The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) called on March 22 for the immediate payment of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers amid ongoing security delays at U.S. airports. The union joined with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Association of Professional Flight Attendants, and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 135 in issuing a joint statement urging action from federal authorities.
The unions say that ensuring TSA workers are paid is critical to maintaining effective airport security and preventing further disruptions for travelers. According to their statement, “Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers must be paid now.”
The statement criticized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for not using available discretionary funds to pay TSA officers during the partial government shutdown, while continuing payments to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Patrol agents, and active duty members of the U.S. Coast Guard. “Instead of paying TSOs, they have chosen to create havoc in our airports,” the unions said.
Union leaders also raised concerns about proposals to deploy ICE agents at airports as a substitute for trained TSA staff. They stated that TSOs undergo extensive training focused on passenger screening and risk management within airport environments—skills they argue ICE agents do not possess or cannot acquire quickly. The introduction of ICE personnel could also result in conflicting priorities by shifting focus toward immigration enforcement rather than transportation security.
“There’s one solution that immediately solves the problem at our airports. Pay the people who are already trained to protect us from terror attacks today, especially as the war with Iran increases the desire to strike against Americans,” read part of their joint statement.
The unions concluded by reiterating their demand: “Pay TSA Workers now.”
