Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

Washington, D.C. (June 3, 2021) —Today, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas instructed TSA Administrator David Pekoske to issue new guidance expanding union rights for TSA employees and bringing their pay in line with other federal employees. AFA International President Sara Nelson issued the following statement following the announcement:

“This is a tremendous victory for workers, passengers and aviation. For years, TSA agents and their union have demanded equal rights, fair pay and the voice on the job they deserve. By hearing their demands and ending the unequal treatment of these workers, President Biden continues to show his commitment to being the most pro-worker president in history. 

“Twenty years ago, the decision to federalize airport screening improved security immediately. Flight Attendants depend on Transportation Security Officers to keep our workplaces safe and secure. We understand the critical role they play.

“Our profession has one of the highest rates of union participation in the country, and we understand how important it is to have a strong voice at work. We have improved conditions and workplace safety through our union and collective voice on the job, and we know how critical that voice is especially for workers who perform essential safety functions. 

“Our union congratulates TSA workers and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) for securing this victory, and we thank President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas and Administrator Pekoske for listening to these workers and taking long-delayed action. This will help recruit more TSA officers to good union jobs, which is good for our security, the traveling public, and the communities where these TSA officers live and work. And we encourage Congress to further protect and expand these rights by passing H.R. 903, the Rights for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Workforce Act of 2021.”

Last month, AFA sent a letter to the House Homeland Security Committee supporting expansion of union rights for TSA Officers.

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The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, (AFA) AFL-CIO represents nearly 50,000 Flight Attendants at 17 airlines. AFA is the union that has advanced the Flight Attendant profession for 75 years, beating back discrimination and improving wages, benefits, working conditions, and aviation safety, health and security in the aircraft cabin. AFA also partners with the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.