without paychecks, raising concerns about travel disruptions and public safety.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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TSA agents at Boston's Logan Airport are not receiving paychecks during the ongoing partial government shutdown, leading to concerns about staffing levels, longer security lines, and potential public safety issues. The shutdown is impacting the morale of TSA workers who are required to report to work without pay, and union representatives warn that the financial strain could force some agents to make "hard choices" that distract from their aviation security duties.

Why it matters

The TSA plays a critical role in maintaining public safety and security at major airports like Logan. Disruptions to TSA staffing and operations due to the shutdown could have significant impacts on travel, potentially leading to longer wait times, heightened security risks, and broader economic consequences if travelers are deterred from flying.

The details

TSA agents at Logan Airport received a partial paycheck on Friday, but that will be the last money they see until the government shutdown is resolved. This comes just a few months after the 43-day government shutdown last year, which also left TSA workers unpaid. Union representatives say the financial strain is impacting agent morale and could force some to make difficult personal choices that distract from their aviation security duties. The Department of Homeland Security is also suspending the Global Entry program due to the funding lapse.

  • TSA agents received a partial paycheck on Friday, January 27, 2026.
  • The current partial government shutdown began on January 20, 2026.

The players

Mandy Lisco

A Logan Airport traveler who believes TSA workers deserve to be paid for their critical work.

Mike Gayzagian

President of the union representing TSA workers across New England, who says the shutdown is impacting agent morale and could lead to staffing issues and public safety concerns.

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What they’re saying

“TSA workers especially, I think, do so much for us, especially because travel doesn't slow down.”

— Mandy Lisco, Logan Airport Traveler (cbsnews.com)

“We don't Want to be used as political leverage. That's been said multiple times, that that's what's happening.”

— Mike Gayzagian, President, TSA Workers Union (cbsnews.com)

“They have to report to work regardless of the shutdown situation. And so those who can will, but obviously there's going to be some kind of a limit as to how much people can take in terms of, you know, their finances and they'll have to start making hard choices as to what they're going to do next.”

— Mike Gayzagian, President, TSA Workers Union (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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