FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2024
May 16, 2024
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-639-6405/202-374-6491
[email protected]
AFGE and TSA Sign Historic New Contract
Categories:
TSA
New agreement is the most sweeping improvement of workers’ rights in the agency’s history
NEW YORK – Today, the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union representing federal workers in the nation, and the Transportation Security Administration signed a monumental new contract greatly improving the rights of transportation security officers.
This contract is a huge step forward for America’s transportation security officers and TSA. For almost two decades, TSOs lacked many of the key rights guaranteed to most federal employees and were also some of the lowest paid in the federal workplace.
That’s changed drastically in recent years, as the agency and the union representing its workforce have worked to greatly improve pay and organizing rights, and now have agreed to the most pro-worker contract in the agency’s history.
Leadership from AFGE and TSA met today at the TWA Hotel in New York City to sign the new contract. The event was live streamed via AFGE’s Facebook page, which can be viewed here.
Some of the major improvements included in the contract are increased uniform allowances for TSOs, a streamlined grievance and arbitration process, and an increased say for employees at the local and national levels.
AFGE National President Everett Kelley discussed the impact of this new contract at the event.
“This new contract includes several improvements that benefit not only the transportation security officers represented by AFGE but also the flying public, ensuring a more secure and efficient travel experience for everyone,” said Kelley.
“In essence, this contract doesn’t just represent a win for AFGE or TSA — it’s a win for every person who steps into an airport, trusting us to ensure their safety. Through these contractual improvements, we uphold a commitment not only to our workforce but also to every traveler relying on our dedication and professionalism.”
Hydrick Thomas, president of AFGE Council 100, which represents TSOs nationwide, has been involved with the union both as a TSO and council president. Thomas spoke about the significant progress this new contract has achieved.
“The TSA has existed for over 20 years, and there has never been a contract like this in its entire history. When the agency began, we weren’t even allowed to join a union, much less negotiate a contract,” said Thomas.
“This new contract includes rights that are a huge step forward from the early days of the TSA. As the rights of the workers at the TSA have improved, so has turnover at the agency. More experienced TSOs mean a more secure flying experience for air travelers, and the new rights achieved by our members mean more employees will make serving the flying public a long-term career.”
This isn’t the final step to achieving full rights for TSOs. While workers at the agency have much more autonomy and say in their workplace, they still lack full Title 5 rights, the rights and pay scale guaranteed to most federal workers.
In addition to the new contract, this week, new legislation was introduced in both the House and Senate that would guarantee these rights to TSA employees. AFGE has come out in support of the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act in both the House and Senate and members are encouraging their elected officials to support the bill.
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For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
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