DHS Ends Collective Bargaining for TSA Workers, Sparking Union Backlash

1 month ago 6

On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its decision to terminate the collective bargaining agreement with the union representing thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees—a move the TSA’s union called an "unprovoked attack".

In its announcement, DHS claimed that the union employs more full-time employees dedicated to union-related tasks than TSA has personnel conducting screening duties at 86 percent of U.S. airports.

"This action will ensure Americans will have more effective and modernized workforces across the nation's transportation networks," DHS wrote. "TSA is renewing its commitment to providing a quick and secure travel process for Americans."

Unions, Lawmakers Condemn Decision

The decision to terminate collective bargaining faced strong opposition from the Association of Flight Attendants, which represents flight attendants, as well as Democratic lawmakers. Both groups argued that the move could compromise airline safety. Opponents view the move as a direct attack on labor rights.

A Democrat from Mississippi and ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, expressed concern over the potential consequences of the decision. "Attempting to negate [TSA workers’] legally binding collective bargaining agreement now makes zero sense—it will only reduce morale and hamper the workforce," Thompson said in a statement.

The Association of Flight Attendants echoed these concerns, warning that the decision is "terrible for aviation security and everyone who depends on safe travel." The union further argued, "This will take us back to the days of security at the lowest price with the highest costs for our country."

Impact on TSA Workforce

This latest policy change affects approximately 47,000 transportation security officers (TSOs) who are responsible for screening passengers and baggage at airports nationwide.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)—the union that represents them—said that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump's new administration were violating workers’ right to join a union, CBS News reported. It also contends that the reasons the Republican administration is citing—claiming inefficiencies within the TSA—are “completely fabricated”.

The AFGE argued that DHS’ decision was made in retaliation of its broader efforts to challenge various Trump administration policies impacting federal workers. Representing approximately 800,000 government employees nationwide, the AFGE has actively opposed several of the administration’s actions, such as the dismissal of probationary employees and budget cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

"Our union has been out in front challenging this administration's unlawful actions targeting federal workers, both in the legal courts and in the court of public opinion," the union said. "Now our TSA officers are paying the price with this clearly retaliatory action."

DHS’ resolution to end the collective bargaining agreement arrives after the Trump administration fired former TSA administrator David Pekoske on the day of Trump’s inauguration. Now, the TSA currently has neither an administrator or deputy administrator.

Future of TSA Labor Rights

In a note to staff, acting TSA Administrator Adam Stahl wrote, "By removing the constraints of collective bargaining, TSOs will be able to operate with greater flexibility and responsiveness, ensuring the highest level of security and efficiency in protecting the American public." He added, "This determination is made with the TSO in mind, ensuring employee inclusivity and restoring meritocracy to the workforce."

Stahl also assured workers that the agency would implement "alternative procedures" to handle employee concerns and grievances in a manner that is "fair and transparent".

However, critics, including Rep. Thompson, dismissed the justification, accusing DHS of relying on "flat-out wrong anti-union talking points." He warned that the Trump administration’s real goal is “diminishing” the TSA’s workforce so “they can transform it in the mold of Project 2025.”

"Attempting to negate their legally binding collective bargaining agreement now makes zero sense—it will only reduce morale and hamper the workforce," Thompson said. "Since the Biden Administration provided pay increases and a new collective bargaining contract to the workforce, TSA's attrition rates have plummeted."

Project 2025—which Trump insisted during his campaign that he had nothing to do with—is a conservative policy blueprint that includes a plan to dissolve the TSA union and eventually privatize the agency.

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