From : AFGE.ORG

https://www.afge.org/article/afge-tsa-sign-new-historic-contract/?link_id=2&can_id=f01f628484d1bbf5ede432fe630f91eb&source=email-house-panel-approves-afge-backed-bill-allowing-va-employees-to-challenge-paycheck-errors&email_referrer=email_2324060&email_subject=afge-tsa-sign-new-historic-contract

AFGE and TSA Sign Landmark Contract

May 20, 2024

Congratulations to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees on securing a historic, seven-year contract that grants unprecedented workplace rights and represents a significant milestone in the fight for Title 5 rights.

This landmark agreement follows years of relentless effort by the members of AFGE TSA Council 100 and Local leaders that lobbied in washington for years. After months of collective bargaining, the contract was finalized on March 5 and ratified by TSA local union leaders nationwide on March 11. AFGE Local 2222 Leaders among others were actively involved in the process to secure the workforce rights.

Key provisions of the new contract include a negotiated grievance and arbitration procedure to streamline case resolution, new protections against unfair discipline, enhanced uniform rights and allowances, improved leave conditions, and the ability to negotiate over local issues.

“This contract has significantly improved the lives of TSOs,” said AFGE President Everett Kelley during the signing ceremony at JFK International Airport in New York. “For years, TSA workers have been underpaid and denied the rights afforded to most federal employees. However, thanks to the dedication and organizing efforts of AFGE Council 100 members, our union has grown tremendously. It is through this growth and member activism that we have achieved these new rights.

“This contract also demonstrates the positive outcomes when management and labor collaborate—the power of ‘we.’”

Kelley expressed gratitude to TSA Administrator David Pekoske for facilitating this agreement and noted that last year’s historic 31% pay raise has already helped reduce high turnover at TSA, thereby enhancing aviation safety.

AFGE TSA Council 100 President Hydrick Thomas emphasized the contract’s impact on the quality of life for TSOs. “In recent years, we have made remarkable progress by raising pay, increasing workers’ rights, and now, with this new contract,” he said.