WASHINGTON, DC– Airport security workers who check boarding passes and IDs will no longer be allowed to sit while working, the Transportation Security Administration confirmed Tuesday.
All chairs will be removed from travel document checkers’ podiums at entry checkpoints across the country, the union representing screeners said. The American Federation of Government Employees (TSA) Council 100 said it learned of the decision from its members and called it a “disregard for workers’ rights and safety.”
The TSA defended the move, saying document screeners are the first to interact with the traveling public and requiring them to stand will create a better experience for passengers.
“This welcome change strengthens both our security posture and our commitment to hospitality by having these officers up and alert,” the agency said in a statement. “All officers must meet fitness for duty requirements to be able to perform their vital national security function while simultaneously creating a welcoming and professional environment for travelers.”
The move comes nearly two months after TSA Administrator David Cummins was confirmed to lead the agency.
The removal of chairs, the union said, has already begun at most commercial airports. No formal notification was made to AFGE or any of its locals, according to a union leader.
“These chairs serve as basic ergonomic and safety support for officers who stand and walk on hard surfaces all day,” the AFGE Council 100 release said. “TSA is treating this issue as if it is a privilege – it is not; it is a matter of basic security and common decency for staff.”
As the TSA approaches the 25th anniversary of its founding in November, Cummins has held meetings to “rapidly advance key strategic initiatives” under a program called Horizon 25.
“TSA does not have to choose between a secure checkpoint, an efficient checkpoint, and an improved passenger experience,” he said in a statement announcing the initiative.
The program includes expanding TSA PreCheck, deploying new technology, privatizing some checkpoints and “improving the passenger experience.” It’s unclear whether requiring officers to stand up to check documents is related to this overhaul.
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