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TSA workers at protest privatization of security

Published  February 20, 2018 11:24pm EST
News
FOX 35 Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Over one thousand workers with the Transportation Security Administration could lose their jobs if airport screeners are privatized, but some passengers at Orlando International Airport say long lines and wait times are not acceptable.

The Gross Family is heading to Raleigh from Orlando. Just going through security is an adventure.

"Always a pain, we have an infant, milk and things like that. Obviously, things that are not contraband, yet it ends  up being a big deal," explained Nathan Gross. 

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is considering privatizing TSA and applying to Homeland Security for the Screen Partnership Program. That's where airport screeners would be replaced by a private company, but TSA would still oversee everything.  On Tuesday, TSA workers held a rally to protest the move.

"This privatization is wrong. Number one, it's going to hurt over 1,100 jobs," said J. David Cox, President of American Federal Government Employees.

TSA advocates believe hiring a private firm would put security procedures at risk.

"There's a big difference, because these are well trained well qualified folks. When you put it out to the lowest bidder and pay the lowest price the turn over is going to be heavier and the quality of the work that you get."

We asked the Gross Family what they thought. Nathan said "no" to privatization.

"Absolutely not. To me, my perspective is a government-run agency should just be fixed."

His wife, Carey, disagrees

"I think privatization would help, because competition is a good thing and government agencies don't have much competition and I feel like the quality suffers because of it," she added. 

This time, it could be TSA workers who end up suffering in the end, because of passenger experiences.

"It's a struggle and stressful, and it's my least favorite part of flying," Nathan said.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority will get a recommendation from their director at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.  The board will vote after that.