JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Transportation security officers at Jacksonville International Airport have gone more than a month without pay, relying on donations and community support as a prolonged federal funding lapse stretches into its sixth week.
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Fadwer Carmichael with the American Federation of Government Employees said TSA agents in Jacksonville have not been paid since Feb. 14, a span now approaching 40 days, leaving many struggling to cover basic needs.
“They’ve been very strong. They’ve been very courageous, but they are tired,” Carmichael said.
According to Carmichael, local businesses, airport vendors, airlines and residents have stepped in to help keep officers afloat, providing meals, gift cards and other essentials. Without that support, she said, many workers would not have been able to get by.
The financial strain is intensifying as the end of the month approaches, when rent and mortgage payments come due. Carmichael said some officers have young children and are struggling to afford diapers, formula and gas.
Union members have tried to fill the gap by purchasing supplies and distributing assistance, but she said the need is growing.
“It’s truly impacting people,” Carmichael said. “They’re fearful about what’s going to happen to their families.”
Despite the hardship, Carmichael said no TSA officers in Jacksonville have quit, and most continue to report to work.
She added that there has been no need to bring in additional federal personnel, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, to fill staffing gaps a sign, she said, of the workforce’s commitment.
“They love what they do,” she said. “They took an oath, and they’re standing by it.”
Carmichael warned, however, that the situation is becoming unsustainable.
“The cry is urgent,” she said. “It’s very urgent.”
She called on lawmakers to reach a long-term funding agreement to prevent repeated pay disruptions, noting this is the third shutdown impacting workers in recent months.
“It was nowhere in that contract that we signed up saying we would do it and not get paid,” she said.
Carmichael said community donations have been critical and encouraged those who are able to continue supporting TSA officers through the union, which distributes aid to workers.
“We can’t thank the people enough,” she said. “That’s how we’ve made it.”