It Didn't Take Long....

for the two unions who are competing to represent the TSA workforce to come to the rescue.

Nothing motivates a union more than the possible loss of dues paying members, or in this case, potential dues paying members. And, just how are they attempting to come to the rescue? Why, by reaching out to key members of the Democratic Party and crying foul!

The TSA has stated that this reduced budget, if it passes, will cause a reduction in numbers somewhere around 5,000. Now, one union is putting out a more dramatic number of 8,000. Let's sit back and watch these unions use scare tactics to make sure that this budget reduction doesn't pass.

The full story can be read at: http://thehill.com/blogs/transportation-report/tsa/165639-unions-vying-to-represent-tsa-push-senators-to-oppose-amendments-passed-by-house

A Line in the Sand!

There is a petition being circulated highlighting, and bringing to a boil , the unhappiness of the rank and file with a certain manager. This unhealthy relationship has existed far too long and a breaking point has been reached. All of this could have been avoided, and should have been avoided, by just showing some compassion and understanding. No one was ever, to the best of our knowledge, asking for something that was contrary to operational needs. Of course, there are other issues that have not been mentioned, but this issue is the biggest.

What needs to be remembered, it seems, on a daily basis , is that we all have families and scheduling conflicts. Why not work with us as we attempt to balance our work schedules with our family and personal lives? Let's take the high road!

Lot "D" Anyone?

The success of the Long Term Parking Lot has caused an overflow condition which results in vouchers being given for use at the Short Term Lots at the airport. One of the options that is being discussed is moving us out of Westfield and into Lot"D." There is plenty of space available at Lot "D" and this would allow the airport to have maximum revenue from two premium locations. If we get any updates we will pass them along.

(We heard this several weeks ago from two of the bus drivers.)

This time the "Empire" will not strike back!.

There is a battle over who will be the overseer of the TSA and their ever increasing numbers. Currently, responsibility for TSA is under the control of Pete King (R-N.Y.), chairman of the Homeland Security Committee. If Rep. John Mica gets oversight of TSA, as he is attempting to do, there will be drastic changes. The TSA workforce levels will change and so will the number of managers versus screeners. There will also be a greater push to allow more airports to "opt" out and to use private contractors.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Rep. John Mica has reduced TSA's budget by 10 percent which amounts to 270 million dollars. It now must be approved by the Democratic Party controlled Senate before it reaches the desk of President Obama for a signature. Will SEIU open its purse strings once again?

According to the TSA, the plans of Mr. Mica would result in a reduction of 5,000 needed screeners. Maybe the TSA should reduced the number of the 3,700 personnel in Washington, D.C. who make, on average, 100,000 dollars per year. Let's have fewer chiefs and more Indians! How does the TSA justify the current ratio between managers and screeners?

Whether or not the TSA can successfully protect its turf, for the moment, depends on the outcome in the Senate. Is there a dark helmet in the house?

One Year Anniversary

A year ago today, we launched this blog. Over that time the blog has had a couple of design changes as we tried to figure out what worked best. And our focus on certain issues has changed. Overall, the most important objective of this blog has not changed. That has been to keep all of you informed as best we can about what is happening at the airport, Covenant Aviation Security, and TSA.

The public and private support we have received in that year's time is what has encouraged us to keep going. Hopefully that support will continue. As long as it does, this blog will remain. The most important thing is that all of you remain informed. We have seen that those in the know will not keep you informed.

It's imperative that we all keep our eyes and ears at attention and keep the information flowing. One of Covenant Aviation Security's ongoing tactics is attempting to keep the work force in the dark as much as possible. The only way to counteract that is by getting the necessary information and releasing it to the open.

While some of our commentary can be a bit biting, remember it is our attempt to get all of you outraged with how CAS treats and disrespects us. If we all sit idly by, CAS will continue doing what they have been doing.

So happy anniversary to us, to you, and to everyone that supports us!