The House has voted to allow transportation security screeners to have union representation as part of broad legislation to implement recommendations of the 9-11 Commission.
Specifically, the bill would discard a footnote to a provision in the Aviation and Transportation Security Act giving the TSA administrator the authority to “employ, appoint, discipline, terminate . . . and establish levels of compensation and other benefits” for the screeners.
Since 2003, the American Federation of Government Employees has lobbied Congress to expand union representation in the screener workforce.
“TSA has the highest injury and attrition rates in the federal government,” said John Gage, AFGE president. “By allowing for collective bargaining, whistle blower protection and appeal rights, the House bill will help improve security by stabilizing the workforce and improving morale,” Gage said.
