ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Dozens of local TSA workers are demanding an end to the government shutdown so they can get paid. Friday marks the first payday that hundreds of thousands of furloughed workers will miss since the shutdown began 21 days ago. 

On Thursday, Atlanta TSA union voiced their disapproval and said they're terrified the shutdown will force them to leave their jobs so they can put food on the table for their families. They also said leaving now would cause many of them to forfeit the pension they've been working toward for years. 

The AFGE Local 554 held a rally in front of the Domestic North Terminal of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Thursday afternoon.

This week, the government shutdown had begun to impact travel as TSA agents and air traffic controllers continue to work without promise of pay and FAA inspectors remain on furlough.

BREAKING: TSA officers protest government shutdown outside of the domestic terminal of Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. #fox5atl #breakingnews pic.twitter.com/Baw8OpJalq

— Will Nunley FOX 5 (@willnunleyfox5) January 10, 2019

Several dozen workers were seen out front carrying signs and getting the attention of travelers during the rally.

TSA acknowledges that more screeners are calling in sick at some airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth International. It gave few numbers but issued a statement Friday saying that more have been missing work since the Christmas and New Year's holidays. The TSA said the effect was "minimal."