No sitting allowed for TSA officers checking travel documents, new rules state
TSA agents verify passengers identities on a checkpoint at Miami International Airport as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the imminent implementation of its REAL ID enforcement measures at TSA checkpoints nationwide, Wednes
The Transportation Security Administration is pulling the chairs out from under some of its workers. A new TSA policy change will require the officers who are checking travel documents of people passing through airport security to stand the entire time.
Big picture view:
A TSA spokesperson indicated the requirement that the officer serving as the Travel Document Checker remain standing will enhance security at the stations and will improve the experience of travelers soon after they arrive at the airport.
What they're saying:
"This welcome change reinforces both our security and our commitment to hospitality by having these officers on their feet and alert," the spokesperson wrote. "All our officers must meet fitness for duty requirements to be capable of performing their vital national security function while simultaneously creating a welcoming and professional environment for travelers."
RELATED: Trump says he's sending $500 checks to 1 million Americans: Here's why
The other side:
The union for TSA officers pushed back on the new edict. AFGE Council 100 stated the change came unilaterally and happened without input from union representatives. It stated that the chairs are not simply about being comfortable.
"These chairs serve as basic ergonomic and safety support for officers that stand and walk on hard surfaces all day," the union wrote. "TSA is treating this matter like it is a privilege–it is not; it is basic safety and common decency for the workforce."
Dig deeper:
In April, the Trump administration proposed cutting more than 9,400 positions with the TSA and ripping approximately $1.5 billion out of the agency’s budget. The plan also called for more airports to move to privatized security screenings in 2027.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from the Transportation Security Administration, AFGE Council 100, and previous coverage. This story was reported from Orlando.