The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, has terminated the collective bargaining agreement covering roughly 47,000 TSA officers. The American Federation of Government Employees said it will sue to challenge the decision. A U.S. judge had previously issued a preliminary injunction in June blocking Noem’s March 7 attempt to end the agreement. DHS says a new labor framework will take effect on January 11 and that it will stop collecting union dues from officers' paychecks.
Kristi Noem Terminates TSA Union Contract Covering 47,000 Officers; AFGE Vows Legal Challenge
FILE PHOTO: A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer checks passengers into security at LaGuardia Airport in New York January 25, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Friday terminated the collective bargaining agreement that covers about 47,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, marking a major shift in labor relations at the agency.
What the Decision Means
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it will implement a new labor framework on January 11. Under that framework, DHS will stop deducting union dues from TSA officers' paychecks. The change could reshape how TSA officers organize and negotiate workplace terms.
Union Response
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents the TSA screening workforce, said it will file suit to challenge the termination and seek to block the move through the courts.
Legal Background
Earlier this year — on March 7 — Secretary Noem attempted to end the collective bargaining agreement. In June, a U.S. judge issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily blocked that effort. DHS’ recent action comes amid ongoing legal contention between the agency and the union.
Next Steps
The dispute is expected to proceed to litigation as AFGE prepares its challenge. DHS plans to put the new labor framework into effect on January 11 unless a court intervenes. The practical impact for many officers could include changes in how workplace issues are negotiated and how union membership is processed.
Reporting: David Shepardson in Washington; Editing: Chris Reese.
