As TSA workers at Charleston International Airport continue to work without pay during the partial federal government shutdown, the airport has partnered with Beacon Community Bank to provide financial relief through a new loan program.
Emergency Federal Employee Loan Program
The Emergency Federal Employee Loan Program is designed to offer unsecured personal loans to eligible federal airport workers who have been working for nearly 50 days without pay.
The loans are aimed at helping workers cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, and other basic needs. Notably, Charleston International Airport is covering the interest charges on the loans to ensure that workers are not burdened with additional costs.
Elliott Summey, president and CEO of Charleston Regional Airport, expressed empathy for the TSA workers, saying, “They’re suffering and it’s really unfair. These aren’t people who make a lot of money to start with.”
Community Support from Beacon Community Bank
Beacon Community Bank, which is backing the loan program, emphasized the importance of supporting local federal employees. Brooks Melton, president and CEO of the bank, said, “We believe that the ‘community’ isn’t just part of our name—it’s at the heart of everything we do.
When the airport reached out, we didn’t hesitate. These federal employees are members of our local community just like you and me. We’re proud to be involved.”
Performance Amid the Shutdown
Despite the ongoing shutdown, TSA workers at Charleston International Airport have maintained high performance levels. On one recent day, approximately 13,000 passengers passed through security checkpoints with an average wait time of just eight minutes.
In contrast, airports like Chicago, Atlanta, and New York reported wait times exceeding two hours.
“We’ve got the best airport in the United States. And I’ve got the best TSA workers and I can prove that fact,” Summey said proudly.
A Commitment to Support
Summey emphasized that while the loans are backed by the airport, workers are not being penalized with extra costs. “At the end of the day, they didn’t ask for this mess; they inherited it. We didn’t ask for it either. But we’re in it together, because we’ve got the greatest airport in the United States,” he said.
