We are not at war. The TSA, Immigration and Air Traffic Control are not military organizations. Forcing them to work without pay must violate the Thirteenth Amendment. That's the one that says no slavery. They should go to Federal District Court in San Francisco and get a permanent injunction forbidding the government from firing them if they don't show up, viz. 13th Amendment. Then give the airlines 24 hours' notice, and shut down.
11
I suspect the reason Trump had such sweaty palms about visiting the border and about traveling to Davos had something to do with fear that messing with the air traffic controllers could impact the safety of all aircraft, even his.
6
well, the guy in the WH goes golfing every weekend, so I guess all's well.
4
Should anybody be able to just waltz across the border,
pick a name and number off the internet and file for
Social Security? Of course not. That's one of the
many reasons we Need a border wall. By the same
token, when you think of all the presidents who have
molested women, maybe we should weld the gates
shut on the White House fence.
1
It should be obvious to everybody with half a brain that McConnell and Trump could care less about border security. Nonpayment of TSA agents is an invite to terrorists.
14
Just a wee bit of air security news I have yet to see on any US news feed- on Jan 3, a woman flying from Atlanta to Japan "accidentally" took a loaded handgun onto the plane. Japanese air crew confiscated it, and put her on a plane back to Atlanta. Sooner or later... https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190111_33/
12
So...as it pertains to protecting American citizens' safety:
- Trump and his administration are endangering federal employees' ability to pay their bills and eat, as well as their long-term credit scores that will follow them for life; their actions mean that many millions of people will lose businesses, or not have required medical treatments, or be forced to upend their lives in a vast multitude of ways; they are allowing companies to dump toxins into the oceans, rivers, air, and land; they continue to allow mass shootings that kill 50-1000 times or more the number of illegal aliens who commit serious crimes; they are getting rid of discrimination protections for non-white and non-straight citizens; and the list could go on for thousands of pages.
- Federal employees keep us safe in the air by stopping terrorists from flying, and by inspecting airplanes; they keep us safe by daily inspecting our food supply, our pharmaceutical supply, our air, and our water; they keep us safe by ensuring infrastructure won't crumble beyond a fatal point before at least some action is taken; they provide information about truth in the form of real statistics and real facts and figures based in observable reality; and the list could go on for another thousand pages.
Now who, exactly, is earning their keep in terms of keeping our citizens safe?
It's not this President, with his mercurial and ill-conceived decisions based solely on the thoughts of right-wing talk show hosts!!!
8
What we need now is a nationwide work stoppage.
Everything stops.
Businesses don't open.
Everyone stay home.
No train, buses, planes or taxis.
Close the ports, don't load or unload ships.
Shut it all down.
The country better wake up real soon and see what Comrades Donald and Mitch and Vladimir are doing.
Time is short.
14
Government workers! Donald Trump doesn't give one fig for your troubles... he has never missed a meal or worried about paying his bills a day in his life. Don't forget that when 2020 rolls around!
7
Perhaps a food pantry could be set up outside the White House?
7
Rather than belt tightening or selling off stuff from his attic whenever the banks were calling in loans or his casinos were losing money Don would have Daddy Fred give him a loan or buy some chips at the casino.
Trump knows every illegitimate accounting trick in the book. Since he's up against the wall on this occasion he is playing Russian Roulette but not leaving any bullets out of a fully loaded pistol.
He is mucho stupido in his bravado and this is going to chip away more at his crumbling base of supporters than anything he's tried in the past. I welcome any and all comments.
4
I left my work iPad at the security checkpoint in the United Terminal on Jan. 4th, went on a family vacation and returned the 9th only then realizing I’d left it behind. Since there was no direct phone number, I had to put in a claim to TSA online. I then traced the iPad on the “Find my iPhone” application and there it was! At 1085 Morris Ave in Union, NJ! I immediately put the iPad in “Lost Mode”. So, I jumped in my car and took the 15 min drive from Edison over there. When I got to the building, the receptionist told me TSA was on the 2nd floor, BUT….they probably wouldn’t help me because of the gov’t shutdown. I asked if I could just go up and show them from my device that my iPad was there and it should be pretty simple. So, I went up and got buzzed into a small office. There were 2 employees, a man and a woman behind the glass and a third employee sitting there in the waiting area. As I began to explain and show my other iPad had found the lost one through the app, the man cut me off and said, “we can’t do anything for you until the shutdown is over.” I pointed to my device which was pinging my work iPad which at this point was showing up only a few feet from where we were actually standing. He repeated, he could do nothing for me. I I was wondering what my rights are legally? They’re holding my property and won’t return it. What does that have to do with the shutdown if they showed up to work? What was the purpose of being there if they were refusing to help me?
12
@Michael Pate Your "right" to your iPad is probably legally equivalent to the "right" of TSA employees to be paid for showing up for work. You just got a sample. Try to catch on a little more quickly.
5
Let the planes fly without the TSA!
The time wasted on airport check-in lines, baggage checks and other nonsensical restriction for the minimal safety provided by the TSA is the biggest boondoggle to come out of the 9/11 attack.
Let's see how well we can survive without all these extraneous TSA requirements. If we allowed conceal and carry, the probability of a terrorist attack would be limited to a minuscule number.
BTW - travel today is mostly for corporate stooges, special interest flunkies and the global elite and their pawns while they needlessly flit around the global on junkets and idiotic travel (let's go to Disney for the umpteenth time! Let's spend 36 hours in Costa Rica!). All this money on airfare, hotels and other 'hospitality' services would be better spent on improving the plight of the poor.
5
If the shutdown continues it is just a matter of time before there is a tragedy, ie a mental case, terrorist etc. slips a dangerous device on a plane and get some or all of the passengers killed.
2
Perhaps we travelers should start tipping them.
1
I urge TSA to go on strike. They shouldn't have to work a demanding job on their feet for an ungrateful public, 35-40% of h=whom support this president. Unless they go on strike, this shutdown may go on longer than needed.
2
This is how the shutdown ends. The TSA needs to walk out en masse. Shutdown all commercial air traffic. Government workers are expendable pawns. The profits of S&P 500 corporations (Delta, Continental, United) are not. It's all about the money, but only the money which affects the private sector.
9
The politicians understand power. Call a general strike across the country. Everyone stay home and don’t work. See what happens then.....
3
Then they don't get paid when the shutdown ends. If Pelosi and Schumer cared about the safety and security of the nation instead of their hatred for President Trump this would be over.
1
Shutdown effect on government workers is inhumane. Trump has no empathy so Democrats need to show compassion by offering a compromise. The pain being felt by our fellow Americans is more important than continuing to stand on principal.
1
Maybe the secret service agents guarding the president and his family should not be designated essential. That might get the government reopened.
8
If this were a legitimate shutdown, essential workers are supposed to work unpaid; but this is just a temper tantrum of a child president. If essential workers refused to come to work, the government would reopen in a second due to pressure from the "non-political" public. Please stay home as your patriotic duty.
5
Why should they go to work if they are not getting paid? It’s really that simple. Do you go to work to not get paid? Do you go to work In a stressful job like TSA agents, air traffic controllers or secret service agents to not get paid? Are these workers going to have to find paying work right now to take care of their families? Pay workers. Open the government.
7
Not a big fan of TSA here. I think it is, to a large degree, the product of post 9/11 overwrought jingoism.
But statistics speak-- There has not been a single hijacking or bombing of a plane that left a US airport since 2001. As well, TSA agents are consistently respectful and good-humored while performing a difficult, grinding job for hours on end.
Of course, the true effectiveness of TSA airport security is reflected by far more complex factors than just these. But that doesn't mean it isn't a crying shame that these hard-working, patriotic Americans are having their lives upended as they are used as pawns in a political battle that has little to do with them.
8
I wonder if a TSA no-show could be considered "free speech"?
It appears to be clear that strikes by federal workers are not "lawful".
If corporate money is equivalent to free speech why isn't the unionized action of workers the equivalent?
Oh, I forgot, Putin's predecessors already copyrighted that lie.
1
Correction. Do-nothing Congress refuses to do their job as they collect pay and government benefits while refusing a paycheck to people who wish to work on Americans' behalf.
4
Let's be honest, many of these TSA workers don't have a lot of options, these are not our best and brightest, many of them are not college graduates. They signed up for the job, it's their for them not to show up, they chose to do so, the next step should be there removal.
We all have issues, all of us have problems, stomping off into the sunset when you have a federal job with the importance and responsibility of a TSA position just shows us what kind of people they are, much of us already knew. Enjoy your furlough.
@There And then there are people who apparently presume themselves to be "our best and brightest", but still haven't learned the distinction between "their" and "there".
13
It would be lovely to see the workers walk off in the airline and others also
No taxation without representation?
No Work for Free
It’s tea time
11
Air Traffic Control have not been paid, time for a sick out, long ground holds, and holding patterns. Flying in your corporate jet? It should get special treatment as far as routing that takes it to Iowa for a NY to Miami flight. When it's inconvenient for the rich things will happen.
7
Yep, rack em and stack em.
Process one passenger at a time through TSA security.
1
Let's all remove our shoes in solidarity with the workers.
On a more serious note, shouldn't we be paying these people more than $35k?
12
These people do a really difficult job for really lousy pay. All the theoreticians and moralists opining that they have an obligation to the public forget that this obligation is not a one-way street, Beyond that, these people have to live. In this economy, I would expect that many of them can find another job, will do so, and will likely feel much better when they do.
5
There's a simple response to the striking TSA workers: fire them. They are breaking federal law, so let them pay the price of their own choice.
2
Breaking federal law? How so?
4
Why are they even going into work? Government employees are trading their time for money. yes i understand that motivation to work and do a good job comes from within, but in the end, they are trading t ime for money. if they are not getting paid, it is the same things as saying " i don't need your services". I think that ALL TSA and FAA employees that are not getting a paycheck should not go in until they receive one... no one has provided me with the specific law or the specific contract that requires them to go to work with out being paid. They are parties to the Fair Labor Standards Act. if my employer did not pay me, i wouldn't go in. now. there is probably one exception to this rule... animals at the zoo still need to eat and be taken care of, and humans in the hospital need to be taken care of.. but other than that. all government employees who are not paid and deemed "essential" should just stay home... i think it would resolve the issue very quickly.. i think within 24 hours the government would be re-open with a bill passed by the house and senate and signed by the president.
6
TSA workers and air traffic controllers: make Friday, 1/18 NO FLY FRIDAY. Trump won't recognize your pain and sacrifices until he sees concrete consequences. Don't suffer in silence. Shut down the airports every Friday if necessary until the government reopens and workers get paid for their work.
21
Working without pay is a violation of the 14th Amendment. Workers who are not being paid have every right to walk off the job...and should! Then see how fast the government reopens.
14
This is the vision of the future that the GOP has for American workers. Now if they can just get the same deal for private employers, their hearts will swell with pride. The proposition that workers should be paid fairly has always rankled. Apparently, involuntary servitude is still a viable choice for Republican "job creators."
20
@Lani Mulholland - The trump HR payroll office:
Hire workers, Make them work, Don't pay them.
Repeat.
5
Perhaps Mitch McConnell is quietly working on a solution. Trouble is, I don't think he can count on Trump to sign anything other than full funding for his Wall and maybe not even that.
Another week and lots more federal employees will be out of gas money to get to work.
3
I’d love to see some solidarity among the feds that slows down the work of government. Shutdowns are normally painless for the great majority of citizens and this reinforces the falsehood of a “do nothing” federal bureaucracy. This would be the perfect moment for TSA screeners to begin secondary searches on every other passenger and see how quickly lines back up. Next would be air traffic controllers ‘working to rule’ and expanding separation between aircraft. This would cause major backups in the system. Such actions would, of course (wink wink), be for legitimate safety and security concerns and immune from supervisory retaliation. These are just two ways for feds to have a “vote” on the shutdown. I’m sure there are hundreds of others. C’mon feds, let the politicians know that no pay has consequences.
8
I wonder if Trump realizes that if another 9/11 happens it will be on him. Airport security is paramount in these parlous times, and his intransigence is endangering all passengers.
13
Ben Carson? HUD? Make America Homeless Again.
9
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! The “gifts” from Trump & the GOP that keeps on giving :-/
6
Republican politics have no relation to morals.
- Niccolo Machiavelli (updated)
9
Thoughts and prayers?
6
Can the Secret Service call in sick....? Can we cutoff funding to the Air Force One so 45 cannot fly to his Florida golf course on the weekends? Maybe then he will feel the pain?
18
It seems at times like these it is highly appropriate to share some some insightful lyrics from our national treasure Randy Newman:
“We've taken all you've given
It's gettin' hard to make a livin'
Mr. President, have pity on the working man
We ain't asking you to love us
You may place yourself high above us
Mr. President, have pity on the working man
I know it may sound funny
But people ev'ry where are runnin' out of money
We just can't make it by ourself
It is cold and the wind is blowing
We need something to keep us gong
Mr. President, have pity on the working man
Maybe you're cheatin'
Maybe you're lyin'
Maybe you have lost your mind
Maybe you only think about yourself
Too late to run, too late to cry now
The time has come for us to say good-bye now
Mr. President, have pity on the working man
Mr. President, have pity on the working man.”
5
Good stay home. Generate confusion and chaos. Controllers stay home. Shut down the system. Own it donny.
17
Russia has taken the US from within. Mueller seems to come too late.
11
Terrible. Check the constitution people. Only the President is allowed to throw a tantrum when he doesn’t get what he wants. Shame on the TSA. Praise to the orange king.
2
Asking workers who make $35K per year - barely a living wage to begin with - to come to work without pay?? So Trump can hold the country hostage over his idiotic wall? Who in their right mind would show up?
22
Until this week we were planning a family vacation to the west coast - a few weeks touring in April - around the parks etc etc. just booked to go to Hong Kong instead - I can only see chaos until POTUS gets his way. Your real crisis is American gun crime not at the border - more people die from guns in your country than any immigration on the Southern border. I used to admire what America stood for, not anymore.
20
I agree that between park closures and airport question marks, an impact on tourism will be measured
4
My heart goes out to the people working without pay due to Trump's erection dysfunction. Many thanks to the T.S.A. officers for staying on the job to keep us safe.
11
Too bad it is illegal to have a GoFundMe page for these TSA agents. They are national heroes. The TSA agents will bring down the President, mark my words. Hope that they call in sick at the private and Charter Jet airports utilized by the .01 percent. A targeted sick in at the facilities utilized by charter and private aircraft will stop the shutdown. Hope that the .01 percent have to clear TSA. Please let me know ow if the .O1percent have their own TSA, who continue to get paid. IF SO, NY Times needs to report on this perk that money can buy in today's America.
5
So here's what's really ridiculous about the republican position in all this. They're claiming that the Mexican border represents a threat to national security, so they're shutting down the government until there's money for a wall. In so doing, they are creating a real threat to national security at our airports because there are no customs agents and TSA agents at work.
How stupid can you be?
17
This administration is an abomination. We didn't need a shutdown to make us aware of that but now we know how little regard there is for regular working Americans.
9
Warned against talking to the new media? What's this? China? Wait, people there get paid at least. This is more like Soviet where people were not only sensorsed, but also not paid. Welcome to Trump's Soviet, comrades.
17
One of the problems (one of the many problems) of having a sociopath for a president is his utter lack of empathy. He really does not care if 800,000 government employees are struggling to pay their bills or put food on the table. And if the pilots all walked out because they didn’t think it was safe to fly, or the T.S.A. workers walked out in protest, and aviation in America ground to a halt, creating unimaginable havoc and disrupting the lives of tens or hundreds of thousands of people, he just wouldn’t care. He’s a deranged menace and he should be removed from office.
11
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except in punishment for a crime. TSA agents and others working without pay are slaves and they are doing so involuntarily.
Massa Trump has forgotten John Brown, Abraham Lincoln ,Gabriel Prosser, Denmark Vesey and Nat Turner.
6
Way to go trump. You OWN the trump branded shutdown.
Re: Climate Change - perhaps trump will get a clue when club Con-A-Largo is under water due to rising oceans. Just sayin.
4
I wish the Secret Service would stop working without pay and let Fat Don protect himself.
9
Wow, you're really going there? The TSA, who's purpose is to prevent the freedom of assembly? The TSA, who submits us to unreasonable searches? The TSA who groped my teenage daughter?
Clearly, no integrity in the NY Times.
2
im not a us citizen, and i try not to make comments on your perculiar culture. it is what it is. however it seems to me this is like terrorism, only economic.
why are the oval office staff even serving this guy food?
the whole situation doesnt affect him in any way.
11
Shut all airport operations down! The public uproar will force action on the shutdown.
5
The USA is a third world country.
Embarrassing.
12
We went to war after terrorists hijacked airplanes on 9/11 - but Donald Trump refuses to pay airport security. Instead he stood in one of the safest cities in the U.S. and bellowed "murder!"
10
I forget - how did every single one of the September 11 hijackers get into the US?
As far as I can tell under this administration “Border Security” is a hoax
2
Privatize.
1
Last Wed Trump threatened to w/hold FEMA money for the recent California Paradise Fire in No. CA which caused 86 people to die and left thousands homeless! He wants to use this FEMA money designated to CA to be used instead on his bullchit National Crises to build a wall on our borders instead!
Hello? Is anyone rational paying attention? The Wall is NOT a national crisis and the recovery from the Paradise fire is!!! Most Americans don't realize that 40% of the USA budget comes from California!
12
"Like many other screeners interviewed for this article, she declined to be identified because she said she had been warned against talking to journalists."-really? Warned to keep her mouth shut by whom? Trump?
6
Isn't being forced to work without pay also known as slavery?
8
it is about time.
1
Strike.... and set a "real" emergency.
3
I'm so tired from all this "winning".
5
I hope they don’t think they have jobs to go back to.
1
Perhaps they could do it selectively?
.. Just refuse to work on flights on which Republicans in Congress were on board? Let them eat cake in Washington!
1
What kind of country have we become?
3
I have to travel on Monday, but completely understand it if the blue flu hits TSA agents. I hope airlines will be understanding if passengers need more time to reach the gates. The bigger concern is the traffic controllers.
When will Mitch so-called senate leader have the political courage to allow a vote and defeat Trump. Why is he afraid of the president, who admits he did not even want to be president. Is McConnell afraid of his fascist base? He should be for country not for party or his own re-election.
6
So, Trump stiffs contractors before he bankrupts his casino's, and now he is stiffing government employees before he bankrupts America.
13
At $35,000 a year, I can't imagine how these employees are not living paycheck to paycheck. It is insane to ask them to work without a paycheck. I'm so ashamed of my country. How is it that one demented and not very smart man can hold an entire country hostage over a stupid wall that no one wants? Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham- Im looking at YOU.
8
Trump is, and was from day one, a threat to national security—
Action must be taken.
8
Breadlines for Federal employees. Yet another shining accomplishment for the noisome Trump administration.
6
One day. One day of airtravel shutdown and the got would be open again. I hate strikes but in this case I would applaud it.
1
Is someone still cooking & cleaning in the White House? Emptying the trash? This isn’t going to end until Trump is personally inconvenienced.
5
Can all these workers sue Trump for not being paid but expected to work???? Is in the employment contract that they have to work for free if the president of the US decides so????
2
Well, given that the TSA does nothing but molest people, I can't say I'm sorry they're not getting paid.
2
Good thing Mulvaney and the rest have greased the skids for the Payday Loan industry. They'll be happy to "lend a hand" I'm sure.
4
General strike in solidarity with government workers!
2
Hold up...
Every time I fly, since the TSA has been charged with airport groping, I have been charged a "9-11 security fee" which I believed was to pay for six people to yell at me to take off my shoes (and twenty six people to mill about with blank stares on their face).
Where's that fee going?
5
The TSA should shut down the VIP security checks - when "important" people are inconvenienced they'll have some impact. The trump administration only cares about people with money and/or power.
1
Someone had the perfect idea to help the situation.
Given the situation:
All airline passengers can have no carry-on luggage and will be charged the full bill for checked bags (now the only kind of bags) but are limited to one bag and 20 pounds of checked luggage. All passengers will go through screening that only allows handbags and coats. Of course, no electronics, no liquids nothing but you, your handbag, your money and your outerwear. No hats.
This'll keep the line speeds up and require fewer screeners.
Okay everybody. Why should anybody get full service from people who aren't paid. Rock bottom, minimum security effort. Reduce the variables, reduce the number of needed personnel...done.
Things change when people don't get what they take for granted --- like TSA.
They make $15 or $20 an hour. They're the face of airport hassles and delays, and as such get a lot of anger from airline travelers that they don't directly deserve (save your anger for the politicians and upper echelon management that think's "security theater" is the best way to make air travel safer). The TSA on the front lines don't have much say in the process, they just have to implement it. And then to be asked to do it for no pay. I can't say I blame them a bit for not showing up... it takes a lot of 'brass' to tell the workers "show up and do the work, but we're not going to pay you because we're doing political posturing and 'stick'-measuring". No, I think either don't show up, or show up and be very, very thorough - and take as long as that needs. When the entire airline network grinds to a slow crawl, maybe the message will get through to the bigshots in Washington to stop messing with 'the little people's' lives because *you* can't do *your* jobs. Get the message Congress, McConnell and Trump?
4
The Air Traffic Controllers have filed a lawsuit. Good for them, but if they and the TSA simply walked out, they could end this in 24 hours. If Mr. Trump thinks his Trumptrum is a big deal, wait until Americans can't travel.
He will declare his emergency. He will claim victory. He will reopen the government. Lawsuits will stymie the emergency. There will be no wall and the country can get back to business.
Dan Kravitz
2
All people working without pay should call in sick.
Let's see what happens when the TSA has nobody working and the airlines have to shut down.
2
The real national emergency is the Trump/Pence presidency. Can we just jettison these clowns before we are all reduced to nuclear waste? What a horror show.
5
Would you go to your job, getting paid an hourly wage barely above the poverty level, for free without an end in sight? Not a chance.
Their union should break the law and hold a nationwide sick out. It’s the only way our lazy, self involved politicians will take action.
2
@Sarah Reagan fired all the striking air traffic controllers. Trump would be delighted to do likewise to disloyal employees.
@David Martin Loyalty goes in both directions. The government is not showing any loyalty to its employees. The ATC issue in the 1980s was about work conditions. A walk out by TSA and FAA ATC would be about the government breaking the law - FLSA to be exact (Constitutional issues of involuntary servitude and due process still have to be taken up by the courts). This would not be a strike -- NO pay, NO work - it's that simple. we all trade time for money except those that are invested in the organisation and they expect a return on their investment. employees are not invested and don't get a return - they are employees. (to add to it, if Secret Service is affected by this shutdown, they should stay home as well, and the president can figure out how to protect himself).
I wish every federal agency would write a public letter to our "president" disclaiming support for this shutdown. Although most dedicated federal employees will continue to show up for work every day and endure the hardships imposed upon them by our hardworking and brilliant "president" and representatives, the majority do not support this"president's" position as he claims. All of you do what you feel is fair and what you need to do to survive this idiocy and know the majority of your country is 100% behind you whatever decisions you make.
1
Hats off for the T.S.A. workers. No one should work without pay or allow their job-security to be threatened by grand-standing politicians. So, grow a spine the rest of you 800000 federal workers and follow their example. You’ll have the support of, I would guess, at least half of the nation. This farce of government shutdowns whether instigated by Democrats or Republicans is an assault on fundamental rights. And if the politicians can’t stop or won’t stop it, you will have to.
1
Well this just proves and shows us that what people have been complaining about in regard to TSA agents is true. They are an undisciplined, unprofessional bunch of minimum wage riffraff. And they are liars if they call in sick because they are mad because they have to wait for a paycheck and don't have a job elsewhere to make up for the lost pay with their "government job". If they can work and home and make $2,464 a day on their computer then so be it, but if they are just being lazy and petulant then they should be replaced.
Remember those young men who were learning to fly but did not care about learning to land. Licensed aviator training schools facilitated them. They paid the fees. Remember what we now call nine eleven? Is Trump thinking for himself or does someone have him by the short hairs? Either way it is dangerous. Rome burns while Congress fiddles.
1
Trump has his own plane. Limbaugh won't care. Trump’s base won't care. They all want to see things break. The GOP has sold their conservative souls to the devil and abandoned their honor and good sense.
3
And, here you have the epitome of what is wrong with America.
On one hand these TSA agents and air traffic controllers, etc, whose job is to keep ordinary people from dying are paid little and in this situation are expected to work for nothing, or be put on unpaid leave through no fault of their own.
On the other hand, in another article, Megyn Kelly - a purveyor of chat - is paid $11 million for five weeks of doing nothing, another $30 million to pay off her contract, which she will not be fulfilling, and all this after she lost her job at NBC because she lost viewers and made remarks judged to be racist.
It's a strange world.
4
Absolutely pathetic that Trump is holding these Government workers, and in effect airline security, hostage for his own political gain.
2
I say good for them. People are reporting heartbreaking stories: cannot pay for insulin, husband dying of cancer, etc. I can't pay for my meds, but hey it's not as bad as other people.
And here is Trump saying "I can relate?" The guy who got a 2 million dollar loan from his father and got bailed out again and again by him?
What is wrong with the people in America who think think that spoiled DJ Trump can relate with them?
3
Trump and the Republican leadership have never cared about low income earners in the past and they aren’t going to change their ways just because a few hundred thousand aren’t getting paid.
Rent, food, gas, water, electricity, car payments, mortgages, medicines, etc. According to Trump, they are willing to forego all that so we can build a stupid wall that we all know will never get built. The result is chaos, misery, and uncertainty for millions. Putin must be laughing his head off.
4
So let me understand this - Trump (and his loyal invertebrates in Congress) are putting airport security at real risk in order to get a wall to address an imaginary risk?
Yeah - that makes sense.
4
NOTICE to Mr. Trump
Slavery in the United States was banned after the Civil War. No one should work without being paid their agreed to compensation. Open the Government and pay your employees! Settle your Wall disagreements with Congress without bankrupting the Federal Employees!
3
Senator McConnell this lays at your feet. Stop being a coward. Hold the vote to fund the government and let the chips fall where they may. If Trump vetoes the bill then override the veto. The TSA deserves better and so does America.
5
Airlines should cut back flights to match TSA availability. Or airlines should withhold payments to the govt/ TSA the fees passengers pay!!
1
These folks, and their CBP brothers and sisters, making $35,000 per year coming to work everyday to serve the American people as the civil service requires, and getting stiffed for it, are the best of this country.
The president and Congress, the ones who got us into this mess, represent the worst.
3
If any ISIS cells have infiltrated through the Southern Border, now is their time. If all those thousands of terrorists who, statistically speaking, have to have infiltrated the country through Mexico, be on the lookout for them now. If the projections by Homeland Security are as accurate as Secretary Nielsen says they are then we are in for a 9/11 a week. Because the security forces of America are being weakened by the law and order Republican in the White House.
1
Why don't the banks step forward and offer a preapproved loan program for unpaid federal workers? This is just a cash flow problem. The workers will be able to pay back the loans once the shutdown is over -- the House and Senate have already approved back pay, and courts would order it anyway under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
1
Lots of government focused credit unions are already doing this.
I think an issue here is why the 9/11 Security Fee, which each ticket-purchasing traveler pays as one of several “government taxes and fees,” is not being used to directly fund airport security screening as it was intended to do. If what I’ve read is correct, that fee is now diverted to other purposes, and TSA screening is funded through the general fund, which has not been funded because a budget hasn’t been passed (hence the partial shutdown).
No doubt there are other federal employees who are equally burdened. TSA agents only the most visible ones, to the general public.
5
I frankly find it amazing that so many people still show up to work even though they’re not being paid. If you asked people in, for instance, Germany or France to provide free work for the government they would laugh in your face and then take to the streets to shut down the entire country (people might temporarily agree to work without pay if they’re working for a small family business). Maybe try that and see how quickly the issue is resolved.
8
I flew through JFK a few days ago, and the TSA agents I encountered were angry and unfocused. I don't blame them: If I was worried about eviction or my ability to feed my family, I couldn't focus either. Most people struggle to leave enormous personal issues at the door when they arrive at work. But we can't ignore it's a concern when it comes to safety. You think someone hasn't noticed that this huge distraction leaves an opportunity to hurt us?
8
This issue demands an immediate resolution. Shutting down our airports for the lack of TSA employers would likely result in a better outcome once the public can't get from point A to point B. Americans have a voice, it's time to use it to end this dysfunctional feud between the parties. Better than waiting around for the President and Ms. Pelosi to have a meeting of the minds, not likely to happen.
3
@michjas
Again, I beg to differ. I made no mention of the multitude of people at LAX being due to any one agency and indeed you are correct that arrivals into the US are processed by the Customs and Border Protection. But just to set the record straight, if you’d care to check their website, the CPB are indeed directly affected by the government shutdown. I rest my case.
4
Let’s compare the income distribution of the TSA screeners with that of Bechtel and its shareholders which might win and be generously compensated for putting up a border wall.
We can estimate the difference between these two distributions by comparing the incomes of US Army units in Afghanistan with those of the construction firms which have been paid $billions.
8
I flew from JFK to Madrid on Tuesday night. I was expecting problems due to the shutdown. Non encountered. TSA seemed fully staffed and totally professional as alway. It is ridiculous that they are forced to work without pay. My heart goes out to them and their families and a sincere thank you!
13
Are there any other “first world” countries that have such a chaotic system of government? A government shutdown like this is virtually impossible anywhere else.
15
@Mykeljon. Remember when the US President was known as the "Leader of the Free World?" Now he is the laughingstock of the world, free or otherwise. MAGA indeed.
7
I don’t think that we should aspire to something simply because it’s what everyone else does.
Our government/law-making process is, rightfully, constructed to give everyone an opportunity, and encourages them even, to participate — bringing divergent beliefs and opinions into the lawmaking process. The system was established specifically to engender compromise. When people aren’t willing to compromise, the business of government comes to a halt - requiring compromise in order to move forward again. Our system of government was structured to prioritize compromise ABOVE governmental efficiency, and to specifically avoid, as much as possible, allowing one, singular bloc from the controlling everything.
Sometimes a political party does gain complete control of everything. When it loses that absolute control (as happened in the last election), the approach to governing must change from absolute power to one of compromise. It isn’t immediate though. This shutdown is simply a byproduct of the process of elected leaders coming to terms with the fact that they must now be willing to compromise, more, than they did over the past two years. When you elect, as President, a person who takes pride in a lifetime of not compromising, its going to be a harder lesson learned, but he’s going to learn it, or his presidency will become stifled. That’s the beauty of our system of government.
@Mykeljon The British government seems likely to exit the European Union cold turkey, with no deal on trade or anything else. It's almost inconceivably foolish, but that's how the politics seem to be working out.
1
What about the big stick of ‘solidarity’ ? Why don’t any and all Federal employees who are still getting paid stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their ill-treated colleagues. Take a day or two off from all bureaus, agencies and departments to demonstrate.
10
Because the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 forbids federal workers from striking, or they will be fired. It is how Reagan broke the air traffic controllers strike in the 1980's. No job is worse worse than a situation where you are temporaryily not getting paid, but this is involuntary servitude, and the law needs to be changed. But with GOP control of the Senate, dont look for them to do anything that would benefit any class of workers.
3
@gretab Trump, having pretty much wrecked the State Department, would love to have his minions fire great swaths of the rest of the federal bureaucracy. No more climate science. No more reproductive biology research. Probably no more weather forecasts--leave that to Accuweather. Let airports hire their own security checkers. Let agribusinesses inspect their own chickens and lettuce.
1
Time to strike, and all unions . No Pay , No Work , No Mitch, No trump.
21
This is how republicans are making AGA? What's next default on our debt payments? Let's give him that second term and he'll run the US economy into bankruptcy as per Trump protocol. Winning Charlie?
16
Reality Check question people should be asking is shut down being done for other reasons untold to americans. Could this be done delibertly to allow our airports to go unprotected? If so how can americans demand are government stop shut down .
10
Can you blame them? If the private sector tried this move - well you can guess the response.
5
Why should they or anyone work without pay? The burden of this nonsense should not be on federal employee’s backs. Most folks do not work for fun and they would not and could not be on the job if it were not for the paycheck. Could you imagine President bone spur doing anything without compensation? This travesty is on him and McConnell.
We all need to feel the repercussions of what Trump has done to pressure the Senate into sanity. It’s like McConnell never heard of a veto override.
16
I’m outraged that so many federal workers have to suffer needlessly. It’s shameful and ridiculous. Will these morally bankrupt leaders ever suffer for their inaction or terrible decisions?
I’m hoping there will be enough T.S.A. agents and air traffic controllers on duty tomorrow when I go to the airport to fly to...Mexico.
Now there’s a civilized society (other than isolated gangs and, of course, the drug lords).
But, I don’t blame them if they’ve resorted to drive for Uber, sell stuff on eBay or do whatever they need to to pay their bills.
5
Really? $35,000 per year, living paycheck to paycheck, ordered to work without pay, ordered not to speak with the press, food banks, no government assistance or understanding from creditors? A banana republic if there ever was one, in the wealthiest country on earth.
You need to stop electing people whose buddy's income is more important than your welfare.
28
Most TSA “agents” could not get jobs delivering pizza or driving for Uber.
4
@Elle Roque
Regular people doing regular work never deserve wholesale criticism. Their work and protocols are created and directed by others. Their behavior is simply a reflection of their employer's attitude. The fish always stinks from the head down.
3
I guess I’m just stunned at how many people live pay check to pay check in this country. Wow. So much fragility and precariousness. And people think this is a country of freedom and opportunity. What a joke.
23
I’ve often wondered since seeing the tragic images of Katrina where the US falls on the spectrum of developing vs. wealthy countries.
6
Good for them! Push back against Orange One's hissy fit. The border agents should do the same. I have a sister who is an RN at a VA hospital and she's working without pay. People forget just how many are being affected by Trump's ridiculous campaign promise. Go ahead, Trumpy, declare a National Emergency. Smart people all understand you won't EVER get your wall by doing that.
12
TSA, stay home find and other employment if you can. No pay, no work. We're behind you.
7
No TSA paid employees, No flying for me or my family.
Make Americans Get Paid Again.
Florida just lost 4k on a canceled trip due to flight safety.
7
TSA agents *warned* about talking to the press? What, will they be fired for talking about the absurdity of being forced to work for no pay in a country where slavery is outlawed?
This shutdown needs to stop, and Trump needs an intervention. He doesn't seem to understand that he is *not* a king; at best he is the C.E.O of a company with a very contentious board.
16
We who have should figure out how to get food, gas cards and any other help we can give to these folks. They are suffering.
Anyone out there able to figure out how we can help them?
2
@Debbie get rid of Trump and his cronies
1
Hungry unpaid workers become angry workers.
9
I wish everyone associated in any way with airports and flying would call in sick the same day. Government would be open the next day!
4
Walk off the job, TSA workers. No pay, no work.
6
Who needs any of them? It's all security theater anyway.
7
TSA is a pointless agency to begin with. Let's save the money and shut TSA down for good.
9
First off, of all the government employees that are being affected by this, the ones I miss the least are the TSA and their security theater.
However, I reluctantly acknowledge that we have become so accustomed to their onerous presence that we now become anxious at the prospect that they will no longer be around to grope us and rifle through our personal belongings to provide the illusion of safety.
On the other hand, the people who do this for a living should NEVER be told they have to work for no pay or they risk losing their job. I mean, what kind of a job is it when you work and are not compensated? Slavery has been abolished, yet we require these people to work for free? There is no end to this debacle on the horizon and Trump thinks he can stretch this out for a year or more, so where does that leave these poor slobs?
If I was one of them, I’d be calling in sick too.
7
Why should ANY of these people be expected to work without pay? It is unconscionable that rank and file workers are being blackmailed and held hostage just for Trump's folly.
If there is now a terrorist event because of lax inspections and missing oversight, the ultimate blame and responsibility will land squarely in Trump's lap, whether he likes it or not.
Enough is enough!
3
This is the best way to lose sympathy of the American people, who are greatly inconvenienced by this stunt. These furloughed workers will be paid all back pay once the government reopens. It is no skin off their back in the long run. And so far, only 1 pay day was missed.
They are not being he adults in the room.
They should face disciplinary action, including termination, if they call in sick without actually being sick. They should all have a doctor's note or return to work ASAP.
3
You tell us all how they are supposed to pay for rent or mortgage or groceries etc without receiving any pay. Being reimbursed at some point in the future doesn’t help with bills that must be paid right now! I doubt that you would happily work without being paid for an indefinite period.
11
Clearly you have not been paying attention. For starters, commuting costs money and when you live paycheck to paycheck and that check does not come, you have to choose between paying your rent/mortgage, buying food, buying medicine, heating your home, caring for a sick family member, etc. Buying gas for your car or paying public transportation fees may not be at the top of the list of things to pay for if the other choice is food for your family.
13
Back pay doesnt help if you dont have the money NOW to pay for transportation to get to work or for childcare while you are working. It doeant feed kids who cant wait a few weeks to eat, or give medication to people who need it today to survive until tomorrow. It doesnt help when you cant pay your mortgage, car payment or credit cards on time and it ruins your credit rating. Those with securtiy ratings MUST maintain a good credit rating, or they will lose their security clearance . No securtiy clearance, no job. No job, no chance of getting paid at all in the future.
3
I'll bet there isn't ever going to be any problems with the International flights from Russia to the United States and vice versa.
4
As Alexander Solzenhitsyn showed in "The Gulag Archipelago",
working for no pay is a characteristic of Soviet Communism.
I fought in a Cold War when Republicans were against Soviet Russia, back before it became Trussia.
6
National emergency: security at the airports. Is this the first national emergency endangering the life of Americans created by a president?
4
An average of $35K per year?? I’d be awful sick right now too and start looking to leave. On a side note, is this what we pay the people we trust with security in the air? ‘Do you want fries with that’ at the new $15 hour minimum sounding pretty good right now
6
There is ZERO justification for shutting down the government (or considering a national emergency) over a legislative dispute.
And it’s a shame that the people who actually pay taxes to support the government are being held hostage by an incompetent, mean GOP administration.
If the GOP is unwilling, on a whim, to not pay hard working citizens their due then is it a stretch to think that they will take down Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security in a heartbeat if they could?
Rant over!
8
WE ALL need to write our congressmen and demand to end this. Seriously.
4
What we need is a general strike in sympathy for the federal workers and against the baby that we have in the white House, since Republicans who represent all in their states are too wimpy to do anything. First shut the airports down then shut down trucking. I bet the greedy selfish corporate world goes nuts and demands Trump change his demand.
5
Has it occurred to ANYONE that a heck of a lot more terrorists are seeing opportunities at public places now that airport security is overstressed? The southwestern border is the least of my concerns now.
The two old madmen, Trump and Mitch, are leaving our country extremely vulnerable with this shutdown over a wall which is not needed.
5
Now federal employees are getting the same treatment as trump Inc subcontractors.
11
This shutdown will end when someone gets hurt or dies. When a distracted TSA employee lets pass a bomb or a handgun, when the FDA doesn't report another romaine lettuce salmonella outbreak, when a distracted air traffic controller makes a mistake. And the blood will be on Trump's hands.
6
Well, at least if TSA doesn't show up, illegal residents won't be flying.
2
Why, oh why do we put up with these kind of antics? If it were anyone else, they'd be out the door. Why do we let him get away with this?
6
This problem can be easily solved if Democrats can simply understand there is a Republican in the White House and they can’t always have their way. Unlike most Times readers I fear their behavior will soon be toxic if not lethal.
3
Is that what you told the GOP in 2013 when Obama was president and they shut down the government trying to destroy the ACA? News flash, Congress is coequal to the president, and does not have to yield to his tantrums.
2
@Confused,
Why doesn’t Trump understand that Democrats won the House and he can’t always have his way?
2
The government shutdown is bigger than Democrats vs Republicans. It is bigger than Trump. It reveals a huge flaw in our system of government. Neither the president nor congress should be allowed to keep their positions if they are not doing the most basic aspect of their job. If the TSA workers and air traffic controllers all start calling in sick maybe people will start demanding a solution to this dysfunction.
2
The current president has through his own actions demeaning world leaders, his own self appointed staff and generally by a complete lack of mature behavior, effectively demeaned what confidence people might have had in our government. And now he expects government workers to go without pay like enslaved subjects. Seriously is this making our country great? The next generation will lack any faith in government and loyalty will be a joke.
3
Like lemmings to the sea, republicans are following Trump over the edge of a cliff. Many, many republicans must also have been compromised by the Russians because they all want to go down together. Good riddance.
12
Seriously, now that we're more restrictive about who we let into this country, do we really need a TSA? Do we really need all that intrusive pat downs? Can't we scale much of this back?
3
Do a quick google search of how many handguns TSA confiscates each year, most of them loaded. Or knives.
1
I am not flying on any commercial or private planes until well after the US government shutdown has ceased and all hard working federal workers are full paid for their hard work.
2
I would not work for no pay.
Nobody should.
4
Ironic, isn’t it. In the name of “national security” Trumpmis causing the real patriots and guardians of our real security, the TSA to be weakened
4
Seems like the fear of airport turmoil is being created by the media.
It really is immoral (and illegal) to force people to work with no pay. These Americans who we trust with our lives, still need to pay for gas, lunch, parking, childcare while working for no paycheck.
I am postponing my yearly trip to Florida via plane travel due to trumps shutdown. Imagine if all of us did this, stop trump, stop air travel and stop tourism.
I will not be passing through a TSA checkpoint until they start getting paid. What kind of country demands their citezens to work for free while their elected officials still get a paycheck?
And 40% of you Americans are ok with this..
6
Yes they should all find other jobs and so should entire Secret Service and Air Traffic controllers.
4
Oh, dear. You mean the TSA can't confiscate as much toothpaste, steal as many valuables, and assault as many people as they usually do?
Tsk, tsk.
9
It's time that the United States has a National strike.
Shut down the airports. Shut down the ports. Shut down the buses and the taxis and the trains.
Close the stores, the malls. Close down the country.
It's time to tell Donald Trump that enough is enough.
We want our country back. Now!
We are Americans, not Russians.
If you don't agree Donald, you and your Russian loving friends need to get out of the country before you're thrown out.
Get out. You're not welcome.
7
Dear unpaid Federal employees -I urge you to walk off your unpaid jobs and stop being a cog in Trump's rattling wheel. Civil disobedience will have the government reopen in no time.
1
Didn't we already fight a war with people trying to get people to work for free? Not paying someone while forcing them to work has a name: slavery.
6
Calling on TSA employees to walk out is irresponsible in a national emergency such as this. Our President has told us the absence of a border wall has allowed terrorists to enter the country in droves and only the vigilance of the TSA can protect us as we fly. I would urge every TSA employee to redouble their efforts and step up their inspections to absolutely guarantee not a single bad dude is allowed to enter a plane. Since most terrorists are adult males, a strip and cavity search for every male passenger would be a good starting point.
I understand this may be a tad inconvenient for those wanting to fly but if a TSA employee can continue their work while homeless and starving in the interests of national security, surely we can turn up for a plane a few hours earlier?
35
I see your point but I’m thinking we owe it to these people who (some of which) live pay check to pay check and protect us to give them their livelihood.
17
@herne Is it even reasonable to call the current situation a national emergency, since it was President Trump who single handedly created the shutdown? Asking people to go to work with no means to even pay for gasoline or bus fare is totally unreasonable as well as a violation of labor laws, both federal and state on wages and hours.
The scanners at the airport already reveal down to the skin, and those with a pacemaker or electronic built in part have no choice but this type of scanner, and neither men nor women will fly if it means a strip search, yet that is the only totally safe way to screen passengers.
It is unreasonable to expect people making only $35,000 a year to hang around long without pay when even Starbucks pays $15 per hour and many airport workers make more.
26
@Jordan
Well, to quote President Reagan during the summer gasoline crisis, "Americans are just going to have to spend a little more time at home." If Americans believe Trump, then they should be happy to go without money and travel. Fortunately, the people who really matter have private jets and aren't affected by any of this border bologna. Now, with gasoline prices so low, why fly? People who believe America is great wouldn't be traveling abroad!
12
The conservative demi-God Reagan used to say, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are 'I'm from the government, and I'm here to help.'” And conservatives have preached against government for decades, and urged that it be shrunk until it was small enough to be drowned in a bathtub.
Curious, then, that the G.O.P. think government workers are so essential that they must be forced to work for free. By accident, I guess, people in Texas have -- despite their sterling conservative principles -- accepted federal money for storm disaster relief. But Trump will rescue them from themselves when he transfers that storm relief money to building Trump's iron curtain.
4
The TSA has not stopped a single terrorist event, and has miserably failed every test of its systems.
Just suspend the phony "security theater" performance of the TSA altogether. No more backups at airports, and our security will be just as good as as it was when the TSA mall cops were gumming up the works.
Then, when the government reopens, we can use this experience as a test case to have a genuine public discussion about whether we really need the TSA at all.
8
I would like to know if the President, his cabinet, and White House staff continue to receive their paychecks during this government shutdown.
If this kind of thing were to happen in a European country, the airport workers employed by the government would automatically go on strike and the possibly there would be a general strike. Why are American workers so cowed as to even show up for work?
What ever happened to the concept "no pay, no work"?
7
Svirchev@ I don’t Trump takes his pay for being president but a mere $1
I haven't read all the comments but I wonder why people are still buying tickets to fly? We should support the TSA workers by not flying. That would make an economic impact as well. It shouldn't just be left to the TSA worker, we are know better than they are.
5
I would beg to differ with regard to some of these comments. Coming through LAX on Wednesday night on a flight from London was like a vision from hell. I have done this flight regularly over the last 30 years and three times in the last three months and have never seen the backlog of people waiting in the arrivals hall to go through immigration like we saw on Wednesday. It is a busy airport granted and the arrival of a few international flights at the same time often results in long lines. But there were no lines on Wednesday night. Just a seething mass of weary bodies snaking round the hall while a few rather harassed airport officials tried to keep the crowd moving around the room. This was no ordinary arrival and no ordinary crush of people. Numbers must have been in the thousands and I hesitate to think how long it must have taken people to work their way through the crowd. Luckily we have Global Entry so were spared too much of a wait. Personally, I’m amazed that any TSA workers or immigration officers are turning up for work at all when today they received a pay check with a string of zeros. What a lot of senseless and avoidable stress is being put on them and all federal employees. It’s a real disgrace. And all for a wall that is not needed, wanted or necessary.
219
@Sallie Laing
Your arrival flight from London was processed by Customs, not the TSA. And because Customs is a law enforcement agency, they are unaffected by the federal work stoppage. Whatever went wrong at LAX, it had nothing to do with either the TSA or the government shutdown.
7
@michjas
You are partly incorrect on one count. CPB officers are currently working without pay and non-essential functions have been stopped (Global Entry interviews, for example). I would not say that they are "unaffected" by the work stoppage.
11
@CB
They are fully employed and fully paid to do their law enforcement work at the airports. Your point is that their civil duties, which are irrelevant to the discussion, are not being paid for. It Is an excellent irrelevant point.
3
Americans don't respond unless an issue affects them directly. So, if the TSA workers were to seriously curtail airport traffic, then Americans and businesses would take note of impact of the government shutdown. And, to those without any sympathy for our public servants, please note these are the individuals who ensure the safety of our air, food, skies and water. It is time to make the impact of the federal shutdown felt by all Americans.
195
@M
While people should not be required to work without pay, the TSA does nothing to make us safe. It is window dressing.
1
@Eugene Spoken like a person who has pushed paper all his life and never actually worked for a living.
6
My Husbands Brother, Bill, works as a TSA agent at SeaTac (Seattle/Tacoma Airport). He has worked in that position for Years, and is well known for faithful attendance and an exceptional personality, very friendly and warm. Now, why should Bill and his coworkers continue to provide the service they've been trained to perform, and perform well, without pay ??? Perhaps they should all ask their Fathers for a " small loan ". Right, Donald ??? Personally, I would go on strike, immediately, en mass. There's nothing like a Nation wide halt to Air Travel to infuriate Corporations and cause an economic meltdown. Perhaps that's what it will take, as this alleged " Businessman " doesn't have the First clue in handling this self imposed Crisis. Who could have guessed ?????
Sad.
906
Sing it, sister Phyliss !
71
Trump has these people in his pocket and they will do as he wishes.
8
@Phyliss Dalmatian
You forget that air traffic controllers went on strike in the early 80s and Reagan fired them; it's illegal for government employees to strike. If they do, they can lose their jobs for good.
29
America is the laughingstock of the developed world these days, but it isn’t a “national emergency” like a hurricane or manufactured border crisis - only a slow, years-long gradual decline where each day you wake up and see your country’s infrastructure falling just a little bit further into disrepair, your political institutions becoming just a little bit more like those of a banana republic, and the people all around you becoming just a little bit more anxious proud of who they are. The shutdown and manufactured “border crisis”, and more broadly the Trump presidency, are just the canary in the coal mine, the telltale signal of this slow gradual process.
Whenever I visit countries like Germany, Austria, Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand (about 2-3 a year - I travel a lot) I see with my own eyes how some countries systematically do everything possible to provide a safe and prosperous life for their citizens, with incredibly impressive results. The US would do well to look to those countries for ideas on how to run itself. We used to be the greatest in so many ways, and still have so much potential, creativity and a freewheeling spirit that are the envy of people everywhere else, but the world’s really successful countries (two of which lay in ruins after we defeated them in a war just 75 years ago) have raised the bar so much higher than where we are now.
334
@Math Professor I think I remember reading a while back that the US does not have a single airport that is rated in the top 100 of world airports. That is really sad.
25
Good suggestions but we are in a state of irreversible decay. End of life is fast approaching as you will all see.
14
@Math Professor
"We" have been told repeatedly that those other countries are, well, not like us. They can have universal healthcare but we can't because, um...hmm. We can't have a modern infrastructure because, um, hmm...one reason we don't have these things is our tax structure - which has just gotten worse, with the latest giveaway to corporations and the rich. Another is the billions we are taxed to fund Endless War.
Here's hoping Bob Dylan was right when he sang "The answer. my friend, is blowing in the wind."
52
It's hard to feel very sorry for federal airport employees. They have it within their power to bring the shutdown to a screeching halt. We are talking about the people who keep the commercial airline system operating -- security agents, air traffic controllers, aircraft safety inspectors. If they walk out, commercial flights immediately halt.
The public outcry would be overwhelming. And we are not talking about food stamp recipients here. We are talking about citizens ranging from the middle class citizens up the ladder to the very wealthy, many of whom normally vote Republican. If the shutdown inconveniences this cohort, members of Congress would quickly pay heed.
145
I wish the TSA agents and air traffic controllers would walk out. Why should anyone stay on the job after receiving pay stubs for $0.00?
But, we have to remember that strikes are illegal for federal employees. They, and only they, can make a decision to walk out, risking their jobs and a black mark on their employment records.
19
@woofer and don’t forget the corporate outcry
6
@woofer. Agree 100%. Declare a national emergency; pay TSA out of DoD appropriations. TSA should all not-show for work since their payroll is already delinquent!!
4
I think the scariest thing about all this is the assertion that the people responsible for keeping air travel secure are living paycheck to paycheck under regular conditions. If they are as broke as this article suggests......how safe would you really feel getting on a plane?
8
An issue I have not seen addressed anywhere: If federal employees who are required to work fail to show up to work, are they subject to any discipline or docking of pay?
As a non-excepted federal employee, I am not allowed to work and will receive back pay once the shutdown ends.
How could the government justify paying someone who is told not to come to work, and not pay someone who is told to come to work but doesn't?
8
Yes.
They are subject to suspension, disciplinary action, and even firing.
Great to have the government play games with people's livelihoods
11
Trump says that many government workers are willing to endure a shutdown if it means the wall will be built.
I wonder if that goes for landlords as well?
13
We might as well call this the "Trump-McConnell Shutdown" because Mitch refuses to put any of the funding legislation the House has passed up for a vote in the Senate. Whatever passes, Trump would veto, then the House and Senate could vote to override which would be the ultimate diss of Trump. However, McConnell has been the most destructive person in government over the past ten years and I don't expect him to change now.
45
One way to temporarily fix this situation would be to activate the US Coast Guard to stand in for TSA and pay them their wage. Once activated, the USCG is no longer under the Department of Homeland Security and would therefore be paid by the Department of the Navy.
3
That doesn’t fix the situation for the unpaid TSA agents.
18
@Susan
Can’t have military personnel doing civilian enforcement jobs like that.
8
@Susan Also they aren’t trained to do security work. It’s not an obvious or easy thing to screen bags, and you have to be trained to conduct searches on people.
6
Find a federal worker going without pay due to Trump’s shutdown who voted for him and now admittedly regrets that decision...I’ll offer to pay their electric bill for January 2019.
32
If I were a TSA agent, I would have started using sick leave on day two or three, and I would have been actively looking for a new job by day 10.
I don't see anyone can blame them for not coming to work. No pay, no work. The fact that congress and the president can play this sort of game is reprehensible. At a minimum, they should not be receiving their salaries either.
Commercial air travel is not "essential" by any means. It is a convenience.
16
@Anonymous During government furloughs employees are forbid to use sick leave or take vacations. They can call out sick, but they won't be paid for those days when the furlough is over and back pay is distributed.
The president is the one playing chicken with the American public and holding government worker's pay hostage to the whims of Fox news and his base over a border wall more than 75% of Americans don't want to pay for and that would only be a monument to his vanity.
Another thing to note, the Coast Guard is not being paid either.
19
I know they need to be paid but if they are going to be paid later for those worked days... not going to work means they would not get paid for not coming to work then.
6
@Thinkabouit
Would a court allow them to be punished for not working in an unpaid status, possibly in violation of the FLSA?
9
@Thinkabouit And in the mean time they can lose their homes to foreclosure and watch their credit ratings sink into the cellar while they sell possessions to pay the utility bills. Think about it.
24
@George S The Consitution prohibits forcing people to work for no pay. It's called slavery. There was a serous war over this issue.
2
All TSA agents and air traffic control agents should walk off. Bring air travel to a screeching halt especially in DC airports.
69
The dereliction of duty of this so-called “commander in chief“ is profound.
He’s a loose cannon who has no idea what he’s doing or what he’s jabbering about one minute to the next.
And Pompeo is essentially a lackey and consigliere.@Brooklyn Dog Geek
Or at least threaten to do so.
[Trump only understands transaction and threat.]
1
@Brooklyn Dog Geek
Or at least threaten to do so.
[Trump only understands transaction and threat.]
Tell us when the TSA agents with much applause clear the Trump family for exile outside the jurisdiction of the United States.
I believe they patriotically will do so with no pay, so that they might tell their children, this I did for my nation for love my country. pay.
You wont actually have to tell us. The fireworks and cheering will be roaring.
16
Perhaps it's time to invest in more AI and fewer humans working the security lines at the airports. Shutdown and agents refusing to work could be a good thing for the future efficiency of air travel security.
7
@Alice's Restaurant Ah yes, IT systems don't get billed by the month, under GSA contract. Of course. How could we have missed that?
4
I’ll trust human (assisted by canine) intelligence.
2
@Alice's Restaurant That’s great. Let’s put Facebook and google in charge of it.
1
Could we please start calling this the Trump/McConnell shutdown? The government shutdown could be ended today if McConnell would bring the bill he and the senate had previously voted on in December which had a veto proof majority, so Trump’s objections could over ridden and the government could reopen.
Also on All In with Chris Hayes tonight, one of the representatives said when they received the original budget from the White House there was no money for a wall, just border security. So Trump has changed his position again, and he’ll just change it again if Democrats ever agreed to money for the wall. So NO WALL.
71
@Lja NYC t* has turned down money for his vanity wall on more than one occasion. He does not really wish to build a wall, just like he says he never said/meant Mexico was going to pay for it.
He is simply holding the federal government hostage in a vain attempt to stop the investigations into his crimes.
5
"But if the shutdown persists, the worry among industry officials is that agents will face pressure to find paying jobs elsewhere, leading to staffing shortages".
Well, right now they go in to *volunteer* for TSA. So, yeah, they need something that's actually a job: you work, you get paid.
31
Call and E-mail all the Republican Senators and let them know this is unacceptable. It is Mitch McConnell who could make this stop. Nancy Pelosi has brought has brought the bills forward to re-open the government. McConnell refuses to put any bills to a vote.
Come on, Mitt, walk your talk.
50
I too would refuse to work without getting paid.
Make Americans Get Paid Again
Vote
45
No pay? Then no work. Get sick or pull out the rule book and adhere to it exactly. The republicans don’t care about you, so you shouldn’t care about making it easy for them to sit on their hands.
44
This is insane! T.S.A. workers needing to get food from a food pantry? What other country does this?
Trump of course has no idea what that might be like. Senate Republicans need to step up and pass the bills the House has already passed to open the government.
48
Cheers for the TSA workers. They should all call in sick some day next week. That will bring air travel to a complete halt, and President Numpty-dumpty can throw another tantrum.
42
If TSA won't work Trump should terminate them. Reagan fired the air traffic controllers. It was one of his finest moments.
3
Why should they be expected to work for no pay? I think we should shut down the airports until Trump ends this shutdown.
58
The difference is that the air traffic controllers were getting paid. The cause was a union dispute, not the president having a temper tantrum.
33
@Steve
Not the same scenario. The air traffic controllers were on strike in pursuit of better working conditions.
The TSA is being forced to work without pay. We have a name for that: slavery.
If it were me, I'd be out for blood.
21
This is how the shutdown ends. Government workers shame Trump and GOP. Beautiful.
22
Lemme see if I understand this...Trump snaffles $412 million from his dad and lies about it, swipes $1.4 billion from taxpayers and declares his genius, and swallows $1.6 billion from, shall we say, iffy lenders, and proclaims his patriotism.
Apparently the Tree of Liberty must be manured from time to time with the crocodile tears of greedheads and sellouts.
21
Trump is going to hold his breath until the country turns blue.
61
All federal law enforcement needs to walk out , enough is enough , call out sick , they don’t appreciate you
18
Call a mass sick-in and shut down air travel. The Republican Senators will end the shutdown.
35
As the shutdown drags on over a relatively minor issue in the overall life of the USA, the suffering of "ordinary" people via missed opportunities, credit card interest costs, and of course, basic survival requirements like food and heat, prompts the question for the Chief Citizen: When do you place the welfare of your people above your political desires?
23
Answer: never. He does not care one whit about anyone other than himself. He is amoral, a narcissist, completely devoid of empathy, lacking a conscience. He is all the negatives that humanity has to offer, packaged into one individual.
1
So Trump wants to build a wall to keep terrorists from crossing the Texas border, but he won’t pay the T.S.A. workers who screen everyone boarding a plane. Where is the logic?
56
@proffexpert
Because logic and Trump does not belong in one sentence.
1
I hope every TSA agent in the Country walks off the job. Airports will have no choice but to shut down and force Trump's dead man hand.
23
They should all strike. Then what would happen?
11
They should all strike and stay home. They should not be pawns of a baby president. When airports shut down and ripple through the economy, the super rich will tell Trump in a very direct way to knock it off, get back to the bargining table and open his/our government. The more I watch him on T.V. lately, the more I see a very sick man leading our nation.
His latest line and I qoute " they make acids that can melt concrete" and most famous lie "The Democates and News media is our enemy." " 80% is in cahoots."
17
@RC
It is a perk of a guaranteed job. In private employment you get laid off when the company does not have a budget to pay. Government employees that don't like it, should resign and leave. This is a great time to find anothe job.
I guess to the elite, these agents make so little they are expendable and it is their own fault they are so poor.
These agents can probably no longer afford gas to get to work or child care. I certainly hope they can find other work.
In the meantime there is no one checking plane safety. And from what little I know these planes flying out unchecked can develop troubles far into the future.
Trump has run his businesses on stiffing workers, he is at it again. And they are all Democrats anyway, right? And his secret Service is not even getting paid. I hope the White House is feeding them. Trump probably tries to jolly them up when they are around him, can you imagine having to listen and respond in a pleasant way to his rambling and often incoherent babbling while your getting poorer and poorer and more and more worried? Insensitive lout!
27
You're reporting here doesn't support the headline. Turmoil? No one quoted in the story is using that language or suggesting it. And you say the number of TSA agents calling in sick is increasing. By one to two, or by 50 to 500? No facts are given. It would be nice to know the number of agents calling in sick vs. the number of agents who are supposed to be on duty. Why no facts in this story?
10
@nick
Read much?
“Mr. Chin said agents had been calling in sick at double the normal rate this week, leaving their supervisors worried that they will not have enough agents to operate all of the airport’s 11 security checkpoints.”
It’s so annoying when people complain about things not being in the article that are indeed in the article. Try reading a little more carefully and complaining a little less? Change your “why no facts?” To “why no comprehension?” And you’ve nailed it.
Under the circumstances I view this threat of air travel disruption as good news. It may accelerate the time when the idiocy of Trump becomes so overwhelming that we are able to get rid of him. Air travel is pretty essential to the functioning of the economy. Trump probably doesn’t even understand where things are headed and how much of a box he is in.
20
I always said President Trump will do for America what he did for Trump Casino.
18
No matter the lives or financial straits of the workers behind the TSA, I refuse to tolerate, let alone glorify, this ever- and increasingly-creepy bureau of our government; it, Real[Creepy]ID, RFID passports, and the rich databases they all build are exactly the things that putin and xi cite to justify their own tyranny—and keep both their regimes' data breachers busy and paid. (Sorry not sorry. I know you don't like being called a creep. Get any other less-evil job.)
It's all the more bizarre, then, that Individual-1 would want to keep shuttered the TSA and leave those 51,000 unpaid. Maybe he thinks (his failed tantrum to get) his bigotry monument that would (magnificently fail to) cover a single border would better impose His Handsiness' autocracy than that nationwide corps of workers would—or, more likely, he just loves to hate and abuse the workers he hires as usual.
Here's hoping our 45th President repeals it, and replaces all their jobs with good ones.
This is a total disgrace and unjustly punishment to the mens and womans working in the federal service, and the negative impact on their familoes. They are no winners in this shutdown just victims.
6
We Americans don't deserve these people's service.
8
My neighbor served 3 tours in Afghanistan., my husband a 911 responder survivor ( hopefully) ... a legacy of veterans gave service in unmentionable conditions... tuff it out and no whining. NYT use your prowess for a creative solution editorially to these politics instead of sympathy that's somewhat ridiculous. We are all in this together, let's search for some practical solutions .... a crowd source fundraiser nationally, perhaps. Be thinktanks, mobilize, show some GRIT PRIDE and SACRIFICE on the world stage!
I would happily donate cash for these people if someone would set up a way to collect and distribute it.
7
DR If you want to help the unpaid Coast Guard folks, there is the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance web site. Found it this morning.
1
Remember the Republicans roadbloked Obama for 8 years. Trump's no better. His speciality seems to be "non payment of his bills".
20
Monday morning is a good Blue flu day!
7
Republican Senators, especially Mitch McConnell, are just as responsible for this shutdown as Trump is. McConnell refuses to bring to the Senate floor any measure that's supported by Democrats and which proposes to re-open the government, for the sole reason that he knows Trump wouldn't approve it. Republican Senators have abandoned their Constitutional duty to provide a check on an out-of-control executive branch. Start calling the Senate switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to demand that Mitch McConnell bring back to the floor the bill that the Senate passed unanimously on December 18 to fund the government without funding a wall. Phone numbers for McConnell's other offices are as follows:
Washington, DC Phone: (202) 224-2541 Louisville, KY Phone: (502) 582-6304 Lexington, KY 40503 Phone: (859) 224-8286 Fort Wright, KY 41011 Phone: (859) 578-0188 London, KY 40741 Phone: (606) 864-2026
21
@Roberta
And so are Pelosi and Democrats hat could have better this by approving $3 million. I live in San Diego. The wall is much needed.
San Diego, India?
Good. “No work, no pay”. Meets “ No pay, no work”.
Welcome to Trump’s America.
7
@Bailey T Dog
They get paid late for no work. That is the beauty of the government shutdown.
Perhaps EACH employee impacted by the #TrumpShutdown can declare a National Emergency and divert their resources to something else.
5
The president, ever sensitive to the needs of the lower-paid members of his workforce, suggests that they can walk dogs or hold garage sales of their prized possessions.
What on Earth is wrong with that? he is their voice. He is a true man of the people, not to mention a superb leader and compassionate human being.
Let's elect ourselves four more years of this in 2020 and throw Mitch McConnell into the bargain.
15
If it was a private business failing to pay people on time, it would be a violation of the law in most states. This violation of basic decency is made even worse because it is completely unnecessary. How dare they expect people to show up without pay? Don't they have to eat and pay for housing like everyone else?
24
Not only are TSA employees not paid, the secret service agent, the pilots and staff and all of Trump's protection detail have been working without pay. The least that Trump and other members of his administration, and members of Congress should do is open their own wallets and offer financial support to those assigned to protect them and those who have been working for them without pay.
21
Could someone do a GO FUND ME for the TSA workers? I don't have ideas how to organize this for so many workers at so many airports - perhaps by State? or by AIRPORT? But at least I could contribute and feel less helpless as I watch my fellow citizens suffer for no good reason.
I'll be the first to contribute.
5
@Ellen
Apparently they can’t accept money but can accept donations made for food. See the following link for TSA at Cleveland airport:
https://www.gofundme.com/transportation-security-administration-at-cle?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_co_shareflow_w&fbclid=IwAR0OCYrb6q8zCf8ZsjMvSp9nZMVV01P58GGG1FzDVHIM1xzlzptixoAE-S0
6
@KK
Thanks. Where could I find the links for the three major southern CA airports?
@Ellen
I found over 1000 Go Fund Me accounts for TSA workers - mainly individuals making their case. I just picked one near my home and with children. If this lasts much longer, it would be great to organize it in a more systematic manner - like they did for the Cleveland Airport. Hopefully, TSA workers would feel encouraged that their local citizens support them.
If they keep working they are helping to insulate those who are denying them their paycheck from the political consequences that they should face. Of course they should not show up. A collective act like that will get them their paycheck in 24 hours.
45
How long do you suppose Trump would have worked without a paycheck? We all know the answer to that.
Thank you to the women and men keeping our government running in spite of the failed iteration of a human being currently running it.
41
How long does Trump ever really work, period; paycheck or not?
3
TSA workers should show up and just stand there, doing nothing.
hold up signs: "NO PAY, NO WORK"
they could shut down the whole airline industry.
34
When my community college didn’t pay me because of a mistake, I put my job on the line and told them I would be back in class when I got paid. Suddenly, the mistake was rectified.
47
How about a general strike by the TSA agents? That would motivate Trump to end the shutdown.
36
@Thomas Alton No,that would not "motivate Kaptain Kaos. He really doesn't care about anyone but himself and not getting the wall will make him look foolish, at least in his own beady eyes. But if it motivated Majority Leader McTurtle, then maybe there could be some progress.
12
@Thomas Alton
Since it wouldn't directly impact Trump, he really wouldn't care. TSA agents mean nothing to him...just like the rest of us mean nothing to him.
3
Congress should pass legislation guaranteeing these workers recall rights to their jobs if they should be forced to look for other work during the Trump shutdown. Forced labor without compensation under threat of termination is should be illegal whether the jobs are deemed essential or not. They should then establish a pre-authorized reserve fund which guarantees that essential personnel are paid in the event of a government shutdown. That would be a far better use for some of the money Trump is asking for and would go a lot further to ensure the nation's continued safety and security when Trump pitches another one of these tantrums in September.
30
I'd call in sick, too.
Everybody else who doesn't have to work is going to get paid at the end of the shutdown while TSA agents and other folks who are required to work aren't getting free vacations. The solution is obvious and simple: Pay them time and a half, or even double time, for the first 40 hours and double time and a half for overtime. That would be fair, and it would also dramatically reduce the number of folks who are calling in sick.
16
@August West
The problem is they need the money now. They're out "sick" doing a temp job to bring in money for food.
1
I wonder if this situation might not violate the 13th Amendment's prohibition of involuntary servitude. Must work, without pay?
43
@Richard Henry No, because they can voluntarily quit doing the work. It probably violates some basic labor laws, though.
4
@Richard Henry
There are now two active lawsuits alleging violations of the FLSA. Hopefully they will prevail.
5
The essential government workers which include the TSA will get paid. If they refuse to work President Trump should do what President Reagan did to striking air traffic controllers, fire them.
3
@james TSA is not essential. Air travel is not essential. Law enforcement is essential, but not air travel. Let the congress drive, take trains or buses or hitchhike home. Let them feel a little pain and inconvenience.
20
@james
What a cold-hearted, misguided response.
Even if the TSA workers do get paid, in the meanwhile their bills are piling up and their creditors aren't waiving their payments until the shutdown ends. Trump's not doing anything to shield these workers from the market's amoral logic. Nor is he making any pledges or pronouncements safeguarding these workers' pay.
It stands to reason TSA officers and screeners might not show up to work. It's amazing they're doing so at all.
27
@james how long can you afford to work without pay? They have no idea how long it might be before they will get paid. Utilities cut people off for non-payment. Landlords evict people for not paying rent. These people are putting their bills on credit cards which they'll have to pay interest on. They're selling personal property to make ends meet. Nice there are such compassionate people in the world.
11
When this mess is finally resolved, we should start a petition demanding that Congress pass legislation that no congressional member nor the president will be paid during a government shut down. Certainly, some of these folks will be able to whether a few missed payments, but not all of them are millionaires.
78
@Steve I just signed such a petition at change.org. It's bipartisan. I don't think I'm permitted to share the link here; just go to the site and look for "Dock Congressional Pay When Government Shuts Down."
26
@Steve. They and their families should lose their govt-provided health insurance if others have to work without pay.
7
@Steve it would have to be a Constitutional amendment, which is very hard to pass. The Constitution says legislators must be paid. It's unclear whether they are allowed to waive their paycheck, but some are donating their pay to charities.
2
An army marches on its stomach. To be effective, an army relies on good and plentiful food. This saying is attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte. At presented American army is not affected by the shutdown, yet the saying still rings true for other forces assigned to the internal security of our nation. Those responsible for the internal security such as the Border Petrol and Customs, FBI, Coast Guards and the TSA staff do need to put food on the table. One cannot expect a back chair patriot like Trump, borne with a silver spoon in his mouth, to appreciate the day-to-day travails of the family men and women who guard our airports, coast, and internal security. It is difficult for them to do their best for national security when these otherwise dedicated federal employees’ own economic and mental security is threatened. By trying to create an engineered and fake security crisis at the Mexico border, Trump has created a real security crisis within our own borders.
38
@PK2NYT.....if these TSA agents cant put food on their table from missing ONE paycheck, they obviously have an even bigger problem.
@PK2NYT. So those storming the border are paid actors? Good to know.
@Rockstar04253
When billionaires like Trump declare bankruptcies three times to get out of debt obligations, why do people memoan lowly paid federal workers to not not have enough money to stretch beyond a month?
The conversation about this crisis at the border has gone on so long, how can it be a crisis? Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, are a crisis. Using money from this fund for a wall, is a crisis. The government shutdown is a crisis. TSA, CBP should all walkout. Maybe This will create a big enough crisis to bring everyone back to the table. BTW, negotiations require give and take on both sides. It is not one person demanding his way or no way. Just so my Representatives know, my expectations are you stay until the work is done. I don't want to see you here when I pay you to be there. No one in Congress should be paid during a shutdown either.
36
At least TSA workers—many of whom no doubt supported Trump—still have jobs, are eligible for unemployment benefits, and will collect back-paychecks when this current temper tantrum gets resolved.
During his assault on organized labor, President Reagan fired federal air controllers over work stoppage issues. Perhaps these folks should bear that in mind as they punish the traveling American public who underwrite their employment.
7
@Misterbianco
Most states don't pay out unemployment benefits to people who are on the job, regardless of whether they are being paid.
14
Have you ever taken a flight? Most of the TSA agents in the NYC area are minorities. They most certainly didn’t support Trump. Given their long hours and low pay, many probably didn’t even vote.
But it shouldn’t matter who they vote for. It’s wrong they’re working and not getting paid. They have to pay for the commute, lunch, childcare, etc. but have no money to pay for it now. Low income workers don’t earn enough to have emergency funds. If they default on their mortgage or rent, the consequence spiral out into the wider economy. If their families end up in a homeless shelter, taxpayers foot the bill. Not every state has a slow eviction or foreclosure process. Even if they receive back pay eventually, their life might already be turned upside down.
They don’t qualify for any unemployment. Even if they did, unemployment is also only a fraction of your normal income. There’s a low cap on benefits. It’s designed to be paltry, so you’re encouraged to look for work.
10
@Misterbianco How long would, should, and could YOU work without pay? They cannot get unemployment. Reagan fired ATC *who were still getting paid* and went on strike over a contract dispute. Not anywhere near the same. Let them strike so all Americans feel some fraction of the pain, hardship, and inconvenience they do.
4
If TSA won’t go to work, airlines don't fly--a good thing for DNC Politburo's thesis about "climate change"--man-made. Could be the start of something good--back to the Middle Ages.
2
Actual data shows that climate change is happening and getting worse. It’s data, not spin from a political party.
38
Since they've apparently been guaranteed back pay for this time after this ridiculous stalemate finally ends, why can't the airlines pay the agents and then be repaid after the shutdown?
18
Every federal employee, not already furloughed, should walk off the job and show Congress and the public exactly how much we depend on their public service. Republicans have mindlessly portrayed government as the enemy since Reagan. However, government and civil servants are hallmarks of civilization; without them, we would have anarchy. The shutdown is needless, irresponsible and wrong.
109
If most TSA workers didn’t show up for work it would help bring air travel to a halt. That should be sufficient to wake up Washington and end the shut down.
42
The Shutdown will end when it takes six hours to get through airport security. The donors to both parties will demand it when they cannot fly anywhere.
17
@Diablo Cody, good idea, however the donors dont fly commercial airlines, they fly private and avoid this.
21
@Peter Parker Then bring in the military. It can’t be too hard to run a scanner.
I'm not sure why TSA employees are thought to be essential. Without them, the worst that happens is air travel shuts down.
Shutting down air travel in the US would be really bad, but not necessarily a threat to public safety. They should not be forced to work without pay.
25
Air travel is vital to keep the economy humming. It isn't just passengers but cargo as well.
14
@northeastsoccermum Right. I acknowledge your point. But to my point, without TSA, air travel shuts down. A huge hit to the economy, and a huge inconvenience for many, but not a direct threat to public safety. It might be enough to break the log jam without endangering lives.
4
@Ron
Or we could simply keep flying and recognize that they don't actually do much aside from the illusion of security.
1
I don't understand. This is one of the agencies keeping the American people actually safe from terrorism, actually preventing most illegal immigration, actually keeping illicit substances out of the country (usually before they ever get in). Why are they going unpaid for "border security"?
When I go to the United States, it's the TSA and the CBP who takes away the fruit, double-checks my water, makes sure that my passport is valid, x-rays my bag, checks my ticket. They call me when I've forgotten my carry-on and try really hard never, ever to smile (but they're human, and they usually smile).
So the fact that they're going unpaid for the sake for "border security"? It's like spending a dollar to save a penny. It's beyond ridiculous.
Does your president even know what his government does?
174
@C
Our fake President is a substantial moron.
Thank you for the question.
108
@C He views it as his narcissistic playground. The media plays with him every single day. I have been forced to watch CSPAN on a daily basis to even know what legislation is being discussed. We are living in a reality tv show environment. 2020 cannot come fast enough to rid ourselves of this con man.
4
@C
Trump is a puppet. executing Putin's plan: Anarchy in American.
And, to be honest, our president probably can't even spell "government."
Or "does."
2
Peeps or NYT, what can we do/give the workers as we come through airports? I want to help, but not get anyone in trouble.
16
Have they put out the tip jars on the x-ray machines yet?
Don't forget to tip your TSA 'wander'.
15
Didn't the TSA employees support Trump? Talk about poetic justice.
20
Next Thursday and Friday, TSA Agents at all Washington DC area airports, should call in sick. If Senators and Congressmen can't fly home for another long weekend, they'll solve this nonsense.
56
If they all walk out , they won’t get fired. 1. Because they are not being paid , I believe the courts would not uphold the firing. 2. The time lag it would entail to replenish the ENTIRE US TSA staff would be six months to a year. That sort of delay would be untenable for politians, airlines and travelers to endure, so in real world terms, it won’t happen like it did with Reagan and PATCO forty years ago. In that case, a much smaller cadre of specialists were brought in to replace the terminated air traffic controllers ( who were getting paid but were greedy for a huge pay bump ).
2
I agree with another commenter that the best way to bring this home to all of the parties is for the TSA and the ATC employees at Reagan and BWI to stage a sick-out next Friday when all the pols in DC are trying to get home for the long MLK weekend. Make it hurt! Inconvenience them!
47
@JerseyFresh. And Dulles, too.
1
Federal Officials said that passengers had no problems navigating check points. But that is the biggest problem. With the absence of T.S.A. workers it would just be - too easy! That would be a trumpet call to terrorists, real terrorists! Federal workers at the food pantries. What a blight on our nation!
And they earn $35,000/yr. for the very important job they do of safeguarding our country? Shame on us all.
33
Ok this is ridiculous. We pay taxes which presumably pay government employees. No we pay taxes and we have to donate food to them as the government is pocketing our taxes and not paying its employees. My heart goes out to the employees but Mitch and Lindsay need to reach down and find the courage to stop this fraud.
52
@Wolf
Mitch and Lindsay are co-conspirators. Graham actually auditioned for the part. He's hoping to be appointed AG when the office next becomes available.
Go, Squeeky.
1
He promised that he would run the government the way he runs his businesses, didn’t he?
91
He is, and it's close to bankruptcy. Like his businesses.
10
This is the only ammo the Democratic party needs to deal with Trump. He's long been trying to be the President who Defends American Lives. Yet his shutdown is literally making it easier for terrorists to attack air travellers. Who's making America less safe? Trump is.
29
Putin is probably disappointed with Trump because DoD is funded. He definitely is a glass-half-empty type of guy.
14
Strip McConnell of his leadership. Congress and the Senate must be allowed to have their say. McConnell is guilty of collusion with the sitting president.
41
I can't blame a single federal employee who chooses or simply can't show up for work when not getting paid. In my experience there have always been costs to show up to work, such as gas for a car or money for public transportation and for a family with young children they have to worry about paying for child care. I think the most devastating consequence these workers are facing is the possibility of having their credit scores effected when they can't pay bills on time.
The most infuriating part is this is all over a stupid wall that a majority of the country doesn't want! It's not like Democrats are refusing to fund border security, they'll gladly offer it. They are refusing to fund a wall that everyone knows is ineffective and an unfair cost to the American taxpayers. Trump and the GOP need to stop holding federal employees hostage over this ridiculous wall but of course it's near impossible to explain to Trump (someone who believes the wheel was invented before the wall).
50
@sweetnthngs
The key element here is that Trump is afraid he'll look like a fool if the wall isn't funded. He's too intellectually limited to understand that he already looks like a fool. Wall-funding is irrelevant.
1
Indentured servitude is illegal. Trump and the Republicans supporting him are nothing more than slavemasters, expecting Federal employees to work indefinitely without pay. Trump's actions that destroy the US government coincide nicely with those of Putin, don't they? TSA should call for a general strike. That would end this farce in 24 hours.
35
A general strike is exactly the correct response to this outrageous shutdown. I would like to see all Americans support our federal workers who have effectively become indentured servants to the Cheeto.
34
Maybe the TSA should issue a temporary order for no carry on luggage, and limit checked luggage to 10 pounds. That would lighten their work. I suppose everyone could be allowed a tiny paper bag for meds and car keys, and babies could bring their diapers and a bottle. Since they can't strike, and appear to be underpaid, why not use whatever control they have. For people who complain about TSA being jerks, not my experience in Detroit or Flint. They put up with a lot but are mostly nice about it.
13
I don't understand why we cannot have private security working to screen people...
2
@Dom Read the quote in the last paragraph, “I have to come, which I will, because I’m under oath, so I’m going to do that.” Do you want to have your screening done by people with a commitment to public service? Or by contractors loyal only to making money for the owners of their companies? I know which I prefer.
8
Who would pay them? TSA services are paid for by federal taxes on airfares. You are paying for the service. The government can’t pay contractors just as they can’t pay their own employees. Would you like to pay a second excise tax?
7
@Dom They would still be paid by our taxes, yes?
1
In the wealthiest nation in the world, to have hundreds of thousands of middle class employees working without pay, or furloughed, because a narcissistic autocrat wants to waste $5.7 billion on a wall that won't work, will take 10 years to build (and will end up costing probably 10 times that) is an abomination.
Also, having a Senate majority leader leave town, fly home, and do nothing to earn his pay is a further abomination.
Remember all of this in 2020 when Trump, McTurtle and Senator Graham are on the ballots.
69
@MotownMom I wonder what stat you are using to call the USA the wealthiest nation in the world. It certainly has the resources to be. However since 1980 the wealthy have been trying their damndest to siphon that wealth out of the US and into their private hideaways. The USA now is a shambles. No infrastructure, nonexistent health care, destroyed public education, huge drug addiction problems and idiots armed to the teeth. It is not a desirable place to live 2019.
2
I read recently that more Americans died last year from contaminated lettuce than were killed by illegal immigrants.
And yet FDA (food inspection) is shut down, while ICE continues to patrol. In no reality does that make sense.
100
Shut the national parks. They're being damaged by wanton behavior.
Shut the airports. Obviously, it's no longer safe to fly through our major hubs and soon, everywhere.
Shut the grocery stores. Food is risky when not inspected by the FDA.
I think Donald will then be compelled to drop the wall.
31
We are fast reaching the point of no return. We have a man in charge of the world's most powerful country who is mentally deranged and emotionally stunted. He shuts down the government because he can't get his wall and is now threatening to use disaster money to fund it.
There is no end to what this monster will do if he is not immediately pulled up short. The trifling and cowardly Republicans won't do anything about his autocratic insanity since they are so afraid of Trump's base. The Democrats don't have enough power to do anything about the president in the immediate future.
I think the only thing that will stop Trump in his tracks right now is a massive one-day walkout by all essential government employees. Taking an oath to work is all well and good, but a person betrayed owes nothing to an oath.
32
@Carole A. Dunn Massive damage to the US has already been done. European and Asian based businesses as well as Latin American and Canadian are simply circumventing the USA. Putin has already gotten more than he dreamed from his stooge. US is for at least the next 10 years in recovery mode. Many people like me have left, we are those with the businesses and connections that are able to live where its better. Its a horror. Its a national suicide to have trump/mcconnell running the US.
1
Brave people in the TSA. If I remember the Airtraffic controllers walked out in a dispute in the 1980's and they STILL cannot ever collect unemployment. They paid then, and are still paying. THe Senate needs to do what we pay them for and VOTE ON THE CR the House already passed. Mitch McConnell - you should be ashamed.
24
I don't blame these TSA employees for not showing up sometimes. What Trump is asking them to do is slave labor. Also, Trump promised that taxpayers wd not have to pay for the wall, one more of his lies now.
I atleast hope the furloughed employees know that the Dems have voted department by department to quit the shutdown and negotiate like reasonable people.
18
The Trump Shutdown ends the minute air traffic controllers decide they've had enough and walk off the job. Already travelers are at elevated risk thanks to the actions of the unhinged so-called president. How anyone can still be supporting that man is beyond me. It's truly a cult mentality.
16
Years ago, I became part of the "civil service" for 3 reasons: job security, excellent retirement, reasonable pay. I left when Ronald Reagan started saying that federal employees were lazy and over-paid. This shutdown proves that job security is not there. The retirement has been gutted. And Ronald Reagan took care of reasonable pay (as the TSA salaries prove).
So why would someone work for the US Government?
I expect that many who can get a better-paying job elsewhere will leave federal employment.
22
It is up to us, we the people, to find our power, own that power, and exert that inalienable power. Call in TSA employees ( you’re not getting paid anyway).
Grind it to a halt. Show the so-called power brokers who is in truly in charge. Let Trump bellow and bray. With air travel shut down, whose voice will be heard in the end.
19
It is insane that ordinary people can be held hostage this way in a partisan political battle that has nothing to do with them or their work.
In no other civilised country in the world of which I am aware could this happen.
Another example of American exceptionalism I guess.
13
The "sickout" by T.S.A. employees who are being held hostage without pay by Donald Trump as part of his demand for a $5.7 billion ransom to pay for his wall has now reached a point where the American public has been exposed to a real terrorist threat rather than the imaginary one he's been fear-mongering that doesn't exist at the southern border. This clearly is a "dereliction of duty" by Trump who's sworn to serve and protect us. It's time for the Republicans in Congress to say "Enough is enough!" and join with Democrats to pass a bipartisan, veto-proof budget and end this destructive shutdown and free the 800,00 hostages who need and want to get back to work.
26
I wonder how many excess employees the TSA has to cover employees who quit. After all, they cannot hire anyone during the shutdown. We are looking at a serious bottleneck to air travel and an associated contraction in economic growth.
trump needs to end his tantrum and go back to his room for a timeout.
16
Trump raises false alarms about terrorists coming across the southern border in droves. Reports say most arrive on airplanes. Now, with T.S.A. agents staying home, the risk of terrorists entering the country is increased. Instead of holding firm on his questionable wall, Trump should be paying the T.S.A. their salaries to restore proper security at the main source of terrorist entry.
15
U.S. Constitution, XIII Amendment, Section 1:
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
30
Self-proclaimed billionaire Trump obviously doesn't give a care about federal employees. But maybe when the Secret Service starts calling in sick, he'll nbegin to notice? Or the workers who maintain (and fly) Air Force One?
Meanwhile, Trump has hired 17 more lawyers to help him keep the lid on Mueller's report (and other evidence of his criminality). My question: are these lawyers contractors or emplioyees? Are they getting paid? During the shutdown, contractors aren't supposed to work at all, and employees don't get paid. Unless, of course, Trump pays them! (Maybe he can rob the storm recovery money for Puerto Rico? Or even the money for Texas!)
15
Sadly, American workers remain a submissive lot, indeed. The TSA and Air Traffic Controllers could have ended this government stand off in a flash around New Year's... stand back and see what happens. Workers refuse to recognize how much leverage they actually hold. It's enormous. More than your wildest dreams.
20
This is a very dangerous situation. TSA workers who are not feeling valued may slip up. Here is where the emergency is. Trump should allow the House and the Senate to get the TSA workers their salaries now. Then trump should write a check for $5B (since he is SO rich) to pay for the wall which he could brand with trump.
18
@Nina, You called this one right. It's easy to lose interest in doing one's job correctly if one is not getting paid.
13
Starting with President Trump, and fellow Republicans, all of them should create an emergency fund with their personal funds and pay TSA employees. They can also forgo their own pay till the shutdown ends and divert their paychecks to TSA employees. Our leaders need to feel the pain and only then they will know what financial hardship means and hopefully take action to end the shutdown.
14
Trump said he wanted to call the shutdown a strike. TSA can give him a reason.
6
This is why Donald J. Trump went bankrupt so many times. His incompetence is why America is in such a sorrowful situation.
He doesn't plan, he doesn't listen, he has never managed, he contracts labor, so he has only had his family and a couple of other people working for him.
Trump doesn't understand that 80 percent of America lives "paycheck to paycheck." If he did, then he wouldn't have given the tax breaks to the corporations and the most wealthy among us. The bigger problem is the quote on Melania's coat about not caring, it defines Trump.
This is why he had to turn to Russia for his money in the late 80's and early 90's, because no one here would lend it to him. He probably owes them millions upon millions, which is why he has been so nice lifting sanctions, giving Putin Syria and Afghanistan, and alienating our allies, dividing our country, reversing progress toward renewable energy, and putting us in massive debt with his unproductive spending.
The man is a criminal, an un-indicted co-conspirator in crime that has sent his "fixer" to jail.
The latest Manafort news clearly indicates his campaign committed collusion.
The man is incapable of leading and he committed crimes tantamount to treason to become president. He should resign.
Almost anyone could do a better job, not sure it would be anyone that he picked, though. He doesn't like smarter people around him, which is why he has so many vacancies.
27
I hope everyone affected by the Government shutdown will have the courage to vote for anyone other than trump or a Republican come next election.
21
Anybody who refuses to work for free should probably be fired without compensation. Wait, what?
10
Trump is creating a crisis, it’s just not the one he thinks it is.
18
Democrats need to find a legislative fix to shutdowns.
No one should be held hostage to a rogue president or senate leader of either party.
If you can't reach a budget resolution, then it should automatically go into a continuing resolution until you can. No one is hurt. No one suffers.
10
Why is the TSA a federal function? Make it private, with the proviso that any airline that is subject to a terrorist attack will be forced into bankruptcy and its executives tried for negligence, with the threat of 20 year prison sentences. Make them actually take risks to earn their money.
The airline industry needs to die anyway to fight climate change.
1
The airport workers and the air traffic controllers in the DC area are the ones who should walk out. When the Senators can't fly home for the weekend, Mitch will let the Senate vote to reopen the govt. within hours. The shutdown needs to hurt the right people.
62
@KLOne would think that is the obvious solution!
Ironically with airport security reduced, Trump's imaginary wall to protect us has made the real world less safe. A consequence of having a president who's completely unfit for office. Very scary.
29
If they don’t come to work then they should not be paid when government resumes operations. If they call in sick, they should have a doctor’s note or they should not be paid.
1
How often do work without getting paid? Why place the burden on the unpaid workers. This country has become a mess thanks to Donald Trump and his supporters. AKA deplorables.
2
How often have you worked for no pay?
1
I listened to a great report on NPR that the mainstream media has ignored. The federal credit union is offering 0% 6 month loans to all federal employees. These folks can basically get the money they need, at no charge, and pay it back in full when they receive their back pay. Probably not widely reported because it doesn't meet the hysterical narrative.
24
Hard to repay a loan, ANY loan, without any income.
Seriously.
38
Back pay has been signed off on by the Senate. The house will follow suit when it fits their narrative.
A 6 month 0% loan that can be paid back with back pay.
Sounds perfect for the situation.
7
@Rich The offer of a loan, even at zero percent, is not a solution for this problem. It's a band aid that ignores the gaping wound that lies beneath. Let's say I take the loan, and meet my obligations for this month. Next month the shutdown ends, and I'm now paying another bill, and the uncertainty of another shutdown still looms. It's no way to plan for the future, or treat federal employees.
26
Since Nancy Pelosi is the one negotiating with Donald Trump, and they are the ones at the impasse, she should turn to people that influence Donald Trump to get them to push him to change his position. She has already worked with the Congress now to pass legislation to open the government many bills have already been passed and she took over. Now she should persuade Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter to opine on television that Donald Trump should change his position for the sake of the country. Because it is not fair to make the 800,000 public employees pay for the wall with Mexico either. If Fox News would push Trump to negotiate instead of drawing a hard Line in the Sand, things would change.
6
@Cynthiam: What universe are you living in? Speaker Pelosi has as much chance of influencing those at Fox News as Trump does telling the truth. Some things are just not going to happen. To expend time and energy trying to make them do so would be a total waste of effort.
2
@Cynthia That's the disgrace here. Fox News has replaced govt. by the people.
1
The lower paid the workers are, the shorter the time before they run out of money. Not too much difference between what TSA workers are paid versus Walmart workers. It is pretty evil to force these folks to work for free.
53
They aren't working for free. They will receive their back pay when the shut down is over. They can also secure a 0% loan from the federal credit union and pay it all back when they receive their back pay.
8
@Rich - There doesn't appear to be a "federal credit union", but some private businesses that cater to government employees are offering them low interest loans. Navy Federal Credit Union and First Command Financial Services are offering interest-free loans. Not sure how high they are going on the loans, though.
3
@Rich what if the shut down lasts more than six months?
12
Few things will end this Republican shutdown faster than business travelers getting stuck in airports and cancelling meetings and conferences, etc. Many of those companies and business people are McConnell’s and other Republican Senators base. When they feel the pain, the Senate will start to get busy.
50
Trump's secret service team needs to go on a sick out. Let's see how fast Trump folds.
63
@Aaron of London Just turn on his TV like you do to the other toddlers and sidle out! He won´t notice till he screams for a cheezeburger.
among other things, congress needs to pass a new shutdown legislation bill. if workers can't be paid, congress can't be paid. if airport security is not functioning, then secret service should not be functioning, exposing citizens and leaders alike to the same security lapses. and so forth, so that those engaging in a shutdown feel the same consequences as those they are inflicting it on.
59
Exactly! Shutoff the power in the White House and ground Air Force 1 and Marine 1.
all federal employees should walkout! Most citizens, including myself, are largely unaware of how fully dependent we are on the services and well being they provide. We'd all suffer then and howl until this mess is cleaned up.
43
IMO that this shutdown might cause the grounding of numerous flights is a silver lining. We've been grousing about climate change for years now and air travel is a huge contributor to the problem. Presto - taken care of by the shutdown!
You would think green activist and the progressives would be thanking President Trump for his visionary management style!
9
I feel very sorry for these TSA workers. Godspeed.
This is a Trump shutdown. He initiated it, he’s got to end it.
I’ve stated these facts before but here goes:
On Dec 19, the Senate passed an omnibus bill bundling the remaining 6 appropriations bills in a CR thru Feb 8. It passed with 71 votes and included a compromise of 1.6B additional money for border security. Trump said he would sign it. Overnight and the following day, right wing TV personalities said Ttump better get his wall. He reneged on the deal, the House freedom caucus rebelled even as Senators were on their way home for the Christmas holidays.
In our democracy we can’t shutter government agencies, withhold pay from workers and contractors (using them as human shields essentially) to pass a small minority-backed bill. It sets a horrible precedent.
The Republicans have been trying this for decades. They have always failed with this gambit as they should have. After this ends we need some sort of mechanism to prevent it ever happening again.
62
@Michael and there was bipartisan support for a bill that had $25billion or some grotesque number for border security, not necessarily a wall, that the Republicans refused to consider. Go figure!
17
@Bismarck - I don't think it's a wall that they want, I think it's a fight. They want to put on a show of supporting white nationalist racism's greatest meme.
2
I am amazed there are people that are questioning the need for the TSA at a time these employees are hurting the most. We have no idea about the good work the TSA does each day to help us all have a safe and secure as none of that gets reported. We are here due to the sole and reckless decision by the President so let’s not blame the victims.
44
@Steve
I feel bad for them but there is good data that they are do nothing to make us safer.
The TSA could end the shutdown in 24 hours if they walked out en masse. Let's hope no one informs them of their power.
58
I support a total walk out including the White House secret service.
1
@Cara Van Actually, I hope they do walk out en masse.
1
I had to fly across the country during Reagan’s action against unionized air traffic controllers. My luggage and both got rerouted to adequately staffed airports, although not, at first, the same ones. The waits were longer. But what sticks with me is the terror that problems in the control towers would send us hurtling into another plane, or landing in San Francisco Bay instead of San Francisco International Airport.
25
The plight of TSA workers is sad. But maybe their absence will force us to consider TSA is mere "security theater", an ineffective hassle that airline customers needlessly endure.
Time after time, their own investigations have demonstrated how weapons and contraband get by the not-so-watchful are eyes of these underqualified, underpaid "officers".
Plus in NYC at least, the TSA staff regards the flying public with condescension and hostility, indiscriminately lording their bogus officer status without the self awareness to realize they are minimum wage employees wearing costumes, performing a charade that is impotent in preventing any real threat.
I wish these workers well, hopefully in other jobs that will provide them a measure of safety and security. Because their function at the TSA sure doesn't provide it for us.
37
@Jay Why
Blame the victim much?
Perhaps if these folks were better paid and had adequate training so that additional people could be recruited and agents become more skilled at their jobs, performance metrics would improve.
And did you read what the agent said about being under oath and honoring that oath by going in to work while not being paid? Not the words of an “officer” (as you label him) but of an officer, who takes what he does and his obligations to the public seriously.
Would you act as professionally as this officer? Would you work if you were not being paid?
48
@human being
The American public is the victim here. Of a wasteful program that only gives the theatrical illusion of security.
And I'm not blaming the victim. I'm just calling out the TSA for what it is. A jobs program which unlike other government efforts at fuller employment does no good for anybody.
And no, absolutely not, I would not be working without being paid. Why should me and my family starve so Trump can score political points with his Vanity Wall?!
2
Have you thought about what a minuscule percentage of Contraband gets through compared to the number of people and pieces of luggage that go through our airports? If what you say is correct, there would be horrifying incidents/attacks at airports and on planes continually; thanks to the effectiveness of the TSA workers there are not. Do the math and maybe you will rethink what you said.
Many commentators are suggesting a walk-out for TSA airport employees. And yes they can lose their jobs, or in the alternative, if they do not lose their jobs they can be fined the equivalent of 3X their hourly rate for their time off the job. At least that's how it went for NYDOCS correctional officers back in 1979 under Taft Hartley. NY brought in the National Guard to police the prisons. You should have seen the wreckage left behind. Talk about disgraceful!
I was a college professor at SUNY Ulster who taught classes for staff on the prison grounds. Of course, I did not even consider crossing a picket line. We had a make-shift area class on the line.
I walked the line in '79 at Woodbourne CF and Otisville CF. Long live the Royal Order of the Burn Barrel!
Peggy in NH.
16
Has Trump ever worked without being paid?
He had stated he would only take $1.00 per year as President, has this come to pass or is this another Trump "hustle"?
Congress gets paid from another pocket!
Where are the "shadow presidents" on this one?
18
@lftash Has Trump ever worked?
1
American workers (and consumers) underestimate their powers to create change. Perhaps we need to learn from the French, specifically the Yellow Vest movement, that protest is power. If every TSA or border agent left their post for a day, this shutdown would've been history by now.
53
All federal workers should call in sick. McConnell and
Every federal worker should call in sick. McConnell and the Republican senators have just washed their hands of the whole subject, deciding it's not their problem. But it is their problem -- that's what they are still being paid very handsomely to take care of, while the rest of the government employees aren't getting paid.
48
Irony: Trump says having this wall is a matter of national security, yet he is willing to shut down airport security until he gets his wall.
104
@G. W.
It truly is bizarre, especially to this 9/11 family member.
God protect us from a(nother) real catastrophe while DJT dithers and snorts about his ridiculous wall.
I support them. When others are being impacted like the rest of us, when Congress can’t fly home on a whim then maybe things will get settled. It’s a shame Trump gets to fly Airforce One instead of dealing with security issues like the rest of us common folk.
38
$35,000 a year to keep America safe? That is BEFORE taxes? No wonder so many of them are cranky. Dealing with surly travelers for $35,000 a year? No thanks.
100
@Joe
If one is not suffering financially and does not seek this information (because capitalism is awesome and war and gossip make mainstream headlines), one may not know the staggering truth:
In 2014, 60% of American workers made less than $35,000 a year.
http://graphics.wsj.com/what-percent/
Also 80% of workers live paycheck to paycheck.
What is the breaking point, I wonder?
3
@ Naples Joe, Totally thankless job it is. Maine Joe
2
The TSA has 95% failure rate when screening for weapons. Let them leave and privatize security.
6
@Zeke WRONG The TSA said it discovered 2,212 firearms in carry-on bags at 224 airports -- about six a day. About 83% of the confiscated guns were loaded, the department said.Last year's number represented a 22% increase from 2013, when 1,813 firearms were discovered. The number of firearms discovered at TSA checkpoints has risen nearly every year since 2005.
23
@mike In this gun hungry country, no surprise. At one Canadian border crossing one of the biggest problems were American police who wanted to take their guns to Canada. Watch the show Border
security to see more. Guns aren’t the problem in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and U.K. borders.
13
@Zeke
Sure, then our government can be embezzled for billions more by corrupt security firms. After all the private contractors working on government projects seem to think it’s perfectly fine.
We travel a lot and the TSA does a fine job. How cruel to blame people when they are already suffering.
3
A TSA walkout just might be the last straw that forces Donnie and Mitch to end this farce.
33
Congress should make it illegal for the government not to pay their federal employees. The law (state and federal law) says that all employers are required to pay their employees so... how is it that republicans or the president can circumvent the law and not pay government employees? Trump claims border security is an emergency, however for millions of Americans not getting paid, that is no emergency or concern? Not having food inspected is not an emergency? How reckless is that? Shame on Trump and all republicans who go along with him.
49
Perhaps a total shutdown of all air travel will catch McConnell's attention (the enabler-in-chief). I say perhaps, because he seems to be totally insensitive to his elected mandate to govern. I would say this of DT too, but one can't expect a child having a temper tantrum to behave rationally.
30
Having your income unexpectedly dry up for three weeks is bound to take a toll on one’s mental health. Having to work under those conditions, even more so. If all TSA agents were to call in sick, perhaps their illness and our ridiculous government shutdown will both find a remedy more quickly. Before then, if they find that earning some side money helps ease their illness, more power to them.
23
As usual Trump is doing a great job. The chaos President has created more chaos. If he does so well in his intended goal to get a wall, how will he do with Russia, China and NK. Oh sorry, these are his friends while the US government is his enemy. Now it makes sense.
20
A concerted strike by affected federal employees would end this immediately. Recognize the power you have and use it!
22
I seriously believe that the D.C Water Authority should reconsider its decision not to cease providing water to the White House, despite an unpaid bill in the millions of dollars, and counting, caused by this infamous Trump Shutdown. Let this Fake President and his Administration of Deplorables experience at least some inconvenience directly resulting from their own deliberate actions, inhumanly causing millions of citizens great financial deprivation and emotional anguish. They need to pay some immediate price, even if it is minimal compared to the people who have intentionally been essentially rendered jobless. Do it D.C.W.A., and now!
51
This is Citizens United, corporations are not people and a government that does serve the citizens is impotent. Trump's insistence on protecting Americans should begin HERE.
9
One hour and forty minutes to transit at Houston. With no checked luggage.
15
Personnel shortages at TSA will mean more hurried screenings of passengers and greater security risks to us all. (Terrorists used airplanes for the 9/11 attacks, after all.) It's bizarre that we've created this real security risk at airports to resolve an imagined one at our southern border.
32
There has got to be some republicans working for the federal government. Why are we not hearing from them? A few farmers have said that they voted for Trump but this is a bridge too far. We still are not having enough republican blow back for Trump's bad faith negotiation attempts and his impulsive behavior. When will the situation get bad enough for his supporters to wake up?
22
The entire TSA should walk out. With air travel shut down, the Republicans would have no choice but to abandon trump and pass a budget bill without wall funding.
24
I would suggest a tip jar at the exit of the TSA secure area at all domestic airports. If every person that went through the line gave a tip it would alleviate this horrid situation Trump has initiated. Taking our public servants hostage is in no way the right thing to do. I myself, having gone through this in the US coast guard, starting travel this Sunday out of FLL I will leave a 20 dollar bill when I exit my screening line. Lets all do this!!
14
It my employer refuses to pay me, I don't work.
Federal workers should have the same right.
Democrats should freeze all congressional activities, including confirmations, until the Trump shutdown ends.
31
And are the Trump and Kushner empires excusing non-payment of rent by those affected by the Silly Shutdown? How about the other real estate rich kids who got those big Republican tax breaks? Just asking....
20
As Trump said: "I'd be proud to own a shutdown", shuts it down, then blames the Democrats for the shutdown.
As the Pig Pen character in Peanuts is always surrounded by a dust cloud, so Trump is followed by a cloud of Chaos wherever he goes, and whatever he touches.
29
In order to get a wall for a nonexistent threat, we open ourselves up for one of the scariest.
27
Gift Cards? Although it would be a drop in the shutdown bucket, maybe every passenger passing through TSA could give a gift card (especially for groceries and meals). At the very least it would show that American travellers value them and care about their plight.
11
@Lee
What?
While I agree with the sentiment, a very,very bad idea.
The American (vulture) capitalist system has long operated on a fundamental principle:
NoWork/NoPay
NoPay/NoWork
Additionally, you have already paid their wages through your taxes. Americans should not encourage others to rip them off by charging them twice for the same product or service. Americans permitted that in past Gov't Shutdowns by paying wages to gov't employees who hadn't worked.
They permitted it in the past which is why it is being done to them again.
Americans need to have some respect for themselves.
If the system isn't working, don't make it worse by encouraging it.
Fix it. FixTheSystem
NoWork/NoPay
NoPay/NoWork
GetAGrip
7
Today I contacted Delta Airlines to let them know, I will NOT be flying if TSA employees are not being paid. I also contacted the hotel I stay at when visiting my daughter to let them know, I am not staying because of the shutdown.
39
I wish the T.S.A. workers would walk off the job. They have nothing to fear. Who, in their right mind, is waiting to take a job that doesn't pay?
54
Assuming Trump's not going to relent, the only way out might be a veto proof majority. That could happen if the GOP thinks it's losing too much popular support, but it could take a really long time.
15
@Matthew: It could happen tomorrow if McConnell would allow a Senate vote on the bill that has already passed the House!
I support TSA. It is a hard job. I have always been treated with courtesy and professionalism at the country's busiest airports.
They should be paid. If the Mitch McConnell cannot do his job and pass legislation to keep the federal government open because crybaby Donald is pitching a fit, they should walk off the job. There are many ways to shut down a country. At least the TSA agents are honorable in walking out.
51
I hope that at some point in near future that the FAA considers shutting down civilian aviation rather than risking the lives of the public as the strain really starts to show among air traffic control as well as TSA. At some point, lives will be lost thanks to Trump's reality show presidency and his all important GOP base.
35
Since TSA officers are "essential" employees and unable to strike, they could coordinate a work slowdown to bottle up airports to make a point. Search everyone and everything thoroughly, question everyone closely and pull them aside for further screening. If enough people miss enough flights, and if enough airlines experience a slowdown, the agents could show how vital they really are.
53
@tony83703 the word essential could begin to be meaning less if all walked out.
@tony83703. I assume you never fly.
More Americans need to pay attention to the TSA working class heroes:
The American (vulture) capitalist system has long operated on a simple principle:
No Work/No Pay
No Pay/No Work
Those who are working below living-wage jobs (fewer and fewer careers available now; in fact, you can find an article how people will need to retrain throughout their lives most any day) should pay attention. In today's America, someone who works for less than at least a subsistence wage today pretty much ensures they will earn less in their next job.
The American working class needs to "get woke" to the fact and accept they are not going to be the lucky one who "gets out" by winning the lottery, or staying on when the company disappears overseas to lower labor rates. It's not going to happen.
Only by realizing that American business fooled the American working classes into believing it had the workers best interests at heart and didn't need labor unions in order to take advantage of the workers and pocket the money the workers earn through their sweat and time will they, maybe, be able to send the pendulum back the other way.
The American working class needs to show a little respect for itself.
Show some respect; if you're not getting paid, don't just stay home from work. Your future isn't going to come knocking at your door, unless it's death, which comes for us all.
You've got to go out and find it. You've got to fight off Death: mortal and financial. You gotta exist.
#NoPayNoWork
18
So when Congressional GOPers can no longer catch flights home, will they do more to remedy this issue than offer thoughts and prayers?
29
TSA should strike, right now.
Why should they work without pay?
I don't. Do you?
These are not highly paid people.
How do they go without a paycheck? They can lose their homes, Trump won't care, they can lose their cars, Trump won't care, they can miss payments on credit cards, Trump won't care.
But THEY care. And, we, as American people, should care, too.
I'll tell you one way to end this shutdown: The Secret Service should strike.
Trump would be so frightened at the very thought, he'd end this shutdown in two seconds flat.
51
In the meantime of the shutdown, they can get another job so that they can pay their bills.
9
@William Smith They could also get other jobs and never go back to the TSA, which is what I think some of them are doing. I think a fair number of TSA employees ended up with the TSA because they had trouble getting a job in a tough job market a few years ago. But now that there are more, better jobs elsewhere, I think this shutdown may be just the nudge they eeded to go get one of them and forget about the TSA.
18
Are you saying that they need to work two jobs, when paid and one unpaid because why? Because of Trump and the Republicans complete lack of concern for actual American citizens who are showing up to work despite the fact that they aren't getting paid. There should be a law prohibiting shutting the government down. Did I read correctly that Homeland Security sent them a letter to send to their landlords and mortgage companies that they might not be able to pay their bills for the foreseeable future? It's a crying shame and national embarrassment that Homeland Security would have the nerve to send such a letter and think that it will make a difference to creditors.
18
@William Smith
They may be among Fed workers who need permission before taking another job. At least in the TSA case, their branch is open so they can get that permission...:other branches...not do much.
4
As a fellow federal government employee (although DoD so not affected THIS time), I support the TSA agents and the roughly 800,000 other employees getting screwed by Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell.
I will support any federal employee who refuses to work with no pay, especially the Secret Service agents protecting the Clown.
141
Who can blame them for calling in, especially if they have a way to make some money on that day.
Employees who are furloughed can at least apply for unemployment benefits, but "essential employees" like TSA agents are high and dry because they are still working.
If the TSA agents quit, they could get unemployment benefits. Eligibility varies by state, but people are typically eligible if they have good cause to quit and I can't imagine there is any state where "employer stopped paying me" is not good cause to quit.
40
I thought our Constitution outlawed slavery, which of course is forcing people to work without pay.
Like a business that doesn’t pay its workers.....the business of government
Faced with the stark reality of federal employee unions, the President has given essential personnel the Trumpian choice, my way or the highway. My way/highway seems to be the only method of bargaining the President is utilizing these days. The President is clear about the solution. Give him what he wants. The trouble with that is, once he has fed at that trough, he'll keep coming back.
29
@richard wiesner Confrontation and smear is the only tactic in Trump's playbook. It was just a matter of time before he played it once the House turned.
No matter the outcome he will declare himself a winner. And gear up for the next round of the same.
For that reason alone the resistance must insist on real reform or continued shutdown. The check must be real and clear.
I expect the shutdown will last some time.
9
It would be nice to see the secret service that's Trump's detail to walk off the job as they are not getting paid.
However they and the other federal employees that are working without pay are more loyal to this country then Trump or the GOP.
72
Thank you all for working and helping without being paid. This is truly unacceptable for a President of our country when the President is expected to cause or promote general welfare, not cause massive suffering at home and abroad. This truly is enough.
56
As I recall, "our President" stormed out of a meeting because he couldn't get his way. Is that what you call negotiation?
3
@JBC. So where do you get your fair and balanced news? Did fox forget to run the segment where trump said he'd be proud to shut down the government? Let's say we build the wall you and trump want - at 5.7 billion dollars for 234 miles of wall comes out to $4,613 per lineal foot...and guess what...it won't do anything as they'll just walk to where the big beautiful wall ends. So much winning....just like the French magnoit line...the germans drove around to the end and came through no problem.
2
@JBC, Please blame the right person here, TRUMP!
They should all call out when the Senate is in session which would force the Senate to stay in Washington missing a week of fundraising.
37
As of today, airline stocks have plummeted. So the effects here are already in motion. Plus in general the public demand for flying has gone down. Not too many have the extra money just laying around to go and fly someplace. Who can afford to take unpaid time off from work for a vacation anymore?
But of course, the wealthy are still jumping into their NetJets.
25
@JM
Of course they are.
That is made possible by American workers continuing to work for no pay - even delayed pay.
The American (vulture) capitalist system has long operated on a fundamental principle:
NoWork/NoPay
NoPay/NoWork
Show some respect for yourself:
Stay and encourage others to do the same.
#NoPay/NoWork
1
No "national emergency" can force an American to work for free. TSA agents can quit. There's full employment. They can find other work. Whoever leaves first will. probably have better pickings. TSA workers united has as much power as the parties to shut down the shutdown.
21
TSA workers should focus on Washington DC area airports and walk out when it is most inconvenient to Congress members flying home - too late for their escape from Washington today. Maybe next weekend.
It is not enough to underpay and disrespect government workers on a daily basis - now the trumpists want to turn them into free slave labor. It is one thing to close the government with workers not reporting to work and continue paying them and forcing them to work for no pay. Who in their right mind would want to work for this government?
80
@PAN Actually this situation would not be going on if the so called trump base was not supporting it. Mitch McConnell is as afraid of the base as is trump. The base is concentrated in the red state hinterlands not in the Washington DC suburbs. Cause curtailment of operations at the Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati and Evansville airports and you will have a bigger impact on McConnell.
34
Isn't that the end game? Shrinking the federal government? By whatever means necessary. It will be part of the reelection campaign.
4
@John Warnock
I completely agree. And if I lived in KY, I'd be looking to vote out McConnell.
10
In fact, as this completely overlooks, TSA staff who actually check air travelers are in force at no greater than a normal rate of absences. Only when a minute fraction in almost no major airports is highlighted can this “evidence” be valid. When you don’t secretly factor flu, winter weather, etc., this goes nowhere.
1
I suggest the TSA workers be paid by the airlines for the duration. It seems to me that the airlines should cover this expense anyway.
19
@Margo
Every airline ticket purchased has a $5.60 fee (one way) added to the cost to pay for TSA security.
16
@Margo And in your dreams the airlines will slash fares to pay for their added expense of paying for security.
1
The more concerning group of people to me are the air traffic controllers. I refuse to fly anymore but I realize some people don’t have that choice.
12
Will fewer people buy plane tickets? My partner is flying next week for work, but we’re delaying any unnecessary travel for now.
10
@F In Arlington
Heavens to Mergatroyd !
The nation prays for you and your partner's self-centered return and safety.
10
I am not sure if anyone remembers the 9/11/01 crisis, when we all learned how poorly paid and minimally trained TSA workers were, and probably still are.
Yet they are our only hope.
11
@Mrs H. Did something happen on 9/11/01. I don't remember. I do remember that TSA didn't exist on 09/11/01.
18
@Mrs H
Prior to 9/11, I believe the security workers were airline or airport employees....things were incredibly scattershot - which is why employees were moved under a federal umbrella.
5
@Mrs H most intelligent people know you’re referring to pre-9/11 airport security screening. I recently watched a funny Carol Burnett show skit with Harvey Kidman & Tim Conway from the 70s on terrible airport security. So, um, yes.
2
It should be illegal to make people work and not pay them.
This is a completely fabricated situation. There is money in the system, why force the people who can least afford it bear the brunt of the politician's games?
97
@El Lucho
It is already illegal. The Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits employers from requiring or encouraging "working off the clock."
The feds have been in violation of that since BEFORE the shutdown started.
20
It *is* illegal to force people to work for no pay. The 13th Amendment outlawed slavery 154 years ago. Trump just hasn't gotten the memo.
1
@El Lucho It is illegal. Slavery was abolished in the late 19th century. The very definition of slavery is being forced to work for no recompense.
1
Strike, TSA workers....and teach the Incompetent-In-Chief what a real Art of the Deal looks like.
He and his Grand Old Phony caucus will fold like a cheap suitcase.
103
No National emergency but a National Strike.
Shut the country down.
Enough is enough.
2
Frightening to think that Trump doesn't understand what "shutting down the government" means in real human terms.. he will definitely be responsible for a "National Emergency" if he and the legislative branch of our government do not resolve this domestic hostage situation soon.
32
It's interesting to see how many commenters think it would be great it TSA went on strike, or the airports were shut down. Do you really understand the economic impact of such a move? Forget about the person who will have to miss her mother's funeral because you got your wish. That's small potatoes. The pilots, flight attendants, ground crews, people who work in airport bars, would all lose their income as well. TSA will be reimbursed. The private sector will not.
It's time for Trump, Pelosi, and Schumer to all come to the table and compromise. Pelosi and Schumer are on record as supporting a physical barrier as recently as three years ago. What changed? They don't want to give Trump anything that could look like a victory. Trump needs to be willing to use the dreaded amnesty word for DACA people. That way everyone wins and everyone hurts a little.
11
@Ronn What changed is the moving target that Trump continues to put forth. It is a wall, no it is a barrier, I will agree on (fill in the blanks) until a talk radio or Fox "News" person makes a statement.
Trump will be going against the will of the people. The last poll indicates a majority do not want an affinity wall. Secondly, Trump, with his famous unfiltered mouth and tweets has made no friends in the Democratic camp, so, why give in to a toddler?
There will be no victory for anyone.
36
@Ron
The GOP controlled the Presidency, the Senate and the House for two full years and now...all of a sudden... there's a 'wall' emergency and government shutdown because there's a Democratic House.
Trump is a fake, phony and a fraud.
This is a Trump shutdown.
296
@Socrates
Yes, very good point Socrates. It’s an emergency because the House is controlled by the Dems. Where was the emergency one year ago when the Republicans had the house and senate? Trump needs it to be his way because he can’t afford to lose his base support.
31
They could always just not screen at all. I bet no one would notice the difference, except for air travel being pleasant again.
28
Today something like 50-60% of Americans do not have an extra $500 for an emergency. They are on average and I am willing to guess most TSA employees live paycheck to paycheck. Not too many have substantial savings in the bank. Yes, they like to have a roof over their heads and eat too.
31
@JM
It seems to me that you have identified the real "emergency.'. The working class in the US lives on the razor's edge of subsistence.
That's the emergency. The culprit? Not immigration, but Republicans. If we deport them, meaningful progress can be in resolving this emergency.
21
@JM It's almost as if there are other jobs worth applying for out there.
1
Perhaps a mass subtle movement into Trump hotels and restaurants by all those laid off.
And they refuse to pay.
Almost 20% of air traffic controllers who are not being paid are eligible for retirement.
What if half of them walk.
33
It's not so much that they refuse to work, many of them can't afford to work for free and still pay for their commute. We're not talking people who make executive schedule salaries and have large savings here.
181
Why should they ? Trump talks about securing the country and border agents and tsa agents aren’t paid ?
33
Of course, it's not just TSA that the commercial air system relies upon. There's the air traffic controllers who are not getting paid either. The Pilots' Association has already expressed their concern, and they have ultimate authority to not fly if they think the system is no longer safe. If the pilots should decide to stop flying, the whole system comes down just as quickly. Then we'll definitely have a "situation", as they say.
88
@William
Pilots are trained to function without traffic controllers.
We're thinking of cancelling a planned flight because of concerns not only about TSA and security, but also about air traffic controllers and safety inspectors. Both of these groups are reportedly over-worked and under-staffed.
32
My suggestion: the occupant of the White House should be told that he can not leave the White House so that funds which would be spent on Air Force One and his security guards when he travels around DC would be diverted to provide temporary food stamps to the unpaid TSA workers.
144
I'm sorry,but given their attitude and widespread contempt for passengers, I have a feeling that the likelihood of a TSA agent getting another job on short notice, is quite remote. Maybe the local DMV office.?
One of my worst problems with flying frequently is the recollection of the treatment by TSA "officers". Sure..I realize that they are human beings also, but it is uncommon to find it that feeling reciprocated.
13
@Mr. Louche, Personally, I've never had a problem with TSA agents. They've always exhibited a professional behavior towards me and I fly out of Boston Logan. Considering the stuff they must put up with on a daily basis and what they're paid, I think mostly they do a pretty good job.
5
I've never experienced contempt from the TSA, I travel a lot and have always been treated like I treat others....kindly.
5
I did a business trip this week from Albany NY to Columbus OH by way of Philly, and back by way of Atlanta. Was delighted to see agents cheerful and helpful. Crowds were really light. Speedy check-in. Quick dash through security. Plenty of open seats on aircraft. I know it's a light time of year for travel but think people are also trying to avoid the snafus and not traveling.
13
$35,000 per year salary? Oh...wait.
Of course! Day care workers, elder care aides, prison guards, public defenders. janitors—anyone performing a vital function is paid a fraction of the value they provide to society.
BTW, if there is indeed a union representing these folks, why are any of them still working? Surely not being paid nullifies any obligation an employee might for showing up to work.
117
Federal employee unions have a very limited scope and striking is prohibited by law. On a related note, this situation is proof that we need to return to the draft and staff federal, state and local government with conscripts who can’t strike, who can be ordered into work for extended periods when such need arises and who can’t extort higher pay than the government wishes to spend.
8
Well, now the government wishes to spend $0 on pay. I wouldn’t call demanding wages for work extortion.
8
@tim s. I think they fear getting fired by trump, the way Reagan fired the air traffic controllers. It’s not an unreasonable fear, considering how spitefully and recklessly he behaves.
10
Curious what the total aggregate dollar of lost wages from today's missed paycheck equals.
Furthermore, ironically what the total of missed tax withholding equals.
15
I think they should all show up for work. Then, every passenger gets selected for secondary screening.
Once the lines are out the door and flights are delayed, canceled, or missed, things might then change.
Can't be too careful!
28
@Scott Liebling
Agreed.
Looking in from afar American workers seem to have been rendered totally emasculated, and collectively gutless when it really counts.
And they obviously haven't heard of civil disobedience.
It is really sad to see the brain-washing of the last 40 years manifest itself in this way.
5
For what they're paid, TSA agents should walk off the job. Vacationers/fliers who can should support them by rescheduling their travel plans. Less tickets being sold will hit the travel industry hard, and since corporations are the only "people" being listened to these days, their protests, not ours, will force the GOP to do something.
62
If it weren’t for the union, they wouldn’t even rate $35k in the real world (private sector). That’s the whole point of organized labor - to extort artificially heftier wages and benefits.
1
@From Where I Sit
$35k is too much? What, would $10k with no benefits make you happy? Yeesh.
11
@Kb
I work a $65+ hour week with no benefits as a 1099 contractor for about half what they make. Since my assignment supervising contract workers isn’t directly billable to my employers clients, I make less than the people I manage and that has been so since 2006. I’m not complaining but in the other hand I have no sympathy for anyone who doesn’t appreciate the job they have.
How is the TSA not self-funded from the fees it (should?) be collecting from every airline ticket sold?
Another reason why it was a mistake to nationalize airport security after 9/11. TSA management (and effective lobbying by exh-DHS secretary Michael Chertoff) has wasted billions of dollars on body scanners, created unnecessary and arbitrary procedures, all the while the agents (who have a tough job) are paid $35,000.
18
The TSA is indeed funded from fees on tickets. But these are collected as a tax paid to the government by airlines and then redistributed back out to the TSA, as a subset of the Department of Homeland security.
I’m positive that the fees collected more than cover the payroll of TSA agents. Whether the taxes and fees cover capital and other costs (some of those screening machines are EXPENSIVE, and surely subsidized for some of the smaller airports especially) is beyond me.
Why it is not operated more as a quasi-governmental agency like AMTRAK or USPS is also beyond me.
4
Good. I don't want any of the TSA agents to lose their jobs, but air travel out of airports coming to a halt? Budget passed the next day.
36
Government employees are working and not getting paid while Congress is getting paid and not working.
798
@Mark Davis, the Democrats and a few Republicans are trying hard to end this shutdown. The problem isn’t them. It’s Trump and McConnell.
Don’t blame the people offering solutions for the problem.
21
Agreed, but it’s really McConnell who is not working and keeping the government shut down. It would be hard to find a more despicable excuse for a human being than Mitch.
27
@Mark Davis--There are 21 Trump staffers generously paid $179,700 by us taxpayers. They include Trump anti-immigration architect Stephen Miller, press prevaricator Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alternative facts bully Kellyanne E. Conway, extreme rightwing nut case John Bolton, and former Trump golf caddy Daniel J. Scavino--official Trump tweet ghostwriter. Trump senior admin staff and political appointees were set to get automatic $10K raises this month--until the Washington Post outed the policy.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/senior-trump-officials-will-get-dollar1000...
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/29/these-are-the-21-highest-paid-staffers-i...
8
Gee, I wonder if any Trump-supporting TSA agent, or any government worker not getting paid, right now is blaming this on Trump, since he said he owns this shutdown.
Will this shutdown start to make them wake up?
41
All the unions should strike: TSA, air traffic controllers, pilots, flight attendants, baggage handlers. Announce that as of 12:01 on Monday the 14th no one is working, effectively shutting down every airport in the US and bringing commerce to a halt not only here but all over the industrialized world. That would get Trump's attention.
234
@Claudia. I couldn't agree with you more. I have a friend in Virginia who is a TSA agent and she thinks they should all walk off the job. And she's not the only one.
86
@Claudia, their contracts do not allow them to strike. While I appreciate your desire for economic chaos and lawlessness, remember what happened when the FAA decided to strike under Reagan. It did not work out so well for the union. I would rather lock Trump, Pelosi, and Schumer in a room until they can all grow up, stop eyeing the 2020 election, and do what is right for the country. Yes, I hold all three of them responsible. They are all throwing a tantrum. The federal employees are paying for it, and the collective wealth of the three of them could support a third world country for a decade.
4
@Ron
Only Trump is tantruming. He agreed to a compromise - then torpedoed it the next day, said he was good to shut down the government, and he would own it. And that is correct - he's the one who did it.
95
TSA walkouts should raise the loudest alarm bells in every thinking person's mind.
By the same token, the last shutdown (thanks Ted Cruz) brought media attention to the something like $60 billion in economic losses to the nation. And that wasn't a drag on the economy so much as small businesses suffered badly.
Looking at TSA and federal workers without pay makes sense because these are stories about real individual people, but the shutdown's impact is much broader and deeper. And that deserves more macro-economic reporting.
27
Imagine if all the TSA agents suddenly got sick this next week? Air travel would come to a halt. It is hardly “essential” for anyone to travel by air.
If travelers and airlines are inconvenienced a tad, the Republicans in the Senate might get the message.
I don’t see anything else getting through so far.
29
@Michael, perhaps Pelosi and Schumer would get the message too. Neither side seems willing to compromise. I hold them all accountable. They had plenty of time to work out a deal. They did not. If I did this in my business, I would be bankrupt very quickly.
It is essential for some people to travel by air, unless by not essential you mean going back to the days before phone service. It is not essential for me to be able to pick up the phone and call someone. I won't die if I can't do that. However, I my people cannot travel by air, business is lost, people are laid off, bills are not paid. I would invite you to come to the plant and tell one of my fairly well paid people that inconveniencing air travelers a tad, costing them their job, is a good way to send a message.
1
Trains, automobiles, buses, even ships are available for travel. My advice would be to slow down a bit, see the countryside, meet new people, keep your feet on the ground. Terra firma. Certainly a small inconvenience relative to working for weeks without pay.
5
The House is passing spending bills and are the only ones to be carrying out their constitutional duty. The Senate and the Presidency are just doing nothing and abdicating their constitutional responsibilities. The rest of the executive branch is shut down.
6
Having flown just this week, I thanked the TSA agents at two airports for continuing to work and make my trip possible. But I wondered to myself how long these public employees could continue to subsidize Mr. Trump's petulance.
The power to spend and raise money is vested exclusively in the legislature. The kind of emergency that justifies a departure from this basic principle would, at minimum, be of a nature that at least 90% of the people would agree to the necessity of the executive taking immediate action. No such support exists for Trump's wall, and every day that Trump threatens, without taking action, he further undermines his weak argument that the immediate construction of the wall is necessary to respond to some sort of emergency.
As grateful as I am to them, the TSA agents and air traffic controllers have unwillingly enabled Trump to hold all of us hostage in this absurd stand-off. Unfortunately, Trump can continue to exploit these hardworking men and women as pawns as long as they don't exercise their right not to work unless they are paid when payment is due. Trump has gotten (yet another) free ride on the backs of working men and women. I'm afraid the only way they can earn his real respect is to stay home and show Trump what life is like without their valuable contributions.
73
The unpaid federal workers should contact their Congressperson and instruct them on the consequences of their lack of support during this time of "crisis."
35
I’ve heard that many federal workers are “required” to show up to work without pay during the shutdown. Yeah, well, their employer, the federal government, is required to pay them for their work. Why is only one party in this matter “required” to uphold their end of the bargain?
324
Alex, the workers have a certain number of sick days. if they are sick, they are permitted to take a sick day. Coincidentally, sick day allotment renews at the beginning of the calendar year. Coincidentally, today is the day that paychecks are due for the first pay period if 2019.
4
If there ever was an opportunity for federal employees to flex their collective muscle it would be for TSA workers to organize a full “sick out” at Reagan and BWA airports. Time it for the maximum impact on all politicians leaving DC. Sure, many innocent passengers would be sorely inconvenienced but so might hundreds of senators and representatives.
147
"The agents earn about $35,000 a year, on average, union officials said."
Assuming that these are full-time employees, that is less than $17 hour.
Consider this: We are paying people who we have entrusted with keeping multi-million dollar planes carrying 100+ passengers safe only modestly more than some workers get paid for working in a fast food restaurant.
409
@Paul R
About the same pay as we award 80% of the faculty at our colleges and universities and far less than we pay those caring for our babies and small children for 8+ hrs a day. Those who push papers and people around control the priorities and make the money. Those who do the most important work of all are left scrambling for crumbs.
75
@Paul R
The TSA has not been keeping anything safe except for their executives' salary.
The "red team" tests were able to smuggle weapons past TSA checkpoints in more than 90% of attempts.
I have no animus towards the rank-and-file TSA agents but the whole agency should just be abolished entirely.
21
@Paul R . Consider that the bulk of TSA inspectors are retired from another job or working a second job. They are getting paid what the market dictates for the skills they have. If you believe a determined terrorist cannot elude TSA barriers then you are badly mistaken.
2
good. hopefully this is an awakening of the working class too. imagine shutting down airports to help demand countrywide raise in minimum wage!
23
It is appalling to think the safety of our travel is being held hostage by a man with the maturity and temperament of a 5 year old.
He is pathetic and a laughingstock to the world. 2020 can't come fast enough.
237
@peter:
I agree with you that Trump has the maturity and temperament of a 5-year-old, but the safety of our travel is hardly being held hostage. Anybody who thinks the TSA is anything but window dressing isn't paying attention.
18
If one consequence of this is that, after a few weeks without any real transportation security disaster, we finally conclude as a nation that the TSA's role in our lives should be heavily downgraded, it might even have been worth it.
This shutdown is disastrous, but not because of its impact on bloated security theater agencies that have been built up to solve non-problems in times of fear of ignorance. TSA, CBP, ICE - a pox on them along with Trump and McConnell.
14
@Lisa Simeone
I wonder how these hard-working unpaid people feel reading that they are "window dressing." That's very disrespectful. Any one part of this nation's defense can be isolated and ridiculed as inconsequential on its own, but our security is not built on just one thing. The TSA workers' jobs are vitally important to the whole of our security, and they should be paid appropriately and appreciated for the work they do. I think 5.7 billion would cover a decent raise for all of them.
16
I'm not flying until this is over
32
@paul
Good decision. Hopefully, if enough people stop flying, the airlines will feel it in the bottom line, and will pressure their minions in Congress to end the shutdown.
Ethics and good policy won't end this impasse, but profit motive will.
22
@paul:
I stopped flying in/from this country in 2010, when the Reign of Molestation was implemented. I still travel; I just get where I'm going by car, bus, train, or ship. At least in those places I'm not harassed or assaulted.
19
Reduced air traffic = reduced emissions and better environment.
2
Pretty good plan by Trump not to pay the TSA people. Shrewd. Very shrewd.
26
All of the TSA airport people should walk out until they get paid- or find another job in this excellent economy. Who would work for an employer who does not pay your agreed upon compensation?
162
Three more days and air travel will feel the impact. As for a deal that entails DACA? Good luck getting that past Coulter or Limbaugh. Trump is stuck between his base and the media that rules his base. Pelosi will give him as much as the reeps gave Obama.
56
It says a lot, and nothing good, about our country that a pair of utter wastes of oxygen like Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh could have any influence whatever over whomever sits in the Oval Office. By extension, it also says nothing good about the President or the people being influenced. What in the name of God is wrong with people?
5
There is no justification for a government shutdown. Senate Republicans can end the shut down by passing legislation they approved of three or four weeks ago. Their failure is an abdication of responsibility and a measure of their indifference to the hardships they, through their actions, are willing to impose on others.
345
@Michael Several
Need to get McConnell not to act like a dictator and let a vote go forward. Despot.
1
One of the best aspects of the U.S. is the ability to actively and freely protest the government. If these TSA agents collectively went on strike the government would be open in a matter of 48 hours. The U.S. cannot operate without airports. Consider all the businesses and airlines who would be lobbying for the opening of the government then. Currently the shutdown is not affecting the majority of Americans in a serious way, but shutting down the airports would and it would get the attention of the people who can make a difference in our government - those with money.
212
@Kendyl
Except that federal employees are legally prohibited from striking—meaning that they'll lose their jobs completely if they do.
22
@Timothy Samara
I understand that what you said is correct. But how can people who are not prisoners or slaves be compelled to work without pay. That's the part I do not understand. Outside of a true emergency of course.
24
It happens in the private sector all the time. My employer makes uncorrected $10-25 payment errors every week with the occasional missing deposit at least once a year. To her, it’s a rebate on the payments we do get. When I was still hourly here, her grandfather who started the company would concoct various reasons to short the checks by similar amounts: union dues (there was no union), administrative fees to accept your time sheets, supervision cost recovery (to pay for having a boss), copying costs for the mandatory company manuals and a long list of other schemes. No sympathy here for any government workers.
1
If Trumpys golf greens were going untended because of the shutdown , he would feel the pain and change his tune. Is there a way for me to contribute some funds to my fellow citizens who are faced with no income?
39
I flew to Miami yesterday from Atlanta and gave the TSA guy a gift card from Panera. Figured itnws the least I could do.
4
These people don’t have two weeks of reserves in the bank, what kind of adult doesn’t know how to manage their money to that extent, at the very least?
Wow
The kind of worker who is underpaid and paying exorbitant prices for the necessities of life to fulfil the greed of the corporate vultures.
2
Business people (those without their own jets, obviously) unable to hold out of town meetings will definitely force trump's hand. The only question is whether this means he'll cave or declare a state of "emergency."
19
Good for T.S.A. employees calling in. Airport shutdowns are the emergencies we need to end the Trump government shutdown. Are we tired of winning yet?
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I'm not familiar with the employment agreement of TSA agents, but there appears to be a lot of "dysfunction" here. First, where are the unions? I used to be a manager in a union shop and I would get hounded upon by union reps for the slightest infractions. I would think being forced to work without pay would be a slightly bigger infraction. Also, as a business owner, I'm fully aware of the severe legal and morale ramifications around missing a paycheck. Does that not apply here? Regardless of which side of the wall you're on, this shutdown has shed light on the fact that there is much dysfunction in the institutions that we once relied on and that our moral compass towards how we treat employees is pointed in the wrong direction.
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@DaiTau Three different unions filed lawsuits last week against Trump. They want to take their complaints to the Supreme Court and make sure no federal employee is furloughed or asked to work wo pay from now to eternity.
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If I were a government employee and did not go to work, I would be very cautious as to what trump might do.
I can easily see him pulling a "Reagan reaction" and firing all those who failed to show up to work.
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@Majortrout
The so-called "Reagan reaction" was in response to a strike which are not allowed, illegal, not a sick-out.
Many of Reagan's responses to the air traffic controllers' strike were put in place by Jimmy Carter before he left office.
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@Majortrout
Since these people are not being paid it's a pretty empty threat. And, good luck trying to hire new workers while refusing to pay.
It’s time for these affected workers to call their senators and representatives to let them know how this disastrous negotiation techniques are impacting them. Each call, email and word will start to have an impact on those who are already starting to think this wall issue should not be resolved by hostage taking tactics. Hopefully enough republicans senators and representatives will see the folly of the president’s ways.
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What they need to do is call their Republican Senators and tell them vote on the budget or they're walking out - and give them a firm deadline. Mitch doesn't care how they're affected - he needs to be made to. Kentucky - you should be the first ones walking.
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@Patricia Bluestein
Force this aging adolescent to face a constitutional crisis if he uses his "State of Emergency" powers. It will go to Court immediately, and he will lose. Congress needs to address the powers of the Executive branch of government with public hearings. The Patriot Act was an overreach. The Electoral College appointed an incompetent unqualified man to the Oval Office. We are a powerful country with interests all over the world now headed by a reality show host with multiple bankruptcies and lawsuits. Shame on the GOP and Mitch McConnell. The Whigs died; so can the GOP.
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So the people who extol so-called free markets and the free enterprise system now expect certain federal employees to work without pay? For month or even years, as President Trump threatened? In additional to T.S.A. employees, perhaps the Secret Service and critical staff at the White House who are also furloughed might start coming down with a case of the "blue flu." I suspect if the President lost his security detail and his trash started to overflow, the government would reopen quickly.
I am continually amazed at how conservatives hate the government EXCEPT if it affects them or their loved ones. Let's get rid of governmental bureaucracy, but I still want my food inspected, still want my tax refund on time, still want my farm or home loan to go through, and still want to fly without any security fears or inconveniences.
If there's a silver lining to this shutdown to those of us who are not among the 800,000 furloughed federal employees, perhaps it's to remind us all of the good work done by our dedicated civil servants. They are the real individuals who care about making this country great.
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They don’t want government to be smaller. They simply don’t want other races to benefit from their programs.
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"I am continually amazed at how conservatives hate the government EXCEPT if it affects them or their loved ones."
exactly!
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@jrinsc
"....and critical staff at the White House...."
There are none.
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Is there a reason the Democrats have not introduced a bill that would, when the shut is over, offer federal workers backpay with interest? If workers are going into massively high credit card debt, it's the least the government can do to make them whole when this spat is over.
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that won't help the thousands of contract workers who serve the usgov and are also home without pay. they will never get reimbursed.
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@DD
Won't happen. trump will veto your suggestion.
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@DD
No one knows what is in the bills that Democrats have introduced; you can't say that they haven't because you don't know. But I would imagine that any bill, introduced by either party, would account for back pay.
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"who have been ordered to work through the partial shutdown, which began on Dec. 22."
The key word here is ordered. Working for the TSA is kind of like the police or fire dept, it's a service for the public good. It's not like they won't get their back pay, so I find these actions intolerable. Maybe those calling in sick or refusing to come in should start looking for a new gig.
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Considering that many of these workers live paycheck to paycheck, and that they are starting to have to make decisions about whether to prioritize food over housing over bills, back pay is irrelevant right now (particularly given the fact that there is no timeline for when that back pay will be distributed). Furthermore, the back pay is not guaranteed at all. And sick days are sick days, they are perfectly acceptable to take at any time.
Most people who are not public servants would have started looking for new jobs immediately as soon as this shutdown started or maybe even before that. The fact that any of these people are still showing up to work without pay is a testament to their commitment to public service.
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@Katie - I understand 100% if those not reporting in were instead working a side gig like Uber or getting extra hours elsewhere, but to just stay home furthers the unfavorable view many have of the TSA.
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@Midwest Josh, apparently you don't live on $35K a year so you have no concept of what it is like to have to do that. Granted, I don't either now, but I remember what it was like to make a low wage ($15K for my first two years after college) and having to balance my income from paycheck to paycheck. People who refuse to work without pay, many of whom are probably working other jobs when they call in sick, is not intolerable. What's intolerable is that it's ok for any branch of the government to shut down the government but ask its workers to continue to work without receiving a paycheck for an indefinite period of time.
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Good for you, TSA.
Now we need to encourage the Secret Service and the Congressional security force to do the same thing.
Congress will never, ever allow itself to be exposed to the danger of the Real World.
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In France when one public sector goes on strike others do the same in sympathy. Well, Mr Trump, you wanted a shutdown so all federal employees should comply and stay home.
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U.S. Marshals too
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Good for them. If the air traffic controller come down with "trump flu" then maybe the 63 million who voted for Trump will realize what their wall really costs.
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How can it be that the government considers these positions essential, but not enough to pay the workers? In what world does that make sense?
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@Rich
Additionally, how does the government consider this position essential and not provide a wage that is one or two paychecks away from destitution?
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@Rich
I keep thinking about the Thirteenth Amendment “neither slavery nor involuntary servitude” (ie. work without pay).
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Checks and Balances: good for the separation of powers, in theory, but practically: non-existent and depleted respectively for government employees.
This situation is both a constitutional crisis and a dereliction of duty to govern - all for a manufactured crisis.
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If TSA employees stopped work the nationwide reaction would be overwhelming. The impasse would end quickly. Republlican congressmen who can't afford private planes would have no way of traveling from Washington D.C. to their homes.
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@Whole Grains Name one Republican congressman who can't afford a private plane. Therein lies the problem.
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Good! It's past time for pushback! If this president wants chaos, I say, give him some! I wish all Federal workers and contractors who are not being paid would just stop working. Among other things, it would help Americans who are oblivious understand the seriousness of the situation - and, they'll only understand when THEY are affected. I say this as someone who has air travel coming up in the next few weeks - it's a small price for me to pay to get us out from under the thumb of Individual 1.
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What is the position of the unions. Wouldn't it make a much more powerful stand to make this an actual strike, than have every man and woman for themselves?
After all, if unions can't do anything in the face of the shutdown, why would anybody anywhere continue to pay dues?
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@mirucha Trump would likely do the same thing to striking TSA workers that Reagan did to striking air traffic controllers decades ago.
Trump has no concept of what he's doing, and would replace them in a heartbeat with non-union, untrained workers just so he could claim that he is "winning."
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@mirucha- The unions have filed suit. The Taft-Hartley act prohibits federal workers from striking, so they run the risk of losing their jobs if they strike. The only legal question is whether one could claim that it isn't "striking" to refuse to work without pay.
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@mirucha
Unions for Federal employees have been neutered by congress and a cannot legally call a strike.
At a time when in many parts of the country there is a labor shortage, it should not surprise anyone that TSA employees find other employment.
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Seems to me, no matter what Trump says about having their support, that TSA workers are voting with their feet.
And frankly, you have to use whatever leverage you have. So -- good for them.
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If these workers are united, and can stick together for a few days - this Administration and the Members of Congress will come to negotiate and end to this shutdown. This is not the way to run a Government. If all the TSA employees in the DC Region decide not to work one day, the Shutdown will be over in one hour.
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@KC I agree. Its too bad federal employees are legally forbidden from striking.
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@KC
Wait until Members of Congress miss flights home on Friday afternoon, and this will be resolved right quick.
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@KC Excellent suggestion! Only way to make the "president" and Congress react.
Other disasters coming. Stay tuned.
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