Airport security lines grow as TSA agents continue working without pay

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – TSA agents have missed almost two paychecks since Congress has been at a stalemate on funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Most agents are still showing up to work without pay. Some passengers are dealing with long wait times for screening because hundreds of agents are quitting and calling out while travel picks up for spring break.

“It’s upon us…you might want to bring a lawn chair or a cot, because you’re gonna be there for a while.” Tonia Crocker, TSA Agent at Charlotte Douglas said.

Crocker is one of 61,000 TSA agents that have been working without pay since a partial shutdown started February 14th. Congress is divided over funding the Department of Homeland Security because of controversy surrounding immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, ICE agents are still getting paid.

“I have co workers that are facing, you know, eviction, foreclosure,” Crocker said. “Give us something, you know, that’s what we ask, and give us something. We need something to make it,” Crocker said.

Crocker says the federal government sent a letter to TSA employees to share with creditors asking them to give grace to workers impacted by the shutdown but she says that’s not enough.

“They don’t want to see that. Just like we want our money, they want their money. So it’s rough. It’s really rough,” Crocker said.

Charlotte Douglas is not among the cities with the highest call out rates for TSA. But airports like Atlanta and Houston Hobby are seeing long lines.

In a statement Lauren Bis, acting DHS assistant secretary said, Now, 366 TSA officers have left the force. Because of this DHS shutdown, Americans are facing hours long waits at airports across the country. Democrats must reopen DHS now.”

Crocker has been working for TSA for 11 years. She believed having a government job would offer some stability but she’s been dealing with shutdowns more frequently. As a vested employee, she plans to stick it out until retirement.

“I show up for my co workers. It’s funny to say this, but eventually I know I’m gonna get paid. We just need to get paid,” Crocker said.

Crocker says the airport has been giving them vouchers for food which has helped. She says there are organizations helping pay for gas too. If the shutdown continues, she says she would consider getting a part time job to make ends meet. Crocker says TSA checkpoint lines are usually the busiest in the mornings between 5am-9am.