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.

FMI: www.afge.org, www.tsa.gov