Record Number of TSA Airport Workers Absent Because of Shutdown

A record number of airport security workers were absent over the weekend—largely because of financial hardship during the government shutdown, the Transportation Security Administration said. Nationwide, 8 percent of TSA airport employees called out, compared to 3 percent the same weekend a year ago, the Washington Post reported. A TSA spokesman said the absences were noticeable at large hubs in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami. The agency sent workers from a pool it uses for large events like the Super Bowl to replace screeners who could no longer afford to work without pay. “TSA’s capability is still limited and will ultimately lead to increased lane closures in order to maintain security effectiveness,” spokesman Michael Bilello said.