> The unemployment rate there is 4.6%, which is beyond full employment and way into the labor shortage range. So these workers can find better paying jobs that start tomorrow and not have to smell your stinky socks.

Seatac is a tiny town that's literally surrounded by other tiny towns with minimum wage $4.09 lower. There's probably competition for jobs in Seatac, let alone such a labor shortage you could quit today and start a higher paying job tomorrow.

You're also completely ignoring the benefits of federal employment. The McDonald's in the terminal or the Ramada across the tarmac might pay at least as much cash, but total compensation will likely be five-figures lower.

Unfortunately these people would be idiots to quit their jobs over a couple weeks without pay. Even if they have to get a second job to avoid eviction right now their TSA job is worth holding onto for at least the short term.