TSA says rule change is meant to keep officers ‘alert’, but union says it ignores safety and ‘common decency’
US airport security officers who verify boarding passes and IDs ahead of security checkpoints will no longer be allowed to sit down while working.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was moving forward with this change in policy to keep officers “alert”, the agency confirmed recently.
The American Federation of Government Employees Council (AFGEC), the union representing TSA officers, pushed back on this decision and said in a statement that it was not involved in the decision.
“These chairs serve as basic ergonomic and safety support for officers that stand and walk on hard surfaces all day,” the union added. “TSA is treating this matter like it is a privilege – it is not; it is basic safety and common decency for the workforce.”
Additionally, the union is calling the TSA’s move a “disregard for employee rights and safety”.
Yes they’re security theatre, but they still have guns and authority over us, even if they’re ineffective. I don’t know about you, but I act very differently around people carrying guns, especially those with the legal authority to use them without consequence.
They definitely do hold our lives in their hands, in that they can completely ruin (or end) anyone’s life by simply using their authority.
TSA dont carry guns. Attempts to let them carry guns have been rejected. Because they are untrained and not hired for their smarts. They are classified as security screeners not “sworn officers”. AKA, security guards doing “security” theater. To join TSA you need a GED and be over 18, and theres not a lot else.