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TSA is banning chairs and not allowing employees to sit down while checking IDs
If you have ever been traveling through security in a bustling airport and thought to yourself ‘I know what could make this better, the TSA workers checking IDs should NOT be allowed to sit in chairs!’ Then I have some news for you…
Earlier this week, the Transportation Security Administration confirmed that officers checking IDs at airport security will no longer be able to sit down while working. They are removing all chairs from this part of the airport in order to keep the TSA employees on their feet.
Following this news, the American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council 100 (AFGE Countil 100), the union which represents TSA officers and employees, released a statement blasting the decision.
Union Representing TSA Employees Blasts Decision To Band Them From Sitting In Chairs
In response to the news that TSA would be removing chairs and not allowing workers to sit, they released the following statement. It says “this welcome change reinforces both our security posture and our commitment to hospitality by having these officers on their feet and alert. All officers must meet fitness for duty requirements to be capable of performing their vital national security function while simultaneously creating a welcoming and professional environment for travelers.”
Fitness required for duty is important! After all, this is the agency tasked with keeping our airports and travelers safe. National security should be at the forefront of every decision they make.
However, the AFGE Countil 100 sees this very differently. They view it is a choice to strip TSA agents of basic human dignity.
The union’s response pushes back against the decision, stating “these chairs serve as basic ergonomic and safety support for officers that stand and walk on hard surfaces all day. TSA is treating this matter like it is a privilege – it is not; it is basic safety and common decency for the workforce.”
Their statement goes on to state that current TSA leadership did not consult the union when making the decision to remove chairs. It also adds “This disregard for employee rights and safety is an example of a broad pattern of TSA’s true consideration of the employees who keep our nation safe.” It then asks everyone to speak with lawmakers and express frustration with the decision.
Imploring the public to defend TSA workers is a bold strategy. The experience of traveling by plane has been consistently degraded over the years and at that starts with the TSA security process. TSA Pre-Check lines have grown out of control, and are in many instances longer than regular security. But sure, the public will rally around TSA who seem to have different rules at each airport about what to take off, what to put in a bin, and if those regional rules aren’t followed to a T the passenger is berated by TSA employees.
The TSA is making other changes in an effort to improve travel across the country, according to a press release from TSA Administrator David P. Cummins surrounding his Horizon 25 strategy marking the 25th anniversary of TSA which was created following 9/11.
Additional changes include “enhancing TSA PreCheck®, improving the passenger experience, streamlining the acquisition of new technology, expanding TSA’s capabilities to counter the threat of unmanned aircraft systems and advancing other key priorities. This strategy will accelerate public-private partnerships with industry leaders across sectors to expand modernization across TSA. An evolved Screening Partnership Program will replace TSA Gold+ to better harness the role of the private sector in delivering a safer, more secure, and more efficient aviation system.”
As for now, TSA agents checking IDs will no longer be able to sit down. This will certainly impact morale, as anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant or in retail will tell you if that institution banned sitting.