Committee Approves Bill Expanding Transportation Security Officers’ Workplace Rights
July 9, 2009 (WASHINGTON) – Today the House Committee on Homeland Security, Chaired by Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), approved legislation introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) that would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) the same workplace protections that other federal employees enjoy.
The Transportation Security Workforce Enhancement Act would allow more than 42,000 TSOs and more than 50,000 total TSA employees to bargain collectively, ensure appropriate compensation, and provide protections against whistleblower retaliation. Employees at Federal Emergency Management Agency, Customs and Border Patrol, and numerous other federal security agencies are already afforded these basic workplace rights.
“Treating our security workforce like spare parts only hinders the development of an experienced and dedicated workforce focused on protecting the public,” said Lowey. “Extending basic workplace protections to TSOs is not only the right thing to do for 42,000 individuals performing grueling work to protect us, it will decrease costs and improve results our air security.”
“I am pleased that the Committee on Homeland Security and all of its Democratic members stood behind the TSA workforce. Our actions today brings us one step closer to affording the workforce with the protections, rights, pay and benefits that their colleagues across DHS and the federal government enjoy,” added Chairman Thompson. “I applaud Rep. Lowey for having the will to push forward with this very important piece of legislation and I look forward to swift passage in the House.”
Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) working in airports across the country are a first line of defense against terrorism. However, these workers suffer from high injury rates, attrition, and the lowest morale of all federal agencies. They lack the workplace protections – collective bargaining rights and whistleblower protections – that other federal employees enjoy. The lack of protections for screening personnel, combined with poor workforce management, increases costs and decreases security.
The House of Representatives approved expanding TSO workplace protections in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, but the provision was dropped in conference in response to President Bush’s veto threat.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chairman Thompson: Dena Graziano or Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
Rep. Lowey: Matt Dennis at (202) 225-6506
