The government shutdown is making life incredibly tough for some critical Bay Area federal workers. TSA employees are no longer getting paid, but the bills haven’t stopped.
TSA workers say their recent paycheck was only about half of what it should have been, because they only got paid through September before the government shut down. Now they have no idea when they’ll get paid again.
With 17 no-pay days now on their timesheet, the union says it’s getting harder for many to make ends meet. They say their workers worry they won’t have money to cover rent, childcare and other basic necessities.
Thursday, the Alameda County Food Bank brought groceries to the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK). TSA workers each got a pantry bag, a box of produce and coffee.
“It’s tough. I can understand it. I have a family right here. I’d obviously want to be able to provide and put food on the table, so I don’t know what the solution is,” said Zach O’Leary, an air traveler.
“It’s terrible. No one should have to work for free. Some people are in high spirits. Some people you can tell they’re affected by what’s going on. It’s really unfortunate,” said Ronald Brown, another traveler.
Travelers say they feel for the workers and appreciate all they do.
“They’re here, they’re showing up. They’re making sure that we’re safe here in our country. They’re making sure that everyone is getting through. They’re doing their job,” said Ronald Brown.
“It’s really hard to go to work every day and not get paid. I’m sure they could stay home and sit on the couch and at least if we’re not getting paid, we might as well stay here,” said Carley Nelson.
The union says their workers are professionals and understand the important role they play but admit it’s getting harder.
James Mudrock, the president of AFGE Local 1230, the local union that represents TSA officers in Northern California, sat down with NBC Bay Area’s Jessica Aguirre to talk about the impacts of the government shutdown on TSA workers.
The Federal Transportation Secretary recently noted a jump in sick calls among air traffic controllers around the nations.
The union continues urging workers to keep showing up amidst increasing concerns that the unpaid employees will start calling out for shifts.
The TSA issued a statement saying their agency hasn’t experienced any delays in operations due to sick calls.