Government Shut Down Impacts Airport Security as TSA Call Outs Continue

Government Shut Down Impacts Airport Security as TSA Call Outs Continue

The government shut down is forcing some TSA agents to call in sick as they continue to go unpaid for the work they do.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Jan 08, 2019

The government shut down is entering its 18th day, the longest government shut down in history. While most are able to move on with their daily lives, unaffected, there are others who are working without pay for the foreseeable future, including TSA agents.

A CNN report brought light to a larger than normal amount of call outs at John F. Kennedy Airport. Over 170 TSA agents called in sick to work, some not being able to afford the commute, others not understanding why they have to continue to work without pay.

"They can't continue," Sen. Chuck Schumer said on Sunday. "They can't get to work and they're not getting paid. That means longer lines at the airport, that means delayed flights at the airports and that puts a crimp on our New York Economy, which depends on people flying in and out."

As a result of the report indicating mass amounts of TSA agents are calling in sick, more and more travelers are flocking to the airports early to get through security, resulting in even more traffic at the checkpoints.

A statement published on TSA's official Twitter account on Sunday stated that despite the 170 and counting agents calling in sick, efforts to secure the airport had not been compromised.

"Calls out began over the Holiday period and have increased, but are causing minimal impact given there are 51,739 employees supporting the screening process," the statement read. "Security effectiveness will not be compromised and performance standards will not change. Wait times may be affected department on the number of call outs. To date, however, screening wait times remain well within TSA standards."

TSA confirmed that in the midst of the call outs on Sunday, over 2.2 million passengers were screened nationally and 99.8 percent of those passengers waited less than 30 minutes to get through security. Ninty percent of the passengers made it through security in less than 15 minutes.

"TSA is grateful to the agents who show up to work, remain focused on the mission and respectful to the traveling public as they continue the important work necessary to secure the nation's transportation systems," the statement said.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Brivo, Eagle Eye Networks Merge

    Dean Drako, Chairman of Brivo, the leading global provider of cloud-native access control and smart space technologies, and Founder of Eagle Eye Networks, the global leader in cloud AI video surveillance, today announced the two companies will merge, creating the world’s largest AI cloud-native physical security company. The merged company will operate under the Brivo name and deliver a truly unified cloud-native security platform. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.