A partial government shutdown has caused Philadelphia’s TSA officers to miss three paychecks.
LaShanda Palmer, a TSA officer for 24 years, said the pause in pay is causing the same amount of financial hardships as it would any other person.
“I have a family, I have kids, I have a roof, I have a vehicle outside that still need gas,” she said. “I’m in the same boat as everybody else.”
“This is extremely challenging because I’ve been here for 24 years,” she added. “And in 24 years, I’ve experienced many furloughs, but never none like these under this administration. We’ve never missed a paycheck until this administration.”
Frustration among TSA workers around the country is mounting. Department of homeland security reports the callout rate reached a high on Sunday at almost 12%, with call outs reaching over 20% at PHL this past weekend.
“They call out for no gas. Some people can’t make it over the bridge,” Palmer said. “Some people can’t afford childcare. So childcare isn’t helping. I mean, it’s a lot of things.”
The Trump administration has now deployed ICE agents to help fill the gap to 13 airports around the country, including PHL.
On Monday, agents were seen at the airport, but not actively working security.
Palmer said the presence of ICE agents also has TSA agents worried.
“They’re, they’re afraid, they’re worried. About what? The thought of what can happen with their presence being there,” she said.
Despite the turmoil, an end to the partial government shutdown does not appear to be close in Congress.
In the meantime, several non profits have setup a food pantry at PHL to help TSA officers get through the tough times, while they remain on the job and unpaid.
“But the one time we don’t do our job is the one time that we’re going to take a chance that something comes through,” Palmer said. “We have been very successful nationwide. Every uniform officer who works TSA should be proud of the job they do.”
