By Mitesh
As the United States approaches a potential government shutdown just days before an anticipated surge in Thanksgiving holiday travel, concerns arise about the impact on transportation services. If Congress fails to pass a new funding bill by Saturday, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers may find themselves working without pay during one of the busiest travel seasons.
In past government shutdowns, mandatory overtime and staffing shortages have strained the air travel workforce, with TSA officers and air traffic controllers already stretched thin. The financial uncertainty of not receiving pay further exacerbates the situation, potentially leading to increased absenteeism, flight delays, and lengthy security lines during the holiday rush.
The looming shutdown comes at a time when the air travel industry is grappling with staffing shortages and record numbers of passengers. The strain on the system may make it challenging for some workers to afford necessary childcare and transportation, possibly forcing others to seek additional employment.
Concerns about the mental well-being of employees are growing, with the union representing TSA workers expressing worry about the impact on their members. Johnny Jones, a transportation security officer at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, emphasized the primary concern among employees is the uncertainty surrounding their next paycheck.
The TSA anticipates a surge in travelers over the Thanksgiving holiday, with the Sunday after Thanksgiving expected to be the busiest day, hosting a record 3 million passengers. The current situation raises apprehensions about potential disruptions in air travel during this critical period.
Efforts to avert the shutdown include House Republicans proposing a short-term budget, but with limited time before the deadline, the margin for error is slim. The financial strain on the air travel workforce could be significant, with potential consequences for both employees and travelers.
During the last government shutdown in 2018, increased absenteeism among TSA officers led to longer security screening lines, and the overall absentee rate among airport screeners reached 10%, compared to the usual 3%. The Biden administration, along with TSA Administrator David Pekoske, has been warning about the toll a shutdown could take on employees and its ripple effect on travelers.
Amid concerns of a shutdown, past experiences highlight potential challenges for air travel, such as delays and disruptions in the Northeast due to increased sickouts among air traffic controllers. The current situation, with an already understaffed air traffic control system, raises fears of a more immediate and severe impact on air travel.
While federal law prohibits FAA and TSA employees from striking or organizing sickouts, individual employees have the option to call out sick. The effects may also extend to rail travel, with some Federal Railroad Administration personnel possibly facing furloughs.
In the event of a shutdown, federal workers will continue to receive their scheduled paychecks until Saturday. However, any further pay will be contingent on the approval of a new budget by Congress. Historically, during past shutdowns, Congress has allocated back pay to compensate federal employees for the duration they went without receiving their wages.
To voice their concerns, TSA workers and union leaders held a rally outside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, urging Congress to take action and prevent a shutdown. The uncertainty surrounding the situation has sparked debates about the ethics of risking the livelihoods of essential workers during the holiday season.
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