America’s top airline executives blasted Congress over the government shutdown’s impact on aviation workers.
In an open letter on Sunday, the executives called air travel a “political football amid another government shutdown,” saying Americans are “tired of long lines at airports, travel delays and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown.”
The letter was signed by members of the “Airlines for America” trade group, including the CEOs of major US airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Alaska Air Group, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Executives of courier companies such as FedEx and UPS were also signatories.
In the letter, the group brought up the shutdown’s impact on federal aviation workers. They urged Congress to pass legislation that would protect TSA officers, customs clearance officers, and air traffic controllers during shutdowns.
“TSA officers just received $0 paychecks. That is simply unacceptable,” they wrote in the letter. “It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid.”
The group said Congress should pass acts such as the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act, which would ensure workers are paid during future shutdowns.
The letter comes after weeks of a partial government shutdown since February. Many unpaid TSA workers have not shown up for their shifts, leading to long queues and wait times at airports across the country.
Airports have started asking people to donate gift cards and essential items to support aviation workers who continue to work without pay.
On Wednesday, Denver International Airport put out a call for $10 and $20 grocery store and gas gift cards, while Seattle-Tacoma International Airport asked for donations of non-perishable food items for its food pantry for TSA workers.
Airports are also urging passengers to arrive two to three hours ahead of their flight times to account for longer security check queues.