Transportation Security Administration officers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport have continued working through the ongoing federal government shutdown without receiving paychecks, prompting an outpouring of community support for affected workers.
Port of Seattle officials told commissioners Tuesday that TSA officers have missed multiple paychecks in recent weeks, including a full paycheck earlier this month and another expected to be missed this week. Despite the financial strain, airport security operations have continued without disruption. “They continue to demonstrate their professionalism and maintain their duties,” port leadership said.
Several commissioners criticised the situation, calling it unacceptable that federal employees are being asked to work without pay. The remarks came during a Port Commission meeting where leaders outlined both the impact on workers and the community response that has followed.
A regional food bank distributed meat, dairy, and produce to hundreds of airport workers earlier this month, while an emergency response group delivered large quantities of food supplies. A private employer also donated thousands of dollars in gas cards to help workers cover commuting costs. An online fundraising campaign launched in support of TSA workers raised tens of thousands of dollars within hours of going live, officials said. The airport has also installed digital signs thanking officers for their continued service.
Port officials said airport operations remain stable, with wait times and passenger flow not significantly affected so far. They noted that certain staffing arrangements at Sea-Tac, including the absence of TSA officers at exit doors, may be contributing to the minimal delays compared to other airports. The commission also addressed reports that federal authorities may deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents or National Guard personnel to assist TSA at airports nationally, confirming that no such measures have been implemented at Sea-Tac.
“At present, we believe the airport remains well positioned to maintain operations,” port leadership said.
