Originally Posted by
chollie
(bolding mine)
Based on comments I've seen on this forum and others from TSOs, I would suggest that perhaps it isn't just pax who might want the ability to report something anonymously without fear of retaliation.
An airport worker who has to pass through the checkpoint every day might hesitate to report something as 'minor' as TSOs clowning or using inappropriate language instead of being focused on the job. I have also read complaints by TSOs that when they reported problems, they were sometimes retaliated against by their own management.
Who cares what the source is if the problem checks out? I understand the argument about needing 'contact' info (apparently, on theft reports, this even includes gender and age) to verify details, etc. At the same time, I understand the very real fear of any complainant or 'informer' or 'whistle blower'.
Anonymous feedback is a double edged sword, but it still should be accepted and used when possible. Some anon complaints are sour grapes, some are valid complaints that need to be addressed - regardless of the veracity of the complaints, there should be a process where
anyone can submit feedback to further the conversation in a myriad of ways. Employees should be able to report violations of protocol, lack of professionalism, and other "bad" stuff they see, as well as things like extreme professionalism, excellence in following protocols and going above and beyond the required. It is an essential part of the process, listening - without it, we may as well bash our heads against a wall because nothing will change in a meaningful way. I have been lucky enough to not be in a position where I have seen something egregious enough to warrant more than a discussion with one of my co-workers, but I am also lucky enough that if I were to see something like that, I would be able to report it properly without fear of retaliation. According to what I have seen in the press and blogosphere, not all TSA employees feel that way, and that is sad and counter-productive for the organization as a whole (even if there is not active retaliation, the perception of it has a chilling effect).