After the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, federal airport workers are still waiting for their paychecks.
SACRAMENTO, Calif — The Thanksgiving travel rush is underway, and while airlines are back on their normal schedules after the government shutdown, some TSA employees say they’re still waiting for paychecks.
The 43-day government shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — continues to cause financial strain for the airport security workers who were required to stay on the job. Two federal airport employees, Austin Lee and Jeanette Taburada, said they haven’t been paid for the work they’ve done since the shutdown began and still haven’t received back pay more than 50 days later.
“How can anybody live with that, you know, and then we’re still coming day by day,” Lee said. “We’re still coming in like all our shifts, you know, just working hard and then we’re still not getting paid.”
Taburada said the situation has drained her motivation and her savings. “I felt so down yeah. I came into work not even motivated to work, but my mind is sick. What am I gonna do? Our savings almost exhausted. I don’t want to use… my credit card to the max,” she said.
She added that her family may forgo a traditional holiday celebration. “I already told my children like worst comes to worst, let’s just go to church to give thanks to the Lord but not maybe having a festive… no festive day, no.”
Both workers said they’ve cut back on groceries, gas and energy use as they try to keep bills low while their income remains uncertain. Lee said the strain has affected his household as his wife works part-time. “You’re still working but you’re still pulling from your savings just to pay little things like groceries, gas… it’s tough,” he said.
Gilbert Galam, secretary for AFGE Local 1230, said TSA officers have effectively lived through a 52-day shutdown. “The government shutdown ended at 43 days. Before our TSOs, they’ve been living the shutdown for 52 days, and the agency should keep their promise of pay for our employees,” Galam said.
Despite the financial pressure, Lee said he’s trying to stay optimistic. “You can’t take life for granted… just day by day, you know, just take it easy… always have a smile on your face,” he said.
The employees said they were told they could receive pay by Monday. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management said workers would be paid “as soon as possible.” ABC10 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and is waiting to hear back.
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