A union representing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers has said that a decision by the US administration to remove chairs at airport checkpoints is an attempt to “take out” its workforce.
On September 29, 2026, TSA confirmed that staff nationwide would be required to stand when on duty at the Travel Document Checker (TDC) stand.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100 told its members that the union was “moving aggressively to address this matter”.
TSA said the ban was a “welcome change” that reinforces the agency’s “security posture and our commitment to hospitality by having these officers on their feet and alert”.
“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,” a TSA spokesperson said.
AFGE TSA Council 100 argues that the chairs “serve as basic ergonomics and safety support for officers that stand and walk on hard surfaces all day”.
“TSA is treating this matter like it is a privilege it is not; it is basic safety and common decency for the workforce,” a union spokesperson said.
According to AFGE TSA Council 100, TSA did not involve the union in discussions before announcing the change. before announcing the change.
“This disregard for employee rights and safety is an example of a broad pattern of TSA’s true consideration of the employees that keep our nation safe,” the union added. the union added.
In April 2026, the Trump administration proposed removing more than 9,400 TSA positions and cutting just over $1.5 billion from the agency’s annual budget.
“This is an opportune time to meet with members and non-members alike to tell and show them the importance of joining this union to form our collective resistance against this regime that is literally attempting to take out our workforce through whichever means possible,” AFGE TSA Council 100 said.