Trump Administration Ends TSA’s Collective Bargaining For Around 50k Workers

On Friday, the Trump Administration announced it would end the TSA's collective bargaining power, which will affect around 50,000 staff checkpoint officers.

Everett Kelley, the American Federation of Government Employees president, said, “Today, Secretary Noem and the Trump administration have violated these patriotic Americans’ right to join a union in an unprovoked attack.”

The TSA has had a turbulent start to the new year. On January 20th, the day Trump took office, he forced out TSA administrator David Pekoske. The administration has still not provided a replacement for Pekoske.

Why are unions vital?

A union is a body that represents workers. They democratically elect a leader and the leader and along with their team, fight for the rights of workers.  

Photo by Jim Watson / AFP - Getty Images file

History was made in 2023 when then-President Joe Biden joined the UAW (United Auto Workers) picket line. This was the first time a sitting President had done such a thing. Using this strike as an example, the UAW called for a strike against automakers in Detroit: General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat). This strike was regarding a lack of contract between the automakers and the union. According to the Federal Reserve website, “Since October 2023, however, wage growth in the motor vehicle sector has shown a significant acceleration compared to the manufacturing and private sectors; the timing of this acceleration suggests that the strike may have been a contributing factor.” (Rua / Tito 2024)

Unions are why workers have a say on what is fair or not. Bargaining their contracts collectively allows those workers to have more say and representation.

Feaured Photo via AFGElocal17.org

Rua, G., & Tito, M. D. (2024, April 16). Tapping the brakes: The effect of the 2023 United Auto Workers Strike on economic activity. The Fed - Tapping the Brakes: The Effect of the 2023 United Auto Workers Strike on Economic Activity. https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/tapping-the-brakes-the-effect-of-the-2023-united-auto-workers-strike-on-economic-activity-20240416.html