200+ federal employees at ALB receiving partial paychecks

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Federal employees who work at Albany International Airport are still receiving only partial paychecks on week three of the government shutdown. It prompted some community members to rally around them and show support.

No major disruptions for travelers departing Albany flights, but the same cannot be said for the more than 225 federal employees working at Albany International Airport. Right now, they are another week closer to missing entire paychecks if the government shutdown continues.

Most work for the Transportation Security Administration, 180 uniformed officers. The Federal Aviation Administration employs the second most, with 46 individuals in air traffic and safety roles. And Customs and Border Protection employs a much smaller fraction. 

Workers for all three federal agencies received approximately 75 percent of their normal paychecks this week.

Hunter said they thank the hardworking federal workers who continue to show up. On Friday, the workers had the community rallying behind them, showing support in any way they can.

“And a couple of days ago, I received a phone call from the folks at Albany Broadcasting Company and asked if they could just do something nice,” said Hunter. “Said they wanted to bring them lunch and really just come and say hi and show their appreciation for continuing to work throughout the shutdown without pay. And we jumped at the opportunity.”

I asked, why Albany broadcasting was there, why it’s important for the community to rally around each other in times like this?

“Well, you said it. You said community. That’s what we’re a part of and that’s what we’ve always been a part of is supporting the community,” said Chad O’Hara, from the B95.5 Morning Show.

O’Hara said they partnered with Primo Hoagies to provide a free lunch to federal employees, who trickled in during the lunch hour. 

“As someone who gets nervous to fly myself, every time I’ve come to Albany airport, the security folks are always so kind, always so nice taking care of everyone. And let’s face it, this is a job that is so important. I mean, they’re keeping us safe when we get on our flights, and that is key. So we’re grateful to them. It’s so important to be part of the community and help them. So we’re just really happy to be able to do that,” said Jaime Roberts, Magic 100.5 Morning Show Host.

In a statement, a TSA spokesperson said: “Approximately 61,000 of the agency’s 64,000 employees are considered excepted or exempt and TSA will continue operations to keep the travelling public safe. While TSA is prepared to continue screening about 2.5m passengers a day, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports. Despite this challenge, we will remain vigilant and focused on performing our vital security mission on behalf of the American people.”

“We love our federal workers, we appreciate our federal workers, and they have shown up every day since the start of this shutdown with pride and professionalism and continue to do their jobs and keep this airport community safe and running smoothly,” said Hunter.

He added, they are working to connect federal employees to resources and community partners, as they face the prospect of missing their entire paychecks come the last week of October.

Hunter said they are in communication with federal partners daily. Stay with NEWS10 as we continue to follow the local impacts of the government shutdown.