The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) called on March 22 for the immediate payment of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, as U.S. airports continue to experience long security delays. The union joined with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Association of Professional Flight Attendants, and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 135 in releasing a joint statement demanding action from federal authorities.
The issue arises during a partial government shutdown that has left many TSA officers without pay. The unions argue that failing to compensate these workers threatens airport security and creates unnecessary disruptions for travelers.
In their statement, the unions said: “Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers must be paid now.” They continued: “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has billions of dollars in discretionary funding that could be used to pay TSOs during this partial shutdown, just like they have chosen to continue paying ICE and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents, as well as active duty members of the U.S. Coast Guard. Instead of paying TSOs, they have chosen to create havoc in our airports.”
The unions also raised concerns about proposals to use Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at airports in place of trained TSA officers. “This latest threat of ICE invasion at the airports is another distraction from solutions that protect Americans,” they said. According to the statement, TSA officers undergo six months of specialized training focused on screening passengers and identifying threats such as disguised or disassembled weapons—skills which ICE agents do not possess.
Furthermore, the unions warned that introducing ICE agents into airport operations could result in conflicting priorities: “Attempts to question passengers about immigration status may distract them from ensuring airport security.”
Concluding their message, the unions stated: “There’s one solution that immediately solves the problem at our airports. Pay the people who are already trained to protect us from terror attacks today, especially as the war with Iran increases the desire to strike against Americans.” They ended with a direct call: “Pay TSA Workers now.”
The situation highlights ongoing tensions over funding priorities within federal agencies during periods when government operations are disrupted.
