Union President Asks TSA To Step Up
With much of the Houston metroplex
virtually unlivable, six days after Hurricane Ike whipped through
the area, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
voiced concern Friday about Transportation Security Officers at the
city's two major airports (George Bush Intercontinental and William
P. Hobby) who were reportedly told to go to work or face
disciplinary actions.
AFGE National President John Gage on September 16, called TSA
Administrator Kip Hawley to express his concerns, and request that
the agency follow OPM guidance in this matter. "Hawley gave me
assurances that TSOs would be allowed time to deal with this
difficult time in their personal lives," Gage said. "It is
important that the Union and management work together in this time
of crisis. The safety of those impacted by Hurricane Ike takes
precedence over any issues we may have with the TSA."
According to the union, Houston TSOs were forced to evacuate and
because of area conditions have not been able to return home... and
those in the area are living without power, running water or phone
service. Roads are blocked, banks are closed, ATM machines are not
working. Gas lines are miles long, and schools and childcare
facilities are closed. TSOs are struggling to shelter and feed
their families, and should not have to put their jobs at risk when
there are other viable options for staffing the airports.
"We are committed to our jobs, but in the wake of a national
disaster we are still trying to put our lives back together. There
is no power, no gas, and no way for us to piece our lives back
together yet", said Willie Phlegm, President of the AFGE/TSA Local
impacted by Ike. "Knowing that President Gage was able to get
directly to the TSA Administrator to discuss the hardships we are
facing helps us know that the union can make a difference."
To assist with staffing needs at these airports, TSA has
deployed its Mobile Screening Force which temporary relocates TSOs
from other cities -- to work at the Houston airport.
"TSA seems willing to follow the OPM guidance which provides
that in the event of an emergency the agency can designate
emergency employees who are critical to agency operations in
dismissal or closure situations, rather than deploy the entire
workforce," Gage said. "TSA can place employees impacted by the
hurricane on administrative leave to see to their needs and those
of their families."
"The nation is grateful to the deployed TSOs who have
volunteered for humanitarian duties during this time of
distress."
In addition to reaching out directly to TSA Administrator Kip
Hawley, Gage has dispatched a team of union staffers, including an
attorney with expertise in TSA issues, to assist the impacted
workers. To this end, AFGE has begun to distribute gas cards,
fruit, bottled water, blankets, and other basic necessities and is
in the process of setting up a Houston location where TSOs can come
get help.