TSA Employees at PDX Demand End to Government Shutdown

Workers gather outside airport, say they're stressed, frustrated, and considering quitting over lack of pay

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:53pm by

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A fractured, overlapping geometric painting of a TSA security checkpoint, with the image repeated and distorted in waves of muted blues, greys, and greens to convey a sense of motion and disruption.The growing frustration and financial strain on TSA workers during the government shutdown is reflected in this fractured, abstract illustration.Portland Today

TSA employees at Portland International Airport gathered on Monday morning to demand an end to the ongoing government shutdown. The workers are frustrated over the lack of pay and uncertainty, with some considering quitting their jobs. The demonstration was timed to coincide with lawmakers returning to Washington, D.C. after the Easter recess, and the employees are hoping to get their message across to travelers and urge them to contact their representatives.

Why it matters

The government shutdown has had a significant impact on TSA workers, who are required to work without pay. This has led to increased stress, financial hardship, and even the possibility of employees leaving their jobs, which could further disrupt airport operations and travel. The Portland protest is part of a broader effort by TSA workers across the country to demand a resolution to the shutdown.

The details

TSA employees gathered outside Portland International Airport on Monday morning to protest the ongoing government shutdown. The workers are demanding that lawmakers pass a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA. While President Trump has issued an executive order to provide backpay to TSA employees, workers say another pay period is coming up with more uncertainty. Some employees have had to rely on a food pantry at the airport, and there are concerns that people may quit their jobs due to the financial stress.

  • The demonstration was planned for the same day lawmakers are heading back to Washington, D.C. after the Easter recess.
  • The protest was scheduled to last until 9 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The players

TSA Employees

Transportation Security Administration workers at Portland International Airport who are protesting the government shutdown and demanding an end to the impasse.

President Donald Trump

The President who issued an executive order to provide backpay to TSA employees, but workers say this is not enough to address the ongoing financial hardship.

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What they’re saying

“They have a food pantry here, so people are accessing the food pantry. There's been donations of gift cards, but that's not enough, of course, to pay the rent. So people are stressed, they're frustrated, angry that this goes on. There was one last November. You know, there's talk of people looking for other jobs, quitting. It's not as bad here at PDX as some of the reports nationally, but people are still fed up of working hard, coming in at 4 in the morning and working for 10 hours and not getting paid.”

— A TSA Employee

What’s next

Lawmakers are expected to return to Washington, D.C. this week and continue negotiations to end the government shutdown. TSA workers in Portland and across the country will likely continue to protest and pressure their representatives to find a resolution.

The takeaway

The ongoing government shutdown is taking a significant toll on TSA workers, who are required to work without pay. This has led to increased stress, financial hardship, and the possibility of employees leaving their jobs, which could further disrupt airport operations and travel. The protest in Portland is part of a broader effort by TSA workers to demand an end to the impasse and ensure they are properly compensated for their essential work.