The partial U.S. government shutdown, now in its sixth week and primarily affecting Department of Homeland Security funding, is taking a toll on Transportation Security Administration staffing across the country — but TSA officers at Meadows Field in Bakersfield have continued reporting to work without pay.
For the third time in the past six months, TSA officers have been caught up in a shutdown. A CNN report said more than 400 TSA officers have left their jobs nationwide, and thousands are calling out because they cannot afford gas, food or rent. At Meadows Field Airport, however, TSA officers have not stopped working.
“This team has been amazing. We haven’t had a single delay. The lines have been efficient and still short. They’ve done an incredible job without pay over that time period,” said Bill LaManque, the director of Kern County airports.
TSA officers at Meadows Field would not do an on-camera interview. Off camera, one officer said gift cards and donations have been dropped off sporadically and that they are grateful.
LaManque said gift cards and donations can be dropped off at the main checkpoint from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“I really admire their dedication, honestly. It’s a lot to do in service for others, to show up every day even though they’re not getting paid. It’s a testament to them. I feel for them and their families. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be,” said traveler Travis Niemeyer.
About 30 TSA agents work at BFL, and they will get their back pay when the shutdown ends. As for bonuses, one TSA officer said off camera that not all TSA agents were given a bonus as reported in November, but that the bonus went to a subset of employees.
LaManque said he did not want to speculate about what could happen in the future, but said he is disappointed for those working without pay.
“To think back over the last six months, they’ve been through this three times. This is the second really long one, and a shorter one in the middle. They’ve got a lotta grit. I’m really proud of them,” he said.