August 14, 2006 - The enhanced security procedures enacted last week caused disruptions at airports across the country, but not the widespread chaos predicted by the media. “The new procedures increased workloads and generated many questions and unexpected situations that IAM members handled with their usual professionalism,” said General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “The job IAM members continue to perform under extreme circumstances is commendable. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), however, could have responded better.”
Following the announcement of the latest terror threat and increased security procedures, passengers were herded into massive lines that snaked through airports. Upon reaching the front of the lines, passengers at many airports were met with an unexpected site – closed screening lanes. Expensive security screening machines paid for by the same passengers waiting in line stood idle because the TSA is limited by law to only 45,000 screeners nationwide and does not have the necessary manpower to operate an appropriate number of security lanes at many airports.
Additionally, the TSA recently nixed plans for Gulfstream Airlines, whose Flight Attendants are represented by the IAM, and Delta Airlines to begin service this fall to Marathon Airport in the Florida Keys because they could not provide the required screeners. “The TSA has finite resources for managing security services in airports around the country and it's difficult for us to add new airports,” said TSA spokesman Christopher White.
“The TSA is forced to under staff airport screeners, limit cargo inspections and neglect Amtrak and commuter rail security because of budget constraints,” said GVP Roach. “Transportation security and the industry’s growth are crucial to our nation’s economy and should not be cheated by short-sighted policies that erode our nation’s security.”
