TSA Plays Down Concern on Safety, Says Next Week Could Be Key
January 5, 2019, 12:05 PM MST
Transportation Security Administration officials played down concerns the government shutdown poses a threat to safety at major airports but warned that the second half of next week could be crucial if workers don’t get paid.
Hundreds of TSA screeners continue to call in sick from work as the closure enters its third week. If government resumes funding by Thursday, the 51,739 TSA employees supporting airport security will be paid the following day.
“We’re scheduled to be paid on Friday. If we go past midweek missing a pay period, that certainly changes the environment,” said Michael Bilello, a TSA spokesman.
The Airports Council International, a trade body for the world’s airport authorities, expressed concerns about how the shutdown is dragging on. “A prolonged government shutdown could potentially impact security and wait times at airports, as Transportation Security Officers seek other employment,” said Christopher Bidwell, senior vice president for security.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-05/tsa-plays-down-concern-on-safety-says-next-week-could-be-key?srnd=premium
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