TSOs Weigh in on First Contract

Washington, D.C., Aug. 23, 2009 – Transportation Security Officers in Florida, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C., flocked to the American Federation of Government Employees' Member Appreciation events for a quick bite and serious talk about workplace issues, the first contract, and why AFGE membership is so important to their future at TSA.

AFGE Locals are hosting a series of Member Appreciation events this summer in locations across the country. So far, events have been held in San Antonio, Los Angeles, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Charlotte, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. , to name but a few. Union activists handed out T-shirts, pens, luggage tags, and other AFGE goodies. In several places they flipped burgers, scooped ice cream and popped corn as hundreds of TSA employees came by to share a meal and camaraderie with their fellow officers. Hundreds of members took advantage of the events to learn more about their union plus benefits. More events are scheduled in the coming months.

As AFGE and TSOs are one step closer to winning collective bargaining rights, the union has been surveying employees on what they would like to see in the first contract. TSOs who attended the events raised several issues, including:

  • Elimination of PASS and transfer to the GS pay system
  • Proper training for both managers and TSOs
  • New recertification system
  • Free parking
  • Onsite daycare facilities
  • Ability to use leave without fear, especially when employees have accrued sick leave available
  • Elimination of all unfair rules, practices and procedures in the SOP
  • No more split shifts
  • No more dual certification without compensation
  • No more two-year probationary periods
  • Better protection against epidemics and other outbreaks
  • Better health and safety standards

"Members were impressed at the speed with which AFGE preparing for collective bargaining environment," said AFGE National Organizer Glen Stolburg, who led the event in Charlotte. "TSOs in Charlotte are excited about the opportunities to get involved in a union that will soon be at the bargaining table with management." 

If you missed the events but wanted to share your thoughts on the first contract, please email us at tsahotline@afge.org.