Airport community and workers thankful
outpouring of support lifted feds spirits
BY JEFF YAPALATER
As the government shutdow
dragged on for 35 days
and put pressure on many
federal workers at the NY airports,
the support from the
airport area community has
increased and appreciation
by TSA workers to supporters
has increased as well.
TSA workers at one of the
terminals had set up a an Appreciation
Board. Here, one
can see a wide range of colorful
pinned up notes, each
with a special thanks from a
government worker. Delta employees
also provided food and
created a “Thank You” book
for the government workers.
Each day there was another
pop-up food donation to be seen
at different parts of the airports.
Some terminal operators
were providing food and space
for companies to set up food tables
to distribute to those impacted
by the shutdown.
This outpouring of generosity
was noted by the recipient
workers being truly grateful
for support from airport
16 AIRPORT V OICE, FEBRUARY 2019
terminals, airport vendors,
restaurants, local establishments,
and families.
The Terminal 4 area near
the chapels became the ad hoc
cafeteria of sorts. Here, vetted
supporters set up different
free food tables. This food
ranged from hot meals, soup,
sandwiches, cookies, chips,
water, soda and even bags that
have been filled with necessities
for workers to bring home.
As seen on the news there
were many reports of differing
reactions from workers
during the shutdown. This
was not a surprise since going
without a paycheck for weeks
was a big hardship for many
young workers with families.
A young worker who did not
have the opportunity to save
for that” rainy day” was dismayed
by the shutdown. That
rainy day had come and surprised
many that live paycheck
to paycheck. In fact, it is documented
by various studies that
close to 70% of American workers
live from check to check.
As a result of the inability
to pay bills, an untold number
of workers looked and took
second jobs. One worker commented
that he never thought
that he wouldn’t be paid by the
US government.
Recently one top government
official suggested that
workers take a loan out while
the shutdown continued. If that
person spoke to affected workers
he would have found that
the credit scores or work history
might make it impossible
to get any legitimate loan during
such an unpredictable time.
However, there were many
struggling through the shutdown,
managing the hardships
and still went to work
feeling the obligation to do
their job. Many of those did
not forget to thank all the helpful
people and companies that
stepped up and provided food,
We all owe a tribute to the
men and women of the TSA, Customs,
Coast Guard, FAA, F.B.I.
and other agency individuals
that came to work and helped to
keep safe traveling possible.
Continued on page ...
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) trainees at JFK Airport stop by for a slice of pizza, salad and a
cookie provided by Jetway which is one of many airport businesses offering a meal during the government
shutdown. Photo by Jeff Yapalater
TSA officers Anastasia Duesbury and Dialo Abdoulaye at Terminal One receive a donation of pizzas in the TSA
breakroom from Terminal One at JFK, its member airlines and Mario's pizza as an expression of appreciation
for their working during the government shutdown. The Terminal also provided pizzas for the Customs Border
Protection and FAA at the air traffic control tower for most of the shutdown. Photo by Jeff Yapalater
A couple of TSA workers at Terminal 5 picking up 50% off food offered
by OTG and CIBO Express food shops. Phot by Jeff Yapalater