Labor & Employment Law

Bargaining Rights Finally a Reality for TSOs

By James Parks

After a nine-year battle to gain a voice in the workplace, more than 40,000 transportation security officers (TSOs) finally can become union members and bargain for a contract.

In a major victory for working people, John Pistole, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, today announced that he has decided to grant partial collective bargaining rights to the TSA workforce. AFGE President John Gage praised the decision as an important first step, saying it would enhance safety for America’s flying public. Gage adds:

Today marks the recognition of a fundamental human right for 40,000 patriotic federal employees who have been disenfranchised since the inception of the agency.

For nine years, TSOs  have had to deal with issues of dangerous workplaces, discrimination, selective hiring practices, nepotism, management intimidation, and reports of lax oversight at the agency with only AFGE to stand between them and an often arbitrary and capricious management.

Now many issues will be up for negotiations, including seniority, shift biddings, transfers and awards.

In November 2010, the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) accepted AFGE?s petition to allow the TSOs to vote on union representation. In 2003, the Bush administration stripped the workers of collective bargaining rights. The workers will vote, beginning March 9, on whether they want to join a union.

Gage told a press conference today that TSA ranks 240 of 244 federal agencies on morale.  He said he is sure that providing a voice at work for “these dedicated employees will improve that morale.”    

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said in a statement:

Allowing transportation security officers to exercise their right to come together to bargain collectively will improve their lives and enhance all air travelers? experience and safety.

Transportation security officers deserve the same rights as firefighters, police and emergency responders to use collective bargaining in their professions to make everyone safer.  As we remember all too well, many workers who rushed to Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001, and saved countless lives were union members and strengthened by their collective bargaining agreements.

AFGE currently has more than 12,000 TSA members in 40 local unions across the country. For more information, check out www.tsaunion.com.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on February 04, 2011 (boomark / email).