US: Airports worry about screener absences if the shutdown continues

With screeners already calling in sick in larger-than-normal numbers, US airports are girding for disruptions next week if the partial government shutdown continues and TSA officers miss their first paycheck. The airport security officers are caught in the political fight in Washington between President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats over money for a wall along the Mexican border. Thirteen federal departments and agencies have largely closed down operations since Dec. 22 because funding hasn’t been approved. The 51,739 TSA officers, who screen bags and passengers at US airports, are considered essential to security and were ordered to continue reporting for duty even though funding for their agency has been halted. In recent days the screeners have called in sick in growing numbers, according to the agency. The sick calls have contributed to longer wait times at unspecified airports, but major disruptions haven’t been reported so far, said Christopher Bidwell, a senior vice president for security at the Airports Council International-North America in Washington. “We’re concerned that a prolonged government shutdown could potentially impact security and wait times at airports,” Bidwell said. Airports are conducting talks with local TSA managers about finding ways to bolster TSA staffing, he said. Non-TSA employees aren’t permitted to screen bags and people, but can help at checkpoints by returning bins and managing lines.<br/>