TSA Officers No Longer Allowed to Sit While Working, Agency Defends New Rule

Airport security employees tasked with checking passengers’ boarding passes and IDs will now be required to remain standing while working.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed Tuesday, September 29,  that all chairs are being removed from travel document checker podiums at checkpoint entrances nationwide.

The move was met with criticism from the American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council 100, calling it a “disregard for workers’ rights and safety.”

However, the TSA defended the decision, noting that document checkers are often the first employees travelers interact with at security checkpoints. The agency said requiring them to stand will help create a better experience for passengers.

“This welcome change reinforces both our security posture and our commitment to hospitality by having these officers on their feet and alert,” the agency said in a statement, according to CNN. “All officers must meet fitness for duty requirements to be capable of performing their vital national security function while simultaneously creating a welcoming and professional environment for travelers.”

The removal of chairs has reportedly already begun at most commercial airports, according to the union. One union leader said AFGE and its local chapters did not receive any formal notification about the change.

“These chairs serve as basic ergonomic and safety support for officers that stand and walk on hard surfaces all day,” the statement read, according to CNN. “TSA is treating this matter like it is a privilege – it is not; it is basic safety and common decency for the workforce.”

The decision comes nearly two months after David Cummins was confirmed as the new TSA administrator.