# Plain Language Summary: Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021

This bill gives Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers the same labor rights and protections that most other federal employees have. Right now, TSA employees have fewer rights than other government workers when it comes to things like filing complaints, appealing decisions, and organizing collectively. This bill would change that by extending standard federal employee protections to the TSA workforce, allowing them to use the same grievance procedures and appeal processes that employees at other federal agencies can use.

The practical effect is that TSA workers would gain more ability to challenge unfair treatment at work. If a TSA officer believes they've been treated unfairly—whether it's about pay, scheduling, working conditions, or discipline—they could file a formal complaint and appeal through established federal channels rather than being limited to TSA's internal processes. This is similar to what employees at the FBI, Department of Defense, and other federal agencies already have access to.

The bill also addresses collective bargaining rights, meaning TSA employees would have clearer protections if they want to organize or join unions to negotiate as a group about workplace issues. Currently, TSA workers operate under different rules than most federal employees on this front, which can make it harder for them to advocate collectively for better conditions. Supporters of the bill argue this would improve morale and retention among TSA staff, while critics worry about potential impacts on agency operations and costs. Essentially, this bill is about bringing TSA workers into the same labor rights framework that covers the rest of the federal workforce.

Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021

Schatz, Brian

Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act of 2021 or the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021 This bill modifies the workplace rights, protections, and benefits applicable to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel. Specifically, the bill <ul> <li>within 180 days, eliminates personnel authorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Transportation governing the conditions of employment for TSA employees, thus making TSA employees subject to the personnel management system applicable to other federal employees;</li> <li>sets forth transition rules that protect the pay rates, leave rights, and other rights of TSA and Federal Air Marshal Service employees; and</li> <li>requires DHS to consult with the labor organization certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority to carry out the conversion of such positions.</li> </ul> The bill also <ul> <li>directs the TSA to implement in-person or remote mental health programs at each field office of the Federal Air Marshal Service and consult with labor associations to address concerns regarding federal air marshals, including mental health and suicide rates;</li> <li>requires DHS to prioritize the hiring of veterans, including disabled veterans; and</li> <li>directs the TSA to ensure its employees are provided proper guidance regarding prevention and protections against the coronavirus.</li> </ul>