Screeners seek a say: As TSA workers in Atlanta join unions, debate reignites

http://www.ajc.com/business/content/printedition/2008/01/02/tsa0102.html

By Jim Tharpe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/02/08

Some of the federal workers who screen your luggage and tell you to take off your shoes at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport's security gates now want the right to engage in collective bargaining.

Two Washington-based unions, the National Treasury Employees Union and the American Federation of Government Employees, have recently established chapters in Atlanta to represent employees of the Transportation Security Administration.

Currently, TSA screeners can belong to a union and have their dues deducted from their pay but cannot participate in collective bargaining, agency spokesman Jon Allen said.

Some Georgia lawmakers want to keep it that way.

"I have never supported TSA workers having the right to strike because their service is essential to the safety and security of our citizens," said U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.).

"I cannot support public safety employees having the right to strike," Isakson said. "And in addition to the security concerns is the concern that a TSA strike would shut down aviation in this country."

FULL story at link.