TSA Defies Court Order, Moves to Dissolve Labor Union

Bassyonni

ago 6 hours

TSA Defies Court Order, Moves to Dissolve Labor Union

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is poised to dissolve its labor union contract next month, raising concerns over collective bargaining rights. This move appears to disregard a court order that has been in effect since June.

TSA’s Decision to Dissolve Labor Union: Key Facts

Since its inception after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, TSA has had significant authority over its personnel system. However, due to issues like poor morale and high attrition rates, the agency provided employees limited collective bargaining rights in 2011, which were expanded in 2022 to include a new pay scale similar to that of the federal government’s General Schedule.

Recent Developments

In March, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem aimed to revoke TSA workers’ collective bargaining rights.
U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman deemed this decision retaliatory, blocking the action with a preliminary injunction.
Despite this, TSA’s acting Assistant Administrator for Human Capital, Thomas Regan, announced that Noem’s revised determination will take effect on January 11, 2026.

Regan’s memo emphasized that TSA is reverting to its original labor framework, eliminating collective bargaining for security screening personnel. This change indicates that TSA workers will no longer have representation regarding employment terms.

Budgetary Concerns and Impacts

Noem indicated that the negotiation of four union contracts since 2012 had cost TSA approximately $1.2 million in official time and travel expenses. TSA’s budget for fiscal 2024 is set at $9.5 billion.

Noem stated, “It is my assessment that the costs of administering a collective bargaining and exclusive representation framework have been wasteful.” This statement aligns with the administration’s goal of eliminating inefficiencies within the federal government.

Reactions to TSA’s Announcement

Union officials have criticized TSA’s renewed attempt to withdraw union rights, warning that it may negatively impact public service at airports. Hydrick Thomas, president of the AFGE Council 100, expressed that before the union contract, many employees faced hostile work environments, contributing to high attrition rates and longer wait times for travelers.

Thomas noted, “Since having a contract, we’ve seen a more stable workforce, and there has never been another aviation-related attack on our country.” He urged the importance of union contracts in maintaining workplace stability and safety.

The AFGE National President, Everett Kelley, condemned Noem’s decision as an illegal act of retaliatory union-busting. Kelley stated that this development should concern anyone who uses airport services, calling for immediate legislative action to protect workers’ rights.

“AFGE will continue to challenge these illegal attacks on our members’ rights,” Kelley assured.
He urged the Senate to promptly pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act.

The TSA’s latest stance on labor rights not only diminishes employee representation but also raises significant questions about the agency’s commitment to its workforce and public safety.