Local and state leaders advocate for unpaid TSA workers amid federal shutdown

(FOX40.COM) — Saturday marks 18 days into the shutdown, and local and state leaders are speaking out against President Donald Trump and his administration for the continuation of the federal shutdown, influencing many government workers.

Leaders from all over the state gathered at the Sacramento International Airport on Friday amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, calling on the Trump administration to end what’s now pushing federal workers to go unpaid and risk financial uncertainty or furlough.

Since the start of the federal government shutdown, Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration employees have currently working without pay to keep the traveling public safe.

Speakers, including Congressman Ami Bera, state politicians Maggie Krell and Angelique Ashby, along with Sacramento City Council members, came together to advocate changes be made directly to the Trump administration.

James Murdock, the President of AFGE Local 1230, representing TSA workers, joined state officials at the press conference to defend what he thinks is “absolutely wrong.”

“If we’re being considered essential employes, I think it’s essential that our people can also get paid,” Murdock said.

An impacted TSA worker is Wallace Wade, an active 17-year officer. He explained how “We have folks here right now are struggling with paycheck to paycheck.”

“I have to be here and it’s my money, my gasoline, my time, my food, everything else. And they’re not paying us,” Wade said. “This is actually a self-made disaster.”

According to the union, TSA workers received a partial paycheck last weekend; however, it is unknown when workers will be paid again. Despite not knowing when they will be paid, TSA officers are still expected to report to work.

While the team of leaders used the conference as a means to advocate for the Trump administration to end the shutdown, Bera said he is hopeful that a breakthrough could come as soon as next week.

“I’m having conversations with some of my republican colleagues. They’re starting to feel the pressure in their home districts,” Bera said. “I’ll fly back to Washington D.C., continue to try to talk to those republicans that are making my calls, and see if we can’t get some kind of deal going.”

Officials said SMF hasn’t seen any direct implications of the federal shutdown on the airport and travel so far. However, the longer the shutdown lasts, the more likely unpaid TSA workers could start calling out, potentially leading to longer lines and delays for travelers.