Major US airports are bracing for continued disruptions, potentially lasting weeks, as Transportation Security Administration employees finally expect overdue wages.
Federal Government Promises TSA Back Pay, Delays Persist
Federal authorities have announced the payment of back wages to TSA employees, but the agency AP warns that paralysis at major US airports could last for weeks.
Donald Trump ordered the immediate payment of overdue salaries to employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who have been working without pay since mid-February. This aims to alleviate the disruption at airports, but on Sunday, the largest US airports continued to urge passengers to check in at the departure hall well in advance.
ICE Agents Deployed to Support Security Checks
It is unclear how quickly the payment of back wages will translate into shorter queues. Federal authorities had previously deployed agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to airports to support security checks.
White House Border Advisor Tom Homan explained on CBS television that the duration of this support depends on the return of TSA employees to their jobs. “ICE is there to help our brothers and sisters at TSA. We will be there as long as they need us, until they return to normal operations and deem the airports safe,” Homan stated, adding that the situation depends, among other things, on how many employees have actually left their jobs and do not plan to return.
Significant Disruptions Continue at Major Airports
AP reports that significant disruptions persist at many airports. George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston warns that the waiting time for passengers at security checks may exceed four hours. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport has issued a recommendation to arrive well in advance.
In New York, LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy, and Newark Liberty airports have resumed publishing estimated waiting times, but note that due to the rapidly changing situation, this data may not reflect actual conditions.
Back Pay Expected Early This Week, Long-Term Solutions Needed
Airport authorities in Charlotte, North Carolina, say back wages may reach employees as early as this week. “While this action brings much-needed relief, CLT supports long-term solutions to ensure the stability of this key employee group,” airport management stated.
Union Leaders Warn of Ongoing Staffing Crisis
Union officials warn that the staffing crisis will not disappear immediately. High absenteeism, reaching 40 percent in some places, and the closure of some control points may continue to lengthen queues at US airports for many weeks.
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