Home Media Center News Releases

Atlanta—Two key members of the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday met with frontline Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees to see first-hand the challenges they face in providing security for air travelers at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

The meeting, at the invitation of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), came during a visit by Reps. David Scott (D-Ga.) and Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. NTEU Chapter 310 represents Atlanta Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) who are charged with screening both passengers and baggage.

At the open forum with the TSOs, several employees pointed to a number of workplace issues that impact air travel security including inadequate staffing, which has led to overworked employees and a raft of on-the-job injuries, and unfair treatment by management and poor working conditions.

“Congressional attention to the problems facing TSA employees is the first step toward finding solutions to the serious problems affecting this workforce,” said NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley, adding that it is critical members of Congress see first-hand both the working conditions TSOs face, and the dedication to their jobs.

“Every time I speak with TSA employees I am struck by their commitment and dedication to their jobs. They understand how vital their role is to the safety of air travelers and it is imperative that they be given all the tools they need to continue to do their jobs well,” said Rep. Johnson, who has met several times with TSA employees at the Atlanta airport.

NTEU is a strong supporter of H.R. 3212, which would provide TSOs with statutory collective bargaining rights. Securing these same collective bargaining rights that are widespread throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is part of NTEU’s comprehensive five-part program for TSOs nationwide.

Other elements include elimination of the unfair pay-for-performance system and moving TSOs onto the General Schedule pay system; fighting for adequate staffing and fair scheduling; improving the training and recertification programs; and granting TSOs whistleblower rights by law.

“Collective bargaining is the best way to retain an experienced workforce and decrease turnover,” said Chapter 310 President Clarence Wells. “TSOs want to have a stake in the success of our workplace and in the nation's security.”

NTEU is the largest independent federal union, representing 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments. In addition to Atlanta, NTEU represents TSOs at New York’s John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia International Airports.