The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has directed its officers to remain on their feet while verifying passengers' identification at security checkpoints, citing the need to reinforce security and create a more welcoming experience.
According to a statement from the agency, the new rule is intended to improve both security and hospitality by having officers on their feet and alert. The TSA also noted that all officers must meet fitness for duty requirements to be capable of performing their national security function.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100, which represents TSA officers, has criticized the new policy, saying it was not consulted before the change was implemented at most TSA-staffed airports across the U.S. The union has argued that the chairs provide basic ergonomic and safety support for officers who spend long hours standing and walking on hard floors, and plans to challenge the change.
Some experts have weighed in on the issue, with Daniel Bubb, a commercial aviation professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, noting that hard floors can cause foot and back issues for officers who stand for long periods. Bubb suggested that providing anti-fatigue mats for officers on their feet could help reduce strain.
The policy applies only to officers assigned to check passengers' IDs before security screening, and officers who operate X-ray scanners for carry-ons may continue to do so while seated.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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