The latest TSA airport drama isn’t about a shortage of workers, but about a shortage of places for workers to sit. TSA management recently began removing chairs, and outlets have reported that the Trump administration has been unilaterally removing them from all checkpoints.
In response, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has launched a letter writing campaign to fight back against this odd new policy. The AFGE website recently posted the following statement:
“TSA has announced that the agency is removing chairs from the TSA checkpoint podiums where Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) screen passengers. Simply put, this is ridiculous. The justification provided by management has nothing to do with airport security and everything to do with making the workplace unbearable for dedicated public servants. TSOs have endured the longest government shutdown while still carrying out their duties, an attack on their collective bargaining rights, and now a unilateral change to their working conditions which will undoubtedly negatively impact worker safety. Join us in telling TSA to RESTORE THE CHAIRS.”
On September 25, TSA removed chairs from pre-check areas and said that standing would keep officers more alert.
“This welcome change reinforces both our security posture and our commitment to hospitality by having these officers on their feet and alert,” said the agency in a statement. “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.”
Chairs were not removed from the X-ray machines, as the manufacturers recommend sitting when operating the devices
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