Federal Court Halts TSA’s Bid to End Airport Screeners’ Union Agreement

The Transportation Security Administration announced Friday it will terminate its collective bargaining agreement covering airport baggage screeners next month, despite a federal judge blocking the agency’s earlier attempt this year.

Under the terms of the 2024 labor agreement — scheduled to run until 2031 — TSA officials stated that allowing collective bargaining and exclusive representation for screening officers undermines efficient use of taxpayer funds and limits flexibility needed to protect air travelers. The agency also confirmed it will cease deducting union dues from screeners’ paychecks through its payroll system.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) condemned the move, vowing to sue. AFGE National President Everett Kelley criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a statement: “Merely 30 days ago, Secretary Noem celebrated TSA officers for their dedication during the longest government shutdown in history. Today, she’s announcing a lump of coal right on time for the holidays: that she’s stripping those same dedicated officers of their union rights.”

Kelley added: “Secretary Noem’s decision to rip up the union contract for 47,000 TSA officers is an illegal act of retaliatory union-busting that should cause concern for every person who steps foot in an airport.”

The Department of Homeland Security had initially announced in March it would end the 2024 contract but faced legal action from AFGE, which alleged retaliation against the union’s prior lawsuits. DHS argued the change would remove “bureaucratic hurdles that will strengthen workforce agility, enhance productivity and resiliency, while also jumpstarting innovation.”

In a statement, DHS claimed more TSA employees were engaged in union activities than passenger screening. The agency also assured no workers would be terminated as a result of the proposed changes. A federal judge halted the implementation of the contract termination in June, preventing immediate action while legal proceedings continue.