WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration announced this week that it will end collective bargaining rights for about 50,000 TSA officers who work at airport checkpoints and transportation hubs across the U.S.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), called the decision "retaliation," saying the union has been challenging the administration's actions against federal workers in court and in public statements.

AFGE has opposed several efforts by the Elon Musk-led DOGE team to reduce the federal workforce. However, the Homeland Security Department said the decision aims to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles. AFGE disputed the department's claims about the number of TSA workers involved in union duties.

President Donald Trump removed TSA Administrator David Pekoske on January 20, despite appointing him in 2017 and his reappointment by former President Joe Biden. Trump has not yet named a replacement.

In May 2024, TSA reached a seven-year labor agreement with AFGE after nearly a year of negotiations. Under the deal, workers received more flexibility in shift trades, a higher uniform allowance, and new leave benefits, including parental bereavement and weather-related absences.

It is unclear if the Homeland Security Department will honor any parts of the existing contract. Representative Bennie Thompson, a leading Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, criticized the move, saying it will hurt worker morale and make staffing more difficult.