The union representing Transportation Security Administration workers across the country is pushing back against efforts to expand privatized security screening at U.S. airports.
Roughly 20 U.S. airports already use privatized screening as part of TSA's existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP).
Three more airports are expected to do so as part of a new public-private partnership, TSA Gold+, which the agency has called an evolution of SPP.
"TSA Gold+ will allow airports to voluntarily opt in to a tailored security screening service unique to each airport’s needs and space configuration," the program's website explains, adding that airports will be able to work with private vendors and TSA to deploy the latest technology and other security solutions
without being held up by the federal budget cycle.
The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents over 47,000 Transportation Security Officers at 400 airports across the country, however, sees the move as a threat to public safety and its members' job security.
“Make no mistake – this is a major departure and step backwards from the aviation screening security system that Congress created in the wake of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks in 2001 and the deadly bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland in 1988," AFGE National President Everett Kelley said in a news release. "Changes of this magnitude should not be made behind closed doors without the input of Congress, the flying public, the local airport authorities and TSA employees themselves."
USA TODAY has reached out to TSA.
Which airports will have TSA Gold+?
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is pursuing a move to TSA Gold+, which it notes will still have federal oversight. "The Gold+ Program allows airports to partner with a private screening contractor operating under TSA's Screening Partnership Program while maintaining TSA's rigorous federal security standards," the South Carolina airport said in a news release. "TSA will continue to establish all security requirements, oversee screening operations, conduct conduct inspections and ensure full compliance with federal aviation security regulations."
CHS said the program will also offer TSA workers more stability and pledged to offer the airport's current TSA officers the chance to transition to the screening contractor at equivalent pay and benefits.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) also cited stability in its choice to go with TSA Gold+.
"TPA’s decision to join TSA Gold+ reflects the Airport’s strong commitment to modernization, innovation, and operational resilience in aviation security," the Florida airport's communications manager Beau Zimmer told USA TODAY by email. "The change to privatization not only reduces disruption risks caused by lapses in federal appropriations or government shutdowns but also allows greater flexibility in exploring new screening checkpoint infrastructure and technology to enhance the customer experience."
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) says it's exploring the program as it prepares to open a new terminal in 2027.
"TSA Gold+ aligns well with our primary goal, which is to make travel EASY," Des Moines Airport Authority CEO Brian Mulcahy said in a news release that stressed safety and security as the Iowa airport's first priority. "Travelers would continue to experience the same professional, secure screening process they're accustomed to, but with newer technology that can help move people through the checkpoint more efficiently."
Which airports already have privatized screening?
TSA lists the following airports as part of its current Screening Partnership Program:
- Atlantic City International Airport
- Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport
- Dawson Community Airport
- Great Falls International Airport
- Glacier Park International Airport
- Greater Rochester International Airport
- Havre City-County Airport
- Kansas City International Airport
- L. M. Clayton Airport
- Orlando Sanford International Airport
- Portsmouth International Airport
- Punta Gorda Airport
- Roswell International Air Center
- San Francisco International Airport
- Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
- Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport
- Sioux Falls Regional Airport
- Tupelo Regional Airport
- Wokal Field/Glasgow International Airport
- Yellowstone Airport
Contributing: Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TSA workers' union pushes back on efforts to privatize airport screening
