October 4, 2005 - “A secure work environment for transportation workers is essential for a safe U.S. transportation industry,” said Robert Roach, Jr., General Vice President of Transportation for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), after a meeting with Kip Hawley, Director of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The meeting was requested by the Machinists Union to discuss media accounts that TSA is considering modifications to passenger screening procedures at airports. Additionally, the IAM detailed its ongoing evaluation of safety sensitive areas at U.S. rail stations and airports. The IAM expressed its concern that secure areas remain free of any object that could be used as a weapon against workers.
“Flight Attendants, Customer Service personnel and all employees working at airports and rail stations must know they are safe at work,” said Roach. “While combating terrorism is critical to safe travel, the issue of passenger rage, both in the air and on the ground, cannot be ignored.”
Although this was the first meeting with new director Hawley, the IAM and TSA have met often since the agency’s creation to address transportation security matters.
The latest meeting also included discussions about security at airport cargo facilities and reports that airline workers who have already passed extensive background checks are being placed on “no-fly” lists.
“Director Hawley and his team were eager to receive IAM members’ ideas on how to best provide a secure work environment for our members and a safe travel experience for the public,” said Roach. “It is clear that transportation worker security is of paramount importance to TSA, and the Machinists Union is proud to continue and expand our relationship with the agency to address our mutual concerns.”
