Airport’s protectors in the TSA deserve better
In the fast-paced world of air travel, where safety issues and security concerns are always present, there is a group of dedicated people who are at the forefront and work tirelessly to keep our skies safe. These unsung heroes are members of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and it’s time to rally around them with unwavering support and gratitude.
I’m president of AFGE Local 556, which represents TSA officers across North and Central Florida, including Orlando International Airport (MCO).
The officers at MCO are a stalwart bunch deserving of recognition. These officers, like those across the nation, came to work during government shutdowns not knowing if Congress would deliver a budget. They were there through the entirety of the
COVID-19 pandemic assisting, travelers when there were orders to stay home. Now, as ever, they maintain their efforts in the face of staffing shortages and underfunding of their agency.
Over 50 million people traveled through Orlando International Airport in 2022, and our members ensured that all of them were able to make their trips safely. We live in one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States, and tourism is an integral part of our city’s economy. TSOs play a key part in keeping these millions of visitors safe and Orlando’s status as an attractive place to visit.
Every day, TSOs screen millions of passengers, inspect countless bags, and use advanced technology to detect and prevent potential threats. Their commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards cannot be overstated as they work diligently to adapt to changing risks and keep our airports safe for all.
The challenges that the TSA workforce faces are unique and complex. Long hours, shift work, and ever-changing protocols are just some of the hurdles they overcome to keep our skies safe. Despite these challenges, our TSA personnel continue to perform professionally and with dedication, often without the recognition they deserve.
Congressman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi has once again put forward legislation that would support officers, hold the agency accountable, and perhaps best of all, make the TSA nonreliant on appropriations packages. The bill H.R. 3394, the Fund the TSA Act, would move the agency away from the legislation that created it, the ATSA, and place it under the laws that guide virtually all other agencies. The bill also addresses the deferment of parts of the security fee back to the agency, reducing its dependency on tax dollars.
Support for the TSA is an impartial affair that transcends political boundaries. That’s why we’re calling on our U.S. Representatives in the greater Orlando area and across the Sunshine State to cosponsor the Fund the TSA Act.
As we talk about the future of air travel in the state and transport safety, let’s remember that at the heart of everything is the human factor — the TSA officers who greet us with the confidence to complete the mission and with special attention to our safety. These guardians of our skies deserve acknowledgment. The Fund the TSA Act is the best way to show our nation’s appreciation for these unsung heroes and will help them continue their vital work. Collectively, we can ensure that their commitment is recognized and celebrated, inspiring them to carry on with pride and enthusiasm.