TSA workers near federal deadline to get vaccinated as busiest travel days near

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling on the TSA to work on a contingency plan before the federal deadline hits, worried that agents won’t get the shot in time and then the entire country would be down TSA staff.

News 12 Staff

Oct 19, 2021, 2:24 AM

Updated 1,092 days ago

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We’re nearing the busiest travel days of the year, as TSA workers also near the federal deadline to get their coronavirus vaccines. 
There’s now concern over a possible staffing shortage come Thanksgiving. As of now, 40% of the TSA’s workforce is still unvaccinated. 
They have until Nov. 22 to get the vaccine, but Thanksgiving is just three days later. 
It’s not just a health concern for travelers as the busiest travel season approaches, but it’s also a security concern. 
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling on the TSA to work on a contingency plan before the federal deadline hits, worried that agents won’t get the shot in time and then the entire country would be down TSA staff. 
His suggestion is asking the TSA to deploy more canine TSA dog teams to airports instead - highly trained dogs to detect a variety of explosives, screen luggage and reduce wait times while keeping airports safe from COVID-19 and other treats in the process. 
News 12 reached out to the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents TSA workers. It says will continue to encourage its members to get the shot before the deadline.