The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will compensate screening agents with one day's pay and holiday travel season bonuses amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, the agency's administrator announced Friday.
Three weeks into the shutdown, David Pekoske announced that all TSA employees who worked December 22 will receive pay for that day no later than Tuesday.
What's more, uniformed screening officers who worked during the busy holiday travel season will receive $500 bonuses in the coming days.
"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 tweeted, attributing the decision to "unique authorities provided TSA in law."
"There is an outpouring of industry and public admiration and appreciation for all you've done and will continue to do. The nation needs you-stay focused and take care of one another," he concluded.
Hundreds of TSA employees at several major airports have called out from their shifts since the shutdown began last month, with Miami International Airport recently closing a terminal as a result.
Meanwhile, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) filed a lawsuit against the federal government Friday over being forced to work without pay.
TSA has disputed reports of callouts. However, the union representing TSA workers said the shutdown was leading some to quit.
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