TSA Officers at Philadelphia Airport Receive Back Pay, But Uncertainty Remains

Payments bring relief, but many questions linger about future paychecks and impact of prolonged shutdown

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:19pm

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A somber, photorealistic painting of a lone TSA officer standing in an empty airport terminal, the warm light and deep shadows creating a melancholic, cinematic mood that reflects the emotional toll of the shutdown on federal workers.The financial strain and uncertainty of the prolonged government shutdown weighs heavily on the dedicated TSA workforce at Philadelphia International Airport.Philadelphia Today

After weeks without pay during the longest federal government shutdown in history, TSA officers at Philadelphia International Airport have started receiving back pay. However, many officers still have concerns, including missing money in their paychecks, being listed as absent without leave, and uncertainty over whether they will continue to be paid moving forward.

Why it matters

The shutdown has taken a major toll on the TSA workforce, with over 500 officers nationwide quitting since the start of the shutdown. The uncertainty and financial strain has weighed heavily on the Philadelphia airport staff, raising concerns about staffing levels and the ability to maintain security screening during a busy spring travel season.

The details

TSA officers at PHL confirmed they started receiving back pay on Monday, covering two of the three paychecks they had missed. However, many reported issues with their checks, including missing money and being listed as absent without leave, which could mean they won't be paid for days missed. With Congress still unable to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security, it's unclear if the officers will continue to be paid after this initial back pay.

  • TSA officers at PHL started receiving back pay on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • The third missed paycheck could be deposited as soon as Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The players

LaShanda Palmer

A 24-year TSA officer and President of the AFGE Local 333 union at PHL.

President Trump

Ordered the Department of Homeland Security to provide TSA employees with the compensation and benefits they would have accrued if not for the government shutdown.

Tom Homan

White House Border Czar, who said ICE agents would remain at airports nationwide until 'airports feel like they are 100%.'

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What they’re saying

“I paid three bills. And it's gone.”

— LaShanda Palmer, TSA Officer, President of AFGE Local 333

“Shame on you for thinking it was OK to go on vacation, to take this break. Shame on you. Thank you for agreeing to give us our back pay. However, you should've also made us whole. You should figure out a way to make us whole. You put us in a situation. Now figure out how to make it right.”

— LaShanda Palmer, TSA Officer, President of AFGE Local 333

What’s next

Congress is currently on a planned two-week recess for Easter, meaning the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history could drag on further. Lawmakers will need to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security, including the TSA, in order to ensure officers continue to be paid.

The takeaway

The prolonged government shutdown has taken a heavy toll on the TSA workforce at Philadelphia International Airport, with officers facing financial hardship, staffing shortages, and uncertainty over their future paychecks. This highlights the broader impact the shutdown has had on federal workers and the need for a timely resolution to provide stability and support for impacted agencies.