TSA Workers to Get $500 Bonuses During Shutdown

TSA workers to get holiday bonus and one day's pay during shutdown

In hopes of easing some of the financial burden workers with the Transportation Safety Administration are facing while they work through the longest partial government shutdown on record, officials announced Friday that compensation for those on duty the day after the lapse in funding and awarding $500 bonuses for work during the holiday travel season. 

"As I announced earlier today, we have processed compensation to all TSA employees who worked on Saturday, December 22nd, the day immediately following the start of the lapse in funding," Pekoske wrote on Twitter Friday. "This is considered one “missing day” of pay, so this payment will make our employees whole for Pay Period 25. You’ll receive that by no later than Tuesday." 

Employees weren't paid for the day at the time because the time period started after the shutdown began. 

"In addition to this, I have approved awards of $500 for each uniformed screening officer, in recognition of their hard work during yet another busy holiday travel season, maintaining the highest of security standards during an extraordinary period.

Pekoske wrote that the bonus and day of compensation would appear in TSA worker's accounts "in the next few days."

The TSA Chief wrote that he was able to give out the money thanks to "unique authorities" provided to the TSA. 

"While I realize this is not what you are owed for your hard work during pay period 26 and what you deserve, I hope these actions alleviate some of the financial hardship many of you are facing," Pekoske wrote.

The TSA has had to deal with an uptick in call outs as airport security agents are forced to go without pay during the partial government shutdown. Miami International Airport was forced to close Terminal G on Saturday after becoming worried they would not have enough staff on hand to work all 11 checkpoints at the airport. 

“We felt we had to make a decision before the weekend,” airport spokesman Greg Chin said. “They’re erring on the side of caution.”


Photo: Getty Images


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