Johnny Jones, Secretary-Treasurer for American Federation of Government Employees Council 100, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the historic new contract, and how it will help reduce turnover.
AFGE Council 100 represents Transportation Safety Administration Officers across the country. Jones started by discussing some of the difficulties that members have faced in the past. The work was not only stressful, but the wages were low and because of this TSA officers were leaving the industry at a high rate, he said. The turnover has been problematic for TSA for a decade, Jones said, and without any improvements, he said he would never want his children to become a TSA officer.
The new contract that Council 100 ratified will cover the TSA Officers for the next seven years. This is the longest contract that Jones has seen for the workers. Jones discussed the improvements in wages, something that will help attract more workers through the life of the contract.
Jones, who was adamant about not letting his children become a TSA Officer previously, said this new contract has changed his mind. Many locations where TSA Officers work are outside major cities, and in these smaller communities, this job has now become one of the best positions someone can have. Jones believes this is the change he was looking for, and they will be able to improve the officer shortage at the TSA because of it.
Listen to the show above to hear more on the new contract for TSA officers.