Some TSA screeners have left the job since a government shutdown began and others are considering quitting if they don't get paid this week, a union that represents TSA agents said Tuesday.

The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents a chunk of TSA employees, said screeners were becoming increasingly panicked as the partial shutdown drags on, diminishing their chances of getting paid Friday.


"Every day, I'm getting calls from my members about their extreme hardships and need for a paycheck," Hydrick Thomas, president of AFGE's TSA Council said. "Some of them have already quit and many are considering quitting the federal workforce because of this shutdown."

He added that a wave of resignations could create "a massive security risk for American travelers" since TSA cannot hire new screeners during a shutdown.

AFGE, which last week filed a lawsuit against the government, said "work without pay is nothing short of inhumane."