TSA Workers at Harry Reid Airport Struggle Without Pay as Callouts Rise Nationwide

Shutdown marks the third time in recent months that TSA employees have gone without paychecks.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:35am

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TSA workers at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas have been working without pay for over a month as a Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues. Nationwide, TSA is seeing up to 10% of workers calling out, well above the normal 2-4% rate. While some travelers have reported smooth experiences, others have faced longer lines and delays. A union representative says workers are increasingly worried about basic household needs like food and gas as the shutdown drags on.

Why it matters

The ongoing government shutdown is having a significant impact on TSA workers, who are essential to airport security and operations. The high callout rates are causing disruptions and delays at airports across the country, raising concerns about public safety and the ability of the transportation system to function effectively.

The details

TSA workers at Harry Reid International Airport have been working without pay for over a month as the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues. Nationwide, TSA is seeing up to 10% of workers calling out, well above the normal 2-4% rate. While some travelers have reported smooth experiences getting through security, others have faced longer lines and delays of 10-15 minutes. A union representative says workers are increasingly worried about paying for basic household needs like food and gas as the shutdown drags on.

  • The Department of Homeland Security shutdown began more than a month ago.
  • This is the third government shutdown to affect TSA workers since November.

The players

Harry Reid International Airport

An international airport serving the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Keith White

The Assistant Director of Political Affairs for the State of Nevada, AFGE Union, which represents TSA workers.

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What they’re saying

“After the first week, employees were worried about paying their major bills. After the second to third week, employees no longer are worried about their major bills. Now they're just worried about basic, common, everyday household needs as far as food, as far as gas.”

— Keith White, Assistant Director of Political Affairs, AFGE Union

“Out of all of the employees that we choose not to pay, we choose not to pay TSA, which I think is absolutely insane. These are the employees that keep the airway safe, which we have done for 25 years.”

— Keith White, Assistant Director of Political Affairs, AFGE Union

What’s next

The union is hoping for more donated items, including household supplies, baby diapers, formula and other necessities, to help TSA workers get by during the shutdown. Companies and organizations interested in donating can coordinate drop-offs through the Airport Control Center.

The takeaway

The ongoing government shutdown is having a severe impact on TSA workers, who are essential to airport security and operations. The high callout rates are causing disruptions and delays at airports across the country, raising concerns about public safety and the ability of the transportation system to function effectively. This situation highlights the need for a more reliable and sustainable funding mechanism for critical government services.