By Steve Neavling
Ticklethewire.com
President Trump said the government shutdown could last months or even years because border protection is so important.
But what about airline safety?
In the first weeks of the shutdown, protection at U.S. airport has been compromised because TSA screeners are calling in sick – and some are quitting – because they can’t afford to work without a paycheck.
The agency’s 51,739 screeners are required to work during the shutdown because their services – screening bags and passengers for weapons – are considered essential.
But with no assurances of getting paid until the shutdown is over, a growing number of screeners have called in sick.
Airports are increasingly concerned about airport safety and disruptions.
“We’re concerned that a prolonged government shutdown could potentially impact security and wait times at airports,” Christopher Bidwell, a senior vice president for security at the Airports Council International-North America in Washington, told Time.
During previous government shutdowns, Congress made sure that federal employees who are forced to work are paid. That has happened yet.
Under normal circumstances, screeners would get paid this Friday. If they don’t, airports are bracing for long wait times, disturbances and potential threats to airlines and passengers.
