TSA removes chairs for airport security officers checking travel documents

The TSA said on Tuesday that chairs are being removed from the document-checking podiums at security checkpoints across the United States.

The change affects officers who are typically the first TSA employees passengers encounter when entering the security screening area.

The American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council 100, which represents the affected workers, criticised the decision. The union described the move as a disregard for employees’ rights and workplace safety.

The union has raised concerns about the impact of requiring officers to remain standing for extended periods while performing their duties.

The TSA, however, defended the policy and said the document checkers have an important role in both security and passenger service.

The agency said requiring the officers to remain on their feet would help them stay alert and improve the experience for travellers as they enter security checkpoints.

According to the TSA, the change is intended to reinforce security while also creating a more welcoming interaction between officers and passengers.

The dispute therefore centres on different views of workplace conditions and passenger service.

The union argues that removing chairs could negatively affect workers who spend long periods checking identification and boarding documents, while the TSA says standing will help officers remain attentive and engaged with travellers.

The policy applies to document-checking positions at TSA security checkpoints nationwide.

For passengers, the change is unlikely to alter the requirement to present valid identification and boarding documents before proceeding through airport security.

The TSA continues to operate the checkpoint document-verification process as part of its wider aviation-security responsibilities.

The debate over the removal of chairs is now focused on whether the change improves security and passenger interaction while maintaining appropriate working conditions for the officers carrying out the checks.