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Washington, D.C.—Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at one of the nation’s busiest airports took full advantage yesterday of an opportunity to review a range of workplace issues—including the pressing need for collective bargaining rights—with one of the most influential members of the House of Representatives on homeland security matters.

The meeting, at the invitation of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and its Chapter 310, came during a visit to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. NTEU Chapter 310 represents TSOs at Hartsfield-Jackson.

This marks the second congressional visit with NTEU-represented TSOs at this facility; earlier this year, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) met with TSOs there.

“This high-level attention to the views of TSA employees is both welcome and refreshing,” said NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley. “There are a variety of serious problems impacting both this workforce and their workplaces,” she said, including low morale and high turnover. “And these are issues that directly impact our nation’s security.”

The NTEU leader added: “It is very important that members of Congress see first-hand both the working conditions TSOs face, and the dedication and commitment with which they do their jobs. These are hard-working men and women doing an important job, and they are not being treated fairly.”

During their meeting with Rep. Thompson, the NTEU members voiced strong support for H.R. 3212, which would provide Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees with collective bargaining rights; the grant of such rights currently is at the sole discretion of the head of TSA.

Securing the same collective bargaining rights that are widespread through the Department of Homeland Security is a key segment 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. NTEU-supported legislation approved by the House, H.R. 985, would accomplish that latter goal.

Since NTEU began organizing at TSA, the agency has moved forward on three of the five points—making changes in the Performance and Accountability Standards System (PASS), improved whistleblower protections and revisions to the training and certification process. President Kelley described the actions TSA has taken thus far as being short of what is needed.

In addition to Atlanta, NTEU represents TSOs at New York’s John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia Airports.