Roughly 800 Transportation Security Administration officers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport have been working without pay for more than a month as a partial Department of Homeland Security funding lapse drags on. Officers say household budgets are squeezed so badly that some cannot afford gas or childcare, and several workers have already missed shifts. In response, the airport has launched a donation drive for groceries, hygiene items and small-denomination gas and grocery gift cards to help keep staff afloat.
That figure, about 800 officers, was reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, while the airport confirmed in a press release that some workers' pay registered as $0.00 on March 13 and asked the public to donate nonperishable food, hygiene supplies and gift cards of $20 or less. In a press release, Phoenix Sky Harbor said donations may be dropped off at the Terminal 4 Compassion Corner and that distribution will continue while supplies last. Airport officials said operations are continuing for now but warned the ongoing payroll lapse could lead to higher callouts and longer lines if lawmakers do not restore funding.
Officer voices
Pascual Contreras, a Transportation Security Officer, told FOX 10 Phoenix that his last bank deposit was only $107 and that "morale is low." AFGE union steward Andres Alcantar told the same outlet he was unable to report to shifts after a partial paycheck because he could not afford gas and transportation. Several officers say the squeeze echoes last year's extended stoppage, which many in Phoenix are still recovering from financially.
Unions and community response
The Arizona AFL-CIO and AFGE leaders have been mobilizing aid and pressing Congress to restore funding while organizing local relief. Union representatives warn absences are rising as unpaid officers juggle bills, childcare and long commutes. Paycheck drought persists, Hoodline reported last November, documenting the lingering fallout from the prior shutdown and the payroll backlogs it created.
Travelers and operations
Phoenix Sky Harbor says it has maintained operations so far, but local reporting and travel advisers warn conditions could worsen if staffing strains continue. AZFamily reported Terminal 4 wait times of about 10 to 30 minutes on one recent morning while other U.S. airports saw hours-long lines, underscoring the risk that callouts could ripple through schedules. Travelers are urged to check airline and airport updates and arrive early during the spring travel surge.
How to help
Phoenix Sky Harbor's release asks for nonperishable, prepackaged food, hygiene items and brand-specific gift cards in denominations of $20 or less (no generic Visa or Mastercard), and directs donors to the Compassion Corner pre-security in Terminal 4 near the elevator bank next to the B checkpoint. The drop-off area is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The airport notes it will validate parking for donors, does not accept cash and will distribute items while supplies last. For the airport's full guidance, see the Phoenix Sky Harbor press release linked above.
