INDIANAPOLIS — Some Transportation Security Administration workers are frustrated, overwhelmed, and calling out sick because they aren’t getting paid.
At least that’s what TSA workers at Indianapolis International Airport have told WISH-TV. They wished to remain anonymous since they say they were told in a “briefing” that they were not allowed to talk about the partial government shutdown.
That statement by their superiors has them fearing for their jobs if they do talk about it.
James Gregory, the TSA’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for Public Affairs, declined to confirm the number of absent employees in Indianapolis. More than 51,000 TSA officers nationwide are expected to work without pay as the federal government remains partially closed.
Reports of workers calling out sick — either in protest or to earn money elsewhere — have been followed by passenger complaints about long lines at major airports including LaGuardia in New York City.
Some travelers, like Joanne Sanders who was flying out of Indianapolis Wednesday, are taking pity on TSA workers. Sanders said they all should be getting paid.
“I have TSA PreCheck so I’m usually in good shape,” said Sanders. “But I’m worried about them. I think they deserve to get paid. I think it’s ludicrous. “
She referenced President Donald Trump’s statements about negotiating with landlords and “making adjustments” to make ends meet during the ongoing shutdown.
“That doesn’t happen in the real world!” Sanders said.
When pressed to explain how they were riding out fear and uncertainty, one agent said he was “focused on the mission” of their work and remained confident “everything will work out.”
The average TSA salary is approximately $38,000.
(PHOTO: Scott Olson/Getty Images)
