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.

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

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities