TSA screeners can now unionize

Alphonso Rodriguez has worked as an airport screener at  Miami International Airport for the past three years. He likes his job but has always wanted to be part of a labor union.

"My father was union and believe that by joining a union, one can earn more money and receive more respect," said Rodriguez.

He may get his chance to join a labor union. The administration of President Barack Obama has made it possible for the nation's 45,000 airport screeners to unionize and bargain over some issues. These screeners were hired following the September 11 terrorist attacks.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Administrator chief John Pistole announced that TSA personnel can unionize. In the past, TSA administrators opposed granting the right to unionize because they believed such an action would hinder the agency's ability to reassign workers in response to security threats.

Even if the TSA workers unionize, they still will not be able to bargain over issues affecting the security of airports. This would include the deployment of personnel or equipment. Workers would be able to bargain over performance evaluations and the bidding process for workshifts.

In a statement, Pistole said, "The safety of the traveling public is our top priority and we will not negotiate on security. But morale and employee engagement cannot be separated from achieving superior security."

This decision is one of the few victories for public employee unions. Their numbers have fallen by 250,000 in 2010. A TSA union would be one of the largest federal sector unions. Currently only 12 percent of the nation's working people belong to labor unions.