Latest news with #ScreeningPartnershipProgram
The Herald Scotland
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Could TSA be privatized? What it could mean for travelers.
"I think ... the North Star for us at TSA is making sure that we are driving the highest level of security, the best passenger experience in the most efficient way possible," McNeill told lawmakers during the May 20 hearing. "And so if new privatization schemes make sense, then we're happy to have that discussion to see what we can come up with." She added that some airports could choose to privatize while others don't. "It's not an all-or-nothing game," she said. What would it mean if the TSA privatized? The possibility of privatizing TSA has been a divisive idea. The public agency was "created specifically in response to the failures of the private airport screening model to stop" the terrorist attacks on 9/11, said Scott Keyes, founder of Going. "Proponents of privatizing TSA argue that doing so would save money (especially in smaller airports), allow for more accountability of errant workers, and bring the U.S. in line with many other countries that have privatized some or all of their airport screeners," he told USA TODAY in an email. McNeill noted that privatization "has always been a part of the TSA construct since its inception under the Screening Partnership Program," which contracts with private companies for security screening at commercial airports. According to the TSA's website, 21 airports participate in the SPP. While Keyes said there has not yet been a "serious push" to privatize the agency, other types of privatization in aviation aren't totally unheard-of. In many countries, including Canada, air traffic control is fully privatized. Even in the U.S., some smaller air traffic control facilities are contracted out to private operators that partner with the Federal Aviation Administration. There have long been calls to fully privatize the FAA's air traffic control organization, though none of those proposals have been adopted. What are the risks of privatizing TSA? Keyes said opponents of the idea "point to safety and workers' rights." The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents around 47,000 TSA Transportation Security Officers, has said that privatizing screening could compromise security and result in high employee turnover, as was commonly seen prior to 9/11. Keyes also noted that the cost savings would be partly achieved by paying private screeners lower wages than TSA officers make now. TSA did not immediately share a comment on the concerns prior to publishing. Escobar also pushed back on the idea during the hearing, which she noted was mentioned in Project 2025. President Donald Trump distanced himself from the conservative policy blueprint while campaigning, but many of his moves have closely aligned with it since taking office. "I definitely would call (privatization) a 'scheme' as well," she told McNeill. "I hope that privatization is not a part of the administration's efforts." The Department of Homeland Security announced it was ending collective bargaining for TSOs in March, arguing the move would "enhance productivity and resiliency" and make the workforce more agile, among other benefits. AFGE sued the Trump administration following the decision. "This attack on our members is not just an attack on AFGE or transportation security officers. It's an assault on the rights of every American worker," AFGE President Everett Kelley said in a news release at the time. "Tearing up a legally negotiated union contract is unconstitutional, retaliatory, and will make the TSA experience worse for American travelers." McNeill said during the hearing that the committee, Congress and stakeholders have a say as officials "look to modernize TSA." Keyes believes "it's still quite unlikely we'll see the Trump Administration privatize the TSA, given the extreme political risk if another terrorist attack were to occur." "But given what we've seen from DOGE and the White House this year," he continued, "it's fair to say that the chances of privatization have never been higher."
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Could TSA privatize? Acting administrator says 'nothing is off the table'
Could TSA privatize? Acting administrator says 'nothing is off the table' Show Caption Hide Caption What you need to know about airport security rules and checkpoints Here are TSA rules that you need to know and what to expect at each airport checkpoint. TSA's Acting Administrator says 'nothing is off the table' regarding privatization of the agency. Privatization could save money and increase accountability, but also compromise security and workers' rights. The possibility of privatization has been met with resistance, particularly from unions representing TSA officers. When it comes to possible privatization of the Transportation Security Administration, the agency's chief said 'nothing is off the table.' Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, asked TSA's Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill during an oversight hearing before the House Appropriations Committee whether she believed the agency should be privatized. Escobar cited concerns from constituents and TSA employees about the possibility. 'I think … the North Star for us at TSA is making sure that we are driving the highest level of security, the best passenger experience in the most efficient way possible,' McNeill told lawmakers during the May 20 hearing. 'And so if new privatization schemes make sense, then we're happy to have that discussion to see what we can come up with.' She added that some airports could choose to privatize while others don't. 'It's not an all-or-nothing game,' she said. What would it mean if the TSA privatized? The possibility of privatizing TSA has been a divisive idea. The public agency was "created specifically in response to the failures of the private airport screening model to stop" the terrorist attacks on 9/11, said Scott Keyes, founder of Going. "Proponents of privatizing TSA argue that doing so would save money (especially in smaller airports), allow for more accountability of errant workers, and bring the U.S. in line with many other countries that have privatized some or all of their airport screeners," he told USA TODAY in an email. McNeill noted that privatization 'has always been a part of the TSA construct since its inception under the Screening Partnership Program,' which contracts with private companies for security screening at commercial airports. According to the TSA's website, 21 airports participate in the SPP. While Keyes said there has not yet been a "serious push" to privatize the agency, other types of privatization in aviation aren't totally unheard-of. In many countries, including Canada, air traffic control is fully privatized. Even in the U.S., some smaller air traffic control facilities are contracted out to private operators that partner with the Federal Aviation Administration. There have long been calls to fully privatize the FAA's air traffic control organization, though none of those proposals have been adopted. What are the risks of privatizing TSA? Keyes said opponents of the idea "point to safety and workers' rights." The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents around 47,000 TSA Transportation Security Officers, has said that privatizing screening could compromise security and result in high employee turnover, as was commonly seen prior to 9/11. Keyes also noted that the cost savings would be partly achieved by paying private screeners lower wages than TSA officers make now. TSA did not immediately share a comment on the concerns prior to publishing. Escobar also pushed back on the idea during the hearing, which she noted was mentioned in Project 2025. President Donald Trump distanced himself from the conservative policy blueprint while campaigning, but many of his moves have closely aligned with it since taking office. 'I definitely would call (privatization) a 'scheme' as well,' she told McNeill. 'I hope that privatization is not a part of the administration's efforts.' The Department of Homeland Security announced it was ending collective bargaining for TSOs in March, arguing the move would 'enhance productivity and resiliency' and make the workforce more agile, among other benefits. AFGE sued the Trump administration following the decision. 'This attack on our members is not just an attack on AFGE or transportation security officers. It's an assault on the rights of every American worker,' AFGE President Everett Kelley said in a news release at the time. 'Tearing up a legally negotiated union contract is unconstitutional, retaliatory, and will make the TSA experience worse for American travelers.' McNeill said during the hearing that the committee, Congress and stakeholders have a say as officials 'look to modernize TSA.' Keyes believes "it's still quite unlikely we'll see the Trump Administration privatize the TSA, given the extreme political risk if another terrorist attack were to occur." "But given what we've seen from DOGE and the White House this year," he continued, "it's fair to say that the chances of privatization have never been higher."
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TF Green decides to stick with TSA for security
WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — Passengers flying in and out of Rhode Island will continue to be screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the future. The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) announced Friday that it rescinded a petition filed last week to join TSA's Screening Partnership Program. The program lets airports use private security instead of the government agency's services. RIAC said it started conducting inspections back in October, after there were 'unusually long lines' at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport's checkpoint, particularly early in the morning. BACKGROUND: TF Green Airport may drop TSA for private security firm As a result, the airport hired a consultant to study the checkpoint's operations with a focus on finding ways to cut down on wait times. RIAC noted that airport leaders also started meeting with top TSA leadership who were 'consistently supportive' of the issues at the terminal. 'With help from the national leadership team, the checkpoint has experienced significant operational improvements in recent weeks,' RIAC said in a press release. 'The early morning lines that spilled out of the terminal in November are now mostly contained inside the checkpoint – a marked improvement.' During an earlier inspection, there were more than 400 passengers waiting to go through security, forming a line that snaked through the terminal and almost out the door. During a more recent inspection, RIAC acknowledged that the lines were almost 'nonexistent.' RIAC said it would be pulling the application for private security based on the improvements, but added that airport officials will continue to monitor the situation. The decision to rescind the application comes after U.S. Senator Jack Reed voiced his opposition to using private security. He praised the reversal, calling it 'wise.' 'I go through there twice a week at least,' Reed told 12 News on Friday. '[TSA is] efficient, courteous, and they're professional… I'm glad this has been resolved.' Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Airport officials drop petition to privatize TSA screening duties
The Transportation Security Administration checkpoint inside Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in March 2023. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) State airport officials Friday withdrew a petition filed a week ago to join the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Screening Partnership Program, a move that could have shifted passenger screening at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport to a private contractor. The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) said the decision was made after observing 'significantly enhanced performance at the checkpoint' in recent weeks. Airport officials filed the application on April 25 at the recommendation of Virginia-based consultant Studdiford Technical Solutions after RIAC raised concerns about long checkpoint lines during early morning travel last October. Airport officials consider privatizing TSA screening duties at T.F. Green Airport spokesperson Bill Fischer said the TSA has since worked to improve wait times at each of the seven lanes within the federal checkpoint. 'Improved wait times, particularly in recent days, have alleviated concerns raised by the airlines and the passengers back in the fall of 2024,' Fischer said in a statement. 'RIAC was pleased to witness that the early morning lines that spilled out of the terminal in November are now mostly contained inside the checkpoint — a marked improvement.' TSA spokesperson Daniel Velez said the federal agency tries to reduce wait times by adjusting staffing levels during peak hours and high-travel seasons, along with opening additional lanes or redirecting passengers to less congested checkpoints. Velez declined to comment on RIAC's decision to drop its petition. The longest wait time in the last month was at 27 minutes, according to TSA data obtained by Rhode Island Current. The average maximum wait travelers experienced in April was 10 minutes. Fischer said airport officials will continue to track wait times, noting an inspection conducted between 4 and 6 a.m. Friday saw roughly 400 travelers go through the checkpoint without any backups. 'RIAC has been singularly focused on one objective: reasonable wait times at PVD's checkpoint,' he said. RIAC's initial consideration to privatize TSA duties drew quick opposition from union leaders and Rhode Island's congressional delegation. 'Success,' responded the head of the union representing New England's TSA officers after being told RIAC had rescinded its petition. 'Their initial decision to go private was ill-advised,' Mike Gayzagian, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2617 headquartered in Boston, said in an interview. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said RIAC made the right move in leaving screening duties with the TSA. 'Putting people and the traveling public first must be job one at any top-notch airport,' he said in a statement. ' I know the people who work at TSA are committed to being efficient, effective, courteous, and professional and will continue to serve at these high standards.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Airport officials consider privatizing TSA screening duties at T.F. Green
Passengers wait at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at T.F. Green International Airport on Nov. 1, 2024, between 5:01 and 5:35 a.m. (Courtesy photo from the Rhode Island Airport Corporation) State airport officials claim the wait for passengers to get through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is taking too long, and they might have a solution: Replace the federal officers with private security workers. The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) filed a petition on April 25 to join the TSA's Screening Partnership Program, which allows use of private screening contractors for airport security. Airport spokesperson Bill Fischer confirmed the application after the move was first reported by WPRI-12 Tuesday. A copy of the petition was not immediately made available. Fischer said the recommendation came from Virginia-based consultant Studdiford Technical Solutions after RIAC hired the firm last November to analyze increasing passenger numbers and 'unusually long checkpoint lines' officials noticed the month prior. 'We have in fact seen unacceptable and increased lines and wait times that have become a concern for the board and management team,' Fischer said in a statement. 'In anticipation of sustained higher passenger volumes, we feel it is important to evaluate every option.' Fischer said airport officials are only exploring the option and have not made any final decision on the matter. Even if the TSA were to approve the petition, Fischer said the federal agency would retain oversight and continue to set security standards at T.F. Green. The head of the union representing New England's TSA officers called RIAC's justification for pursuing the possibility of privatizing screening 'ridiculous.' 'That's not a reason to privatize,' Mike Gayzagian, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2617 headquartered in Boston, said in an interview. 'Wait times are fluid.' Since the start of 2025, TSA spokesperson Daniel Velez said 100% of all standard lane screenings at T.F. Green remained under the agency's projected peak wait of half an hour. The longest wait time in the last month was at 27 minutes, according to TSA data obtained by Rhode Island Current. The average maximum wait travelers experienced in April was 10 minutes. Travelers who used TSA Precheck had an average maximum wait time of five minutes last month. The average wait time nationally is just over four-and-a-half minutes and a little more than two minutes for those who've pre-checked. TSA tracks the data by handing a yellow card to the last passenger in line at the top, middle and bottom of the hour. Those passengers hold the card until they get up to an airport's X-ray, Velez explained in an email Thursday. An officer will then add all of the time up and average out the wait time for that hour. Federal officers may also use closed-circuit television to track how long passengers wait to be screened. Velez said travels may see long wait times due to rescheduled flights or staffing shortages. T.F. Green has roughly TSA 170 officers, but Velez declined to state how many vacancies there are citing security reasons. 'We work closely with our airport and airline partners to be able to project the busiest times of the day and make sure we are prepared,' Velez said in an emailed statement. Fischer acknowledged TSA has worked out some of the performance issues and that wait times in April have improved quite significantly. 'We will continue to monitor this situation and make recommendations that are in the best interest of our passengers,' he said in an email. So far, half of Rhode Island's congressional delegation has expressed opposition to RIAC's privatization proposal. U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner, whose congressional district includes the Warwick airport, said he has concerns about shifting duties away from the TSA. 'Privatizing security services at T.F. Green is not in the best interest of Rhode Island travelers or local workers who keep the airport safe and running smoothly,' Magaziner said in a statement to Rhode Island Current. 'As a frequent traveler at T.F. Green I see no apparent need to make such a change.' U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said privatizing TSA duties could undermine safety and staffing at T.F. Green. 'We are fortunate to have a great airport, but the idea of privatization strikes me as the wrong approach,' he said in a statement. 'I worked to ensure the airport got technology upgrades to make the security process more efficient and I also provide oversight to ensure TSA is accountable and reimburses the airport as needed.' The TSA has 60 days to review RIAC's petition to privatize screening duties. If approved, Fischer said existing transportation security officers would have the option to apply to be a screener under whatever private security firm airport officials would contract. But Gayzagian said going private can come with a lesser salary and fewer benefits. TSA officers can make between $65,000 and $70,000 a year with a benefits package of health, dental and vision, and life insurance. 'Who do they expect to come to take those jobs?' Gayzagian said. Gayzagian also claimed that privatized officers would have fewer worker protections compared to their federal said that contracted screeners at other airports that have chosen to privatize TSA duties have unionized. Sure, worker organization is possible, Gayzagian said. 'They'd have to start from scratch,' he added. TSA screens passengers at more than 430 federalized, commercial airports nationwide. Twenty-one airports, including Kansas City, Orlando and San Francisco have opted into the TSA Screening Partnership Program. The only New England airport participating is Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire, which joined in 2014. TSA officers continue to run checkpoints at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut and Boston Logan International Airport, where Massport spokesperson Benjamin Crawley said there are no intentions at this time to privatize. 'We have a great relationship with our TSA partners,' Crawley said in an email. RIAC's decision to explore privatization comes after rumors that airport officials sought to privatize its police force rather than hire sworn officers. Airport officials signed a five-year contract last October with Illinois-based Andy Frain Services for $5.5 million to provide workers who would inspect security badges, inspect vehicles entering restricted areas, and manage traffic outside the terminal. Fischer reiterated that RIAC has no plans to replace its police or fire departments with private contractors. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
