Unions File Lawsuit Against HHS and TSA Over Termination of Collective Bargaining for TSA Agents
On February 27, Kristi Noem signed a memorandum declaring the agreement as non-binding and rescinded, according to the lawsuit.
On March 13, several unions filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (HHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), claiming they violated federal laws and constitutional rights by terminating collective bargaining for TSA agents.
The lawsuit emphasizes that the agreement “clearly states that the agreement ‘may only be changed upon mutual written consent of the Parties,'” according to the complaint.
The agency stated that the agreement was “being exploited by a few underperformers, placing a heavier burden on [security officers] at the cost of American travelers and taxpayers.”
Additionally, DHS noted that nearly 200 TSA officers are employed full-time on union matters, even though they are government-paid positions.
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Noem’s memo from February 27 indicated that the agreement was both non-binding and rescinded, but DHS has yet to disclose this memo publicly.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and other unions claimed in the lawsuit that this withdrawal was partly motivated by the unions’ criticism and opposition to actions taken during the Trump administration.
“By publicly highlighting the annual loss in membership dues that AFGE will face if the actions of DHS and TSA are permitted to continue, the Defendants send a stark warning to anyone who dares to oppose Trump administration policies: there will be consequences for speaking out,” the lawsuit asserts.
Other unions involved in the lawsuit include the Communications Workers of America and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.
“No employer should have the authority to unilaterally terminate a union contract,” added Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communications Workers of America.
A spokesperson for the TSA declined to comment on the lawsuit.
“Rather than pursuing legal actions, we encourage AFGE to join all Americans and TSA staff in celebrating enhanced safety and national security as a result of this measure,” commented a DHS spokesperson to The Epoch Times via email.
