Miami Airport Closes Terminal as TSA Workers Refuse to Work Without Pay

As the government shutdown officially becomes the longest in US history at 22 days, TSA screeners in Miami International Airport have recused to work without pay, forcing the airport to temporarily close off a terminal to consolidate fewer staff members. 

A spokesperson told media outlets that the security checkpoints in terminal G would close after 1:00 pm Saturday, Sunday and Monday. 

Terminal G is one of the airport’s six terminals. While arriving passengers will be allowed to exit through the terminal, departing passengers will not be allowed access to the terminal.

TSA employees have been calling out sick at double the normal rate since the government shutdown began on December 22 and without even any speculation of an end in sight, managers aren’t confident they can keep the 11 checkpoints staffed for the duration of normal operating hours. 

In a somewhat domino effect, nonfederal employees will now be affected as retail employees who work in the shops and restaurants within that terminal will also be forced to go without work.

blogged by @honeygrip