TSA workers at RDU say they're forced to use paid time off during shutdown
MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Transportation Security Administration workers at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) say TSA leadership at RDU is requiring them to use paid time off for days they missed during the partial government shutdown, including days they say they could not afford to come to work.
The issue surfaced one day after TSA workers received their first paycheck in more than a month following the shutdown.
Local TSA union leaders say requiring workers to use paid leave is not standard practice. They say missed workdays during a shutdown are typically recorded as furloughs.
"It is madness. Just total madness," said Mac Johnson.
Johnson is president of AFGE Local 0449, the local union representing TSA workers.
He said TSA leadership at RDU is denying furlough requests and instead directing employees to use available leave.
"TSA management officials at RDU are denying those furlough requests and, pretty much coercing employees to utilize their paid annual leave or their sick leave balances," said Johnson.
Union leaders told ABC11 that TSA workers who missed days during the shutdown are now being told to use paid time off.
"They notified management that they did not have any money to put gas in the tank," said Johnson.
Union leaders say the issue is not limited to RDU, and say similar concerns are being raised in multiple states.
"I see it throughout the state of North Carolina, Virginia, and the state of Maryland," said Johnson.
Johnson said he has not seen this approach taken during previous government shutdowns.
"In all previous government shutdowns, all employees were, if they had any absences, they were granted the default status of furlough," said Johnson.
Union leaders are calling on TSA leadership to explain the change and provide clear guidance.
"Put out one consistent message to all management officials, as well as employees, so that they would not be kept in the dark," said Johnson.
Eyewitness News reached out to the TSA for clarification and comment on the union's claims, but has not received a response.
Johnson said he anticipates workers could face future disciplinary action for the days they missed because they said they could not afford to come in.
