TSA bans sitting during document inspection at airports, trade union criticizes the decision

Agency officers will no longer be allowed to sit while checking IDs at airport checkpoints, the Transportation Security Agency and a major union have announced.

The trade union criticizes, the agency responds

Reuters reported that the AFGE trade union criticized the decision and called it a "disregard for workers' rights and safety."

He emphasized that the chairs are "basic ergonomic support and a safety element for officers who stand and walk on hard surfaces all day long."

“This positive change strengthens both our safety efforts and commitment to providing a friendly service, and helps keep officers on their toes and vigilant,” the agency argues.

Donald Trump attacked the TSA

In April this year US President Donald Trump proposed reducing employment by over 9,400 people and cutting the TSA budget by just over $1.5 billion (approx. 20%). The agency responsible for airport security employs 60,000. employees.

Trump also proposed that smaller airports use the services of private security companies. It would allow for the reduction of TSA positions by over 4,500 positions and would constitute the first stage of privatization of the agency created after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

About 20 airports, including those in San Francisco, Kansas City and Sarasota (Florida), have used private security personnel to handle security screening for years.

Weeks without pay

The long-term suspension of government activities (so-called shutdown) this spring forced 50,000 people. TSA employees to work without pay for six weeks.

This has led to major disruptions, including waiting times at airports increasing to four hours or more.