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Despite President Donald Trump ordering the resumption of payments to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, the chaos at U.S. airports is far from being resolved.
Workers will begin to receive their salaries starting this Monday, March 30, after more than 40 days without pay due to the partial government shutdown. However, the lack of staff and employee departures during the crisis continue to severely affect operations.
More than 500 agents have resigned from their positions amid unpaid wages, while thousands have been absent due to their inability to cover basic expenses. The absenteeism rate surpassed 12% of the workforce, resulting in long lines, delays, and passengers missing flights at various airports across the country.
Experts warn that the payment of salaries, while necessary, does not provide an immediate solution. The former TSA administrator, John S. Pistole, told Telemundo 51 that the recovery will depend on how many workers actually return to their positions.
"It all depends on how many people come back. Some may have found other jobs and not return," he explained.
According to their estimates, if a significant portion of the staff returns, wait times could begin to decrease in the coming days or weeks. However, uncertainty and the usual turnover in the sector could prolong the issue.
Meanwhile, airports continue to recommend that travelers arrive up to four hours early due to the instability in security checks.
The crisis has led many passengers to rethink their plans and consider alternatives such as traveling by road, train, or bus, out of fear of missing their flights.
The episode highlights the fragility of the U.S. airport system in the face of political conflicts that directly impact its key personnel, even when emergency measures are activated from the White House.
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