Despite shutdown, TSA agents work without pay

With the partial government shutdown in effect, most federal workers have been sent home, but not TSA.

Transportation Security Administration officers will continue screening of holiday travelers this year will we done without pay during the shutdown.

TSA’s nearly 50,000 agents are considered “essential” federal employees meaning it’s a necessity to have them work through the shutdown.

TSA estimates passenger volumes will average around 2.3 million travelers per day between December 19 and January 5. TSA projects that 41 million passengers will travel through security screening checkpoints-a 6 percent increase from last year.

“Especially during the holiday season, they’re dedicated,” Monterey resident Kingston Benjamin said. “It’s good to see them.”

We spoke with travelers at the Monterey Regional Airport who are grateful for the TSA agents continuing to work.

“I’m so glad the airport is open so that my son can be here,” Lois Olsen said.

“Its a sense of service its not about them its about the country and keeping the people safe and I think in this day and age its a really good thing,” Pacific Grove resident Sandy Balzo said.

A TSA spokesperson told TIME although federal employees are typically given back pay for their work during shutdowns, there is “no guarantee” the workers will get paid.