TSA slowdown / sickout
Jan 4, 2019, 5:25 pm
#16
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First of all, I think we all have to consider that the youngest group of TSA clerks were babes-in-arms when the 9-11 terrorist attacks happened. (Yes -- it's almost 20 years already!) So, perhaps the youngest group of TSA clerks do not share their elders' convictions that all of aviation security and the very survival of the country is in their hands. I would assert that this is just another job available for those of Generation Z who do not decide to attend college. So, "sick-outs" and other "protests" are, to them, quite appropriate. In a booming economy with plenty of entry-level jobs out there, the TSA might not be such a desirable choice these days.
Jan 4, 2019, 5:38 pm
#17
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Come on, let's give full credit here!
TSA is also on the front lines of the War on Drugs, the War on Lots of Currency, the War on Human Trafficking, the War on Fake IDs, the War on Powders and the sometime War on Snacks and War on Some PIes.
TSA is also on the front lines of the War on Drugs, the War on Lots of Currency, the War on Human Trafficking, the War on Fake IDs, the War on Powders and the sometime War on Snacks and War on Some PIes.
Last edited by chollie; Jan 4, 2019 at 5:49 pm
Jan 4, 2019, 5:47 pm
#18
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From the CNN article linked above:
Hmmm, I'm not sure I'd assert that.
The mass call outs could inevitably mean air travel is less secure, especially as the shutdown enters its second week with no clear end to the political stalemate in sight.
Jan 4, 2019, 6:37 pm
#19
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If they are forced to reduce the number of 'random' pax selected for blue-glove handling, then we are all at risk. TSA doesn't do those random invasive body inspections for grins - they are a critical part of our security and if the number of pax handled this way is reduced, it sends a clear message to the bad guys - now is your chance - particularly since it was announced in the news that they may reduce the number of randoms.
At this point, the only way to be sure we're safe after a clueless announcement like that is to double down on the number of pax 'randomly' selected for full body attention. If the lines get long and airports are a mess, so be it. TSA is there for our safety, not our convenience.
At this point, the only way to be sure we're safe after a clueless announcement like that is to double down on the number of pax 'randomly' selected for full body attention. If the lines get long and airports are a mess, so be it. TSA is there for our safety, not our convenience.
Jan 4, 2019, 6:42 pm
#20
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If this drags on, you can expect to see a great deal more of this, not just at TSA but at other "essential services" across the government.
People with bills to pay will look to other sources and in a vibrant gig economy, signing up to drive for Uber, taking on banquet waiter work at a hotel and so on can generate the cash to pay the bills.
People with bills to pay will look to other sources and in a vibrant gig economy, signing up to drive for Uber, taking on banquet waiter work at a hotel and so on can generate the cash to pay the bills.
Jan 4, 2019, 6:50 pm
#21
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Here is my question. Do TSA screeners get paid sick time? I thought the were hourly employees? So they get paid per shift with PTO??? Taking sick leave seems counter productive perhaps? Sure they might make some money on the side up front but if they are not paid for sick leave then unless they make more on the side they are coming out with less later.
Of course depending on their situation, a bird in the hand may be worth more than two in the bush.
Of course depending on their situation, a bird in the hand may be worth more than two in the bush.
Jan 4, 2019, 9:04 pm
#22
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If they are forced to reduce the number of 'random' pax selected for blue-glove handling, then we are all at risk. TSA doesn't do those random invasive body inspections for grins - they are a critical part of our security and if the number of pax handled this way is reduced, it sends a clear message to the bad guys - now is your chance - particularly since it was announced in the news that they may reduce the number of randoms.
At this point, the only way to be sure we're safe after a clueless announcement like that is to double down on the number of pax 'randomly' selected for full body attention. If the lines get long and airports are a mess, so be it. TSA is there for our safety, not our convenience.
At this point, the only way to be sure we're safe after a clueless announcement like that is to double down on the number of pax 'randomly' selected for full body attention. If the lines get long and airports are a mess, so be it. TSA is there for our safety, not our convenience.
Jan 4, 2019, 10:46 pm
#24
Join Date: Sep 2016
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Not sure what the call-in situation is like at SFO, but flying out of there Thursday morning, the security lines were getting so backed up that every so often people were pulled out of line and went through standard metal detectors instead of the full body scanners FWIW
Jan 5, 2019, 4:20 am
#25
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So much for a dedicated, professional workforce. In previous non-funded periods government employees have received all pay due for any work they performed during non-funded days. Calling out sick accomplishes nothing other than making the public more aware of how TSA screeners work. .
Jan 5, 2019, 4:39 am
#26
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If they are forced to reduce the number of 'random' pax selected for blue-glove handling, then we are all at risk. TSA doesn't do those random invasive body inspections for grins - they are a critical part of our security and if the number of pax handled this way is reduced, it sends a clear message to the bad guys - now is your chance - particularly since it was announced in the news that they may reduce the number of randoms.
People havent realized that this security theater at the airports is doing virtually nothing to deter terrorist attacks. Its for show only.
Have a look where the terrorists struck at Atatuerk or Domodedovo airport a couple of years ago - yeah, in the public area before the security checkpoint.
Terrorists will find a way either way.
Jan 5, 2019, 8:02 am
#28
Join Date: Aug 2012
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DHS/TSA is very busy at the TSA twitter site denying that any sick-out at all exists. Not many seem to be accepting the government's denial.
https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&...40tsa&src=typd
https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&...40tsa&src=typd
Jan 5, 2019, 8:54 am
#29
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DHS/TSA is very busy at the TSA twitter site denying that any sick-out at all exists. Not many seem to be accepting the government's denial.
https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&...40tsa&src=typd
https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&...40tsa&src=typd
Homeland Security blasts CNN, says TSA 'sick out' report 'grossly misrepresented' situation at airports
A Department of Homeland Security spokesman lashed out at CNN on Friday, labeling as "fake news" the network's report that hundreds of Transportation Security Administration screeners at the nation’s airports have been staging a "sick out" this week amid the partial government shutdown.
Jan 5, 2019, 8:59 am
#30
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With the shift to the gig economy, I wonder whether some of them are working as Uber/Lyft drivers, dog walkers, etc. to make ends meet until they see their paychecks for the TSA "work" being done. It's obviously too late for the seasonal holiday temporary jobs. It can't be that they fear not ever being paid for the TSA "work" they're doing during this period. [In fact, IIRC during previous government shutdowns even the nonessential furloughed employees were paid for all the time they didn't work, although government contractors can lose out big time.]
