The nation is once again in the midst of a federal government shutdown, with 750,000 federal workers expected to be furloughed, or even potentially fired.
At Philadelphia International Airport, TSA officers and air traffic controllers, considered essential workers, will be on the job, but will work without pay, writes Tim Jimenez for KYW Newsradio and The Associated Press.
If the shutdown drags out, those unpaid workers could end up calling out, as they cope with gas and transportation costs to get to work. The cost of childcare means others may opt to stay home with their children.
That could mean longer wait times, more flight delays, and more cancellations.
The shutdown is taking place during an existing shortage of air traffic controllers, and the mistreatment of federal workers, combined with a shutdown, is a disincentive for those considering working in government, said Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees.
“We are doing damage to our ability to recruit and retain the talent we need in this government for decades to come,” Erwin said.
The workers can get back pay once the shutdown is over, but have no income in the meantime.
Read more about the impact of a government shutdown on operations at Philadelphia International Airport at KYW Newsradio.
