As of December 5, 2023, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) made a significant policy shift. They are trying to strip airport security screeners of their collective bargaining rights. This is a play out of a new Memo to Governors written by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. She claims that TSA screeners are “purely” national security, and therefore should not be allowed collective bargaining or union representation.
The TSA’s announcement comes just weeks after Governor Noem publicly recognized TSA officers for their commitment during the recent 43-day government shutdown by distributing $10,000 bonus checks to those who went “above and beyond.” Even amidst the unprecedented shutdown, thousands of airport screeners still showed up to work every day, suffering through more than six weeks of working without pay.
In the wake of this change, Adam Stahl, acting TSA deputy administrator, emphasized the need for airport screeners to concentrate on their critical mission.
“Under the leadership of Secretary Noem, we are ridding the agency of wasteful and time-consuming activities that distracted our officers from their crucial work.” – Adam Stahl
The TSA has taken every opportunity to try to deny TSA officers their basic union rights. This represents a huge break from past accords that allowed for pro–labor representation. Prior to this announcement, TSA workers had the benefit of protecting their rights and benefits through union representation. This system is set to expire in 2031. In June, U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman of Seattle issued a preliminary injunction to safeguard these rights. The recent TSA decision introduces new uncertainty about how it may affect this crucial legal ruling.
Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), expressed strong opposition to the TSA’s new policy. He very much wants to battle against it. As an example, he pointed to the hypocrisy in Governor Noem’s leadership. She previously applauded TSA officers’ commitment to serve, and now she’s working to strip them of their union rights.
“Merely 30 days ago, Secretary Noem celebrated TSA officers for their dedication during the longest government shutdown in history,” – Everett Kelley
“Today, she’s announcing a lump of coal right on time for the holidays: that she’s stripping those same dedicated officers of their union rights.” – Everett Kelley
The TSA’s action is part of a larger campaign by the Trump administration to weaken the safeguards for federal workers. A trial on this matter is scheduled for next year. It would be a major course correction on the future of union representation for TSA workers.
