FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 02, 2025
June 02, 2025
Contact:
Michael Newberger, [email protected]
Beth Allen, [email protected]
Taylor Garland, [email protected]
Marion Steinfels, [email protected]
Unions Secure Preliminary Injunction Halting DHS Termination of TSA Agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington granted a preliminary injunction in the lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), AFGE TSA Local 1121, the Communications Workers of America (CWA), and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The injunction temporarily prevents DHS Secretary Kristi Noem from terminating the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) covering approximately 47,000 Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).
The plaintiffs are represented by Bredhoff & Kaiser, PLLC, and the Democracy Defenders Fund (DDF).
“Today's court decision is a crucial victory for federal workers and the rule of law,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “The preliminary injunction underscores the unconstitutional nature of DHS’s attack on TSA officers’ first amendment rights. We remain committed to ensuring our members' rights and dignity are protected, and we will not back down from defending our members’ rights against unlawful union busting.”
“A collective bargaining agreement provides essential protection for TSA officers so that they can do their job effectively,” said Communications Workers of America President Claude Cummings Jr. “Today’s court action reverses DHS Secretary Noem’s unlawful union busting that put the safety of CWA Passenger Service Agents and Flight Attendants at risk.”
“Security is personal to us. We lost our friends. Our profession changed forever. The whole country suffered when airport security was private, went to the lowest bidder, failed to connect to national intelligence, and disrespected the people who worked the check points. Our security improved with a professional, federalized workforce. Our security improved again when the TSA workforce became union with better pay, benefits, and due process that supports every voice focused on our collective security,” said Sara Nelson, president of AFA-CWA, representing 55,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines. “This win matters for workers everywhere. But it also matters for every person who believes we should protect the freedom to fly and the backbone of our economy.”
“This decision stops a reckless attack on working people in its tracks. DHS tried to gut union rights for 47,000 TSA officers without legal authority. The court said no,” said Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), executive chair of Democracy Defenders Fund. “It’s a vital check on executive overreach and a reminder that, in a democracy, you don't get to ignore the rights of working people, no matter what your title is.”
Our coalition will continue to vigorously pursue justice and protect the rights of federal workers across the government.
#####
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing more than 820,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.
For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech and other fields.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) is the flight attendant union organized by flight attendants for flight attendants. AFA represents over 50,000 flight attendants at 20 airlines, serving as a voice for flight attendants at their workplace, in the industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill.
Bredhoff & Kaiser PLLC is one of the nation’s preeminent law firms devoted to empowering workers and the institutions that advocate for them.
Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.
###
Click here to Donate to the AFGE Federal Employee Defense Fund.
For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
Follow us on:
