FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2024
May 15, 2024
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-639-6405/202-374-6491
[email protected]
Largest Federal Employee Union Strongly Supports Rights for the TSA Workforce Act
Categories:
TSA, Congress
The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act would significantly improve the rights and pay for America's transportation security officers
WASHINGTON – The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 42,000 officers at the Transportation Security Administration nationwide, commends the introduction of the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act and encourages members of both the House and Senate to support this vital legislation.
America’s transportation security officers have recently gained increases in their pay and workplace rights in accordance with similar federal workforce positions but still lack many of the fundamental rights guaranteed to most federal employees, specifically Title 5 rights and the General Schedule (GS) pay system. The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act would even the playing field, leading to less turnover at the agency and improved security for America’s air travelers.
AFGE National President Everett Kelley released the following statement regarding the legislation:
“After over 20 years of subpar pay and treatment for America’s transportation security officers, it’s heartening to see real progress be made for TSOs, with support from both sides of the aisle. That being said, the fight is far from over. While our members now enjoy better pay and a better contract, they still lack the primary voice and rights that are guaranteed to the majority of federal employees. The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act would finally grant these rights as well as improve the pay, safety, and overall treatment of these vital employees.
“The TSA has been on the right track, and turnover rates at the formerly embattled agency have improved dramatically. I encourage the members of both the House and Senate to keep the momentum going and to vote for this monumental bill. The safety of our skies, our economy, and the working people who strive to protect our air travel system can’t wait.”
AFGE Council 100 President Hydrick Thomas also released a statement in support of this bill:
“My fellow union members work tirelessly to keep our airports secure and air passengers safe. For too long, they’ve been taken for granted and denied many of the basic rights guaranteed to a majority of federal employees. We’ve made progress and appreciate the work we’ve been able to do with the agency, but it’s time for our elected officials to step up and stand up for the security of our nation. I join the thousands of transportation security officers across the nation in encouraging our representatives and senators to support the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act.”
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