TSA Screeners Face Hardship: No Pay, Long Lines

0:00It's March 25th. This is Canada News today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. The government shutdown is hitting TSA screeners hard, causing high absentee rates and major airports and long security lines for travelers. Union leaders and federal officials point to empty gas tanks, childcare costs, and eviction fears keeping workers away. More than 455 have quit so far, rather than face the uncertainty. Now in its 39th day, the funding labs for the Department of Homeland Security means no paychecks for these essential employees. Many live paycheck to paycheck and repeated shutdowns like the record 43 day one last fall have drained their reserves even further. Workers are feeling the squeeze personally, turning to food pantries for basics like meat and eggs before shifts. Families with young kids are burning through savings, delaying dental work due to copays or planning to sell cars for rent. And grandparents hide their tears from grandkids while supporting multiple relatives.

1:01Some are already jumping ship like a Utah father of three who left after five shutdowns in nine years, now working for local airport management. Others in Florida and Massachusetts weigh loans from family or side gigs like delivery driving, but mental exhaustion is mounting. As the standoff in Washington continues without resolution, these screeners who show up daily despite the hardship face tough choices between survival. And the job that promised ability.