August 15, 2008
Congressional Update
NTEU Arranges Meetings With Key House Members
NTEU continues to make its voice heard on behalf of Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in our fight to secure and protect the rights and interests of TSA employees by arranging a series of meetings between TSOs and various members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Congressional attention to the problems facing TSA employees is the first step toward finding solutions to the serious problems affecting this workforce,” said President Colleen M. Kelley, adding that it is critical members of Congress see first-hand both the working conditions TSOs face, and the dedication to their jobs.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
On Wednesday, Reps. David Scott (D-Ga.) and Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) saw first-hand the numerous challenges TSOs face in providing security for air travelers at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
At an open forum with members of NTEU Chapter 310 (TSA Atlanta), several TSOs pointed to a number of workplace issues that impact air travel security including inadequate staffing, which has led to overworked employees and a raft of on-the-job injuries, and unfair treatment by management and poor working conditions.
Members explained the need for full collective bargaining rights for agency employees; rights that are widespread throughout the rest of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Gaining full collective bargaining rights by statute is part of NTEU’s comprehensive five-part plan for TSOs nationwide. Other elements include elimination of the unfair pay-for-performance system and moving TSOs onto the General Schedule pay system; fighting for adequate staffing and fair scheduling; improving the training and recertification programs; and granting TSOs whistleblower rights by law.
Rep. Johnson, who has met several times with TSOs at ATL said, “Every time I speak with TSA employees I am struck by their commitment and dedication to their jobs. They understand how vital their role is to the safety of air travelers and it is imperative that they be given all the tools they need to continue to do their jobs well.”
Read the complete story here or visit <www.dhsunion.org/PressRelease/PressRelease.
aspx?ID=1318>.
El Paso International Airport (ELP)
TSA employees here took advantage of an opportunity Thursday to meet with U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas) at his Texas office and discuss multiple workplace issues, including the need for additional staffing at the airports and fair scheduling practices that will allow TSOs to better balance their work and home responsibilities.
The employees told Rep. Reyes that insufficient staffing is causing numerous problems for TSOs such as split shifts, where employees must sit at the airport for up to four hours between shifts—at no pay; being penalized and sometimes terminated if they cannot work overtime; and injuries resulting from fatigue.
Rep. Reyes pledged his support to the TSOs. Reyes has been supportive on other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employee issues. He is the sponsor of H.R. 5662, a measure that would authorize the hiring of an additional 5,000 U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers, as well as another 1,200 Agriculture Specialists and 350 new support employees.
Read the complete story here or visit <www.dhsunion.org/PressRelease/PressRelease.
aspx?ID=1319>.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
NTEU Chapter 311 (TSA LaGuardia) recently arranged for TSOs at LGA to meet with Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. Among the topics touched on by members was the need for full collective bargaining rights and whistleblower protections for TSOs across the country.
NTEU strongly supports H.R. 3212, which would provide TSOs with collective bargaining rights. The union also supports H.R. 985, which would grant TSOs whistleblower rights by statute.
Questions or
Comments?
E-mail us at tsa@nteu.org
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“It is unacceptable that we are failing to provide the most basic labor protections to our frontline workers who perform jobs that are crucial and of vital importance to keep us all safe," Rep. Clarke said in a statement. "Our TSOs should be afforded the collective bargaining rights and whistleblower protections they deserve."
Read the complete story here or visit <www.nteu.org/PressKits/PressRelease/Press
Release.aspx?ID=1313>.
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