Donald Trump’s imposition of the shutdown has spread fear among the public, as many are uncertain about the changes it may bring. From veterans getting reduced financial support to the question of immigration status before delivering emergency healthcare, there are a lot of gray areas that the widespread period of shutdown has yet to answer. And now, to add on to the list, the TSA officers posted at the Lauderdale Airport are still awaiting the status update on their delayed paychecks, as a result of all that has been going on.
By day two of the federal shutdown, TSA officers found themselves in a difficult position, having continued to work without pay. Despite their profession being considered as essential services, which means that although not getting their salaries, they must be present on the job and continue their work, irrespective of any shutdown restrictions being imposed. One of the most important services to the country, these employees are witnessing a big question mark in their work positions, now that there is a big uncertainty over when the monetary compensation will be regularized for them.
According to one passenger, Charlie Evans, who recently was passing through the Fort Lauderdale airport on his way to JFK and then onto an international flight, expressed his fear about what is next to be expected out of the shutdown policies that are now being imposed. Evans highlighted the possibility of fewer TSA staff showing up for work as well as fewer flyers, in apprehension of the regulations due to the shutdown. He said, “I hate long lines, but I also hate the fact that people have to not show up because of this shutdown.”
Beyond delayed payments, there is also a looming fear of massive layoffs that could affect many federal employees. As Congress makes a last-ditch effort to strike a deal with the White House, many federal employees lie awake at night fearing they could lose their jobs the very next day. According to TSA union representative John Hubert, “It’s terrifying for the federal workforce. People will be making sacrifices. Some can’t pay rent. In survival mode.”
Amid the scare of insufficient funds to cover basic expenses in the lives of the TSA employees, there are also considerable doubts over their ability to even procure substantial amounts of food for themselves and their families. As a result, local food banks are being connected prematurely enough to help the TSA officers and their families in the worst-case scenario of not having any food. Hubert further anticipates that this shutdown by the government is likely to continue for a minimum of two weeks, which will make things more challenging for the TSA workforce. He mentioned, “This shutdown could go on for at least two weeks. People will work till they can’t.”
