Since the Transportation Security Administration was formed almost 10 years ago, TSA workers across the country have been fighting for respect and dignity on the job. With the full support and tireless commitment of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), these federal security workers at our nation’s airports have remained dedicated to achieving their goal of union representation and collective bargaining, despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. They want to be able to do what thousands of other security workers can already do—bargain with their employer for a better life. Uniformed Secret Service officers, the U.S. Park Police, guards at federal correction facilities, civilian police officers at military bases, fire fighters and paramedics and private security officers at government buildings, stadiums, banks and commercial buildings all across the country already bargain collectively with their employers.
Congress created the Transportation Security Administration in 2001, following the Sept. 11, attacks. Using legislative authority, the Bush-appointed TSA administrator denied TSA workers the right to collectively bargain, and a 2003 representation petition filed by AFGE was dismissed. Legislative efforts to achieve collective bargaining rights for these workers were thwarted with a threatened veto by then-President Bush.
But AFGE and its TSA members refused to take “No” for an answer. In early 2010, AFGE filed an election petition for 40,000 Transportation Security Officers nationwide. The election petition was processed even as potential bargaining rights were still unresolved. Finally, earlier this year, the newly appointed TSA director authorized collective bargaining on a wide range of working conditions, including rules governing vacation time and shift assignments, workplace transfers and other rules and procedures.
Having won the right to bargain collectively, TSA workers are now poised to elect their exclusive union representative. Elections are scheduled to take place in March and April. With the support of AFGE, which has worked so persistently and aggressively on their behalf, and with the full backing and assistance of the AFL-CIO, these workers will be successful.
The AFL-CIO stands in full support of AFGE and the Transportation Security Officers in the election and renews its commitment to secure full collective bargaining rights for all federal and other public employees.