AFGE warns DHS rescission of TSA collective bargaining agreement threatens workforce stability ahead of major events
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Summary
The national president of the American Federation of Government Employees told the House Homeland Security subcommittee rescinding TSA's 2024 collective bargaining agreement undermines Transportation Security Officers' morale and could increase attrition as the U.S. prepares for the 2026 World Cup and other large events.
Everett Kelly, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), told the House Homeland Security Subcommittee that the unilateral rescission of TSA’s 2024 collective bargaining agreement by the Department of Homeland Security has created “an unprecedented crisis” for transportation security officers.
Kelly told the committee that the 2024 agreement had helped stabilize the TSA workforce, reduced attrition and provided predictable working conditions. “This action has left over 47,000 TSO vulnerable to arbitrary management decision, undermining morale and creating instability,” Kelly said. He said the timing of the rescission is particularly problematic because major international events in 2026 and 2028 will increase passenger volumes and require a fully staffed, motivated workforce.
AFGE asked Congress to take three immediate steps: enact legislation to codify collective bargaining rights for TSOs (AFGE referenced H.R. 2086, the TSA Workforce Act, during testimony), require reinstatement of the rescinded 2024 collective bargaining agreement, and use congressional oversight to investigate the legal basis and factual justification for the rescission. Kelly asked the committee to compel DHS officials to produce evidence supporting the rescission and to explain how the action aligns with national security priorities.
Members from both parties raised workforce and security concerns in questioning. Ranking Member MacIver and others said that the 2023 pay and bargaining measures had significantly reduced TSA attrition; witnesses and members warned that reversals could increase turnover and worsen checkpoint wait times. Kelly said the AFGE supported court challenges and legislative fixes, and urged Congress to prioritize the bills he identified.
The subcommittee did not adopt formal actions during the hearing; members requested written follow-ups and left the record open for additional submissions.