Portland International Airport’s security lines are being staffed by TSA screeners who have not seen a full paycheck in weeks, just as spring break crowds start surging through PDX. With a partial federal shutdown now past the one-month mark, union leaders say this is roughly the third time in about 15 months that local TSA employees have missed full pay. Both frontline workers and managers are scrambling to keep checkpoints moving while travelers pad their schedules and airport staff lean on short-term community support.
Port sets up donation bins and a food pantry
The Port of Portland estimates nearly 1.4 million travelers will pass through PDX between this week and April 14, a roughly 2% increase over last year. To help unpaid federal workers weather that crush, the Port has opened donation bins and a makeshift pantry in the main terminal’s pre-security area. As reported by KPTV, the collection is taking nonperishable food, household essentials and small gift cards of about $25 or less, and the Port has set up a hosting area in the terminal for partners handing out hot meals. Airport staff and volunteers have been restocking the bins several times a day as donations roll in.
Trang Kim, vice president of the union that represents TSA screeners at PDX, told reporters, “The previous paycheck, we got half of the amount and this paycheck, we just missed it.” KPTV reports that Kim spent part of the morning unloading donations and that the union is urging the public to contact lawmakers as officers continue working without pay. Local union leaders say morale has taken a hit, but screeners are still showing up to keep flights moving.
Nationwide staffing squeeze could worsen lines
What is playing out at PDX is part of a larger national problem. The Associated Press reports that many TSA officers across the country are expected to work without pay while lawmakers leave the Department of Homeland Security unfunded. According to AP coverage, experts worry that unscheduled absences could build over time and that even relatively small staffing gaps can translate into longer wait times at smaller or single-checkpoint airports.
Industry pressure as spring break approaches
Travel and aviation groups have been pressing Congress to restore DHS funding before the peak spring travel period, warning that unpaid frontline workers increase the risk of delays and “sick outs.” As OPB reported, industry leaders launched a campaign urging lawmakers to move quickly so airports, airlines and passengers are not left to absorb the fallout.
Local context and recent incidents raise alarms
Local coverage and union leaders say recent lapses have only sharpened concerns about staffing and morale at PDX. Earlier reporting on the so-called PDX cleaver scare illustrated how quickly operational slips can snowball into major delays, and union representatives point to shutdown-related stress and turnover as contributing factors.
What travelers should do
Experts advise travelers to arrive earlier than usual and to monitor airline and airport alerts, since wait times could lengthen if staffing gaps widen. The AP story includes practical tips on keeping tabs on security-line conditions. For those who want to help, nonperishable items and small gift cards can be dropped off at the donation area in the main terminal, where the Port of Portland says the drive is meant to help unpaid federal workers get to work and feed their families.
For now, union leaders say screeners are keeping checkpoints open out of a sense of duty to public safety. They also warn that continuing to work without pay is not sustainable. Until DHS is funded, the airport’s staff, the Port’s donation efforts and the community’s generosity will remain the stopgap keeping PDX running through spring break.
