Tampa airport adopting security screening privatization

Tampa International Airport has joined a new federal privatization initiative for security screening called TSA Gold+. But it is unclear who will provide that screening, how they will be chosen, or whether Tampa International will have input.

The union supporting TSA employees warns travelers will pay the price.

TSA+ Gold is an initiative by the Department of Homeland Security, which describes it as “a new public-private partnership aimed at modernizing aviation security at select airports across the United States.”

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently responsible for providing all screening services and technology for most airports nationwide. Under TSA Gold+, however,  TSA will focus on aviation security standards, while private firms provide screening services under government contract, including both technology and staffing.

This is essentially the same as the airport security structure that existed nationwide prior to September 11, 2001.

Tampa International joined airports in Charleston and Des Moines in opting into the program. In a prepared statement, airport spokesman Beau Zimmer said “The TSA will continue to have regulatory oversight of TPA’s screening operations, just as it does now, but with a private workforce instead of a federal workforce conducting screening.

“The change to privatization not only reduces disruption risks caused by lapses in federal appropriations or government shutdowns, but also allows greater flexibility in exploring new screening checkpoint infrastructure and technology to enhance the customer experience.”

The union representing TSA employees, the American Federation of Government Employees, strongly rejected that characterization.

“Make no mistake – this is a major departure and step backwards from the aviation screening security system that Congress created in the wake of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks in 2001 and the deadly bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland in 1988,” AFGE’s National President Everett Kelley said, also in a prepared statement.

“Changes of this magnitude should not be made behind closed doors without the input of Congress, the flying public, the local airport authorities, and TSA employees themselves.”

Emily Nipps, Tampa International’s Director of Communications, confirmed to the Catalyst that airport leadership volunteered to participate in TSA Gold+, but would not necessarily get to choose the future security provider. “Under the TPA Gold+ program, airports can and are encouraged to participate in the vendor selection process and development of contract requirements,” she said.

Nipps also said that the Hillsborough County Airports Authority, which administers TPA and includes Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, were told in advance and that no board members raised an objection.

In a statement to the Catalyst, however, Cohen said: “I was informed [emphasis his] by airport management that the airport was opting into the TSA Gold + program and that this was a business decision that would not be subject to a vote by the Aviation Authority. As this news is very recent (occurring since our last board meeting) and since passenger safety and security is of utmost importance, I am learning more about the proposal and attempting to fully understand all of the factors surrounding this decision.”

It was not clear if Tampa International was offered any benefits to joining the program at this early stage.

AFGE Local 556 President Chris Finlay, who represents TSA workers at Tampa International, said he had only been informed briefly that the airport was considering Gold+ four to six weeks ago, but was not told how serious the consideration was until the past week.

He disputed the airport’s characterization that privatization would reduce the risk of disruptions caused by government shutdown.

“The callout rate for Tampa was about 5% – almost the best in the country,” Finlay said. “Screening operations here were almost unaffected.

“This workforce here at Tampa has proven that they will make it happen regardless of funding issues.”

He further warned that under TSA Gold+, taxpayers would contract to purchase screening technology for private companies that they would then own. “If TSA is already doing the mission, why are we now shoehorning in ‘we need to privatize the airports because we need the equipment?’”

“Your safety is being sold to a private company … and I feel it’s unacceptable.

“This is how we end up with another 9/11.”