TSA workers try to survive second shutdown and ICE influx: We need to be paid'

"The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) stated that ICE agents are unqualified to perform the same jobs as TSA officers, lacking the necessary training and certification in aviation security."

"Everett Kelley, AFGE president, emphasized that TSA officers undergo extensive training to detect explosives and threats, skills that cannot be improvised or filled by untrained personnel."

"Antoinette Wade, president of AFGE Local 1047, noted that the presence of ICE agents during the shutdown has deflated TSA workers' morale, especially since ICE agents continue to receive pay."

TSA workers are struggling as the DHS shutdown continues, leading to over 400 resignations and high call-out rates. On a recent Sunday, more than 3,450 officers were absent, with some airports seeing up to 40% of staff calling out. The White House's deployment of ICE agents to assist has been criticized by the AFGE, which states that these agents lack the necessary training for aviation security. The situation has negatively affected morale among TSA workers, who feel undervalued during the shutdown.

Read at www.theguardian.com