TSA Workers Are Calling Out Sick In Record Numbers In Attempt To End Shutdown - Forbes
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
TSA workers are staging sick-outs in record numbers during a government shutdown, reducing airport security screening capacity.
How This Affects You
Airport security lines may lengthen significantly, causing flight delays and longer wait times for travelers, potentially affecting bookings and travel plans.
AI Summary
TSA workers are calling out sick in record numbers as a pressure tactic during a government shutdown. The sick-out represents a coordinated labor action by Transportation Security Administration employees frustrated by the closure and seeking to force its resolution. High absenteeism at airport security checkpoints disrupts travel operations nationwide and underscores worker frustration over delayed paychecks and uncertainty about when normal operations will resume. The action is one of the most visible forms of worker protest during the shutdown, as TSA employees have continued reporting to work without pay since the federal government ceased appropriations. The sick-out highlights the real-world impact of extended shutdowns on critical infrastructure and federal employees who cannot simply stop performing their duties.
Source Coverage Map
4 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
4 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
PoliticsTSA workers miss a full paycheck, while travelers keep paying airport security fees
Many TSA workers received no money in their paychecks Friday as the partial DHS shutdown drags on. Fees paid by airline passengers keep piling up, even as airport security officers work without pay.
PoliticsCrypto Spends Big in Illinois House Races to Say Consumer Rights Supporters Are Corrupt
A crypto PAC smeared one progressive backed by Bernie Sanders as a “corporate pawn” and spent millions calling another a tax cheat. The post Crypto Spends Big in Illinois House Races to Say Consumer Rights Supporters Are Corrupt appeared first on The Intercept .
PoliticsWATCH: TSA strained amid spring break travel
Spring breakers and anyone flying may see longer-than-usual wait times and staffing shortages as TSA workers are going without pay amid the partial government shutdown.
PoliticsUS airports ask for donations for unpaid TSA staff amid partial government shutdown
<p>TSA employees have been working in US airports without pay since the partial shutdown began in February</p><p>A rising number of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news">US</a> airports are asking for donations to support employees affected by the partial government shutdown with airport security officials missing their first full paychecks Friday.</p><p>Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees have been working in airports around the US without pay since a shutdown began in February after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach a funding agreement. Democrats have since refused to support a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, the TSA’s parent agency, without first receiving guaranteed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/usimmigration">immigration enforcement</a> reforms.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/13/tsa-workers-pay-shutdown">Continue reading...</a>
PoliticsLieu wants Trump to send Hassett to every swing district to talk economy
A top House Democrat is calling on the White House to send National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett to swing districts around the country to talk about the administration’s approach to consumer prices. Hassett on Tuesday made waves when he told CNBC that the economic squeeze on consumers caused by the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran is “the…
EnvironmentShark nets planned for €100 million Club Med resort threaten endangered species in South Africa
Scientists warn that proposed shark nets for protecting swimmers near a new €100 million Club Med resort in South Africa could threaten a host of endangered species, calling for a full environmental impact assessment to prevent endangered marine life from becoming casualties of the luxury resort project, on track to open in July.

Kash Patel admits under oath FBI is buying location data on Americans
<p>Admission came during questioning at Senate intelligence committee worldwide threats hearing</p><p>The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/fbi">Federal Bureau of Investigation</a> has started buying location data on Americans, FBI director Kash Patel said under oath at the Senate intelligence committee worldwide threats hearing on Wednesday.</p><p>Patel’s admission came in response to a question from the senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat who is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwiUVUJmGjs&t=105s">a longtime opponent</a> of the warrantless surveillance of Americans. Wyden told Patel that his predecessor, Christopher Wray, testified in 2023 that the FBI did not at that time purchase location data derived from internet advertising, although he acknowledged that it had done so in the past.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/18/kash-patel-fbi-location-data">Continue reading...</a>
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Race on to establish globally recognised 'AI-free' logo

Biggest wildfire in Nebraska history continues to burn out of control - abcnews.com

TikTok and Meta risked safety to win algorithm arms race, whistleblowers say

Defense official reveals how AI chatbots could be used for targeting decisions

Bank of America reaches proposed, non-binding settlement in Jeffrey Epstein suit






