TSA screeners have low morale (no shocker here)

A recent report from the Inspector Generals Office of the Department of Homeland Security suggests TSA airport screeners in this country have low morale which could jeopardize aviation safety. The controversial report is not the first to point out a few of the personnel problems with the force of 48,000 TSA screeners which face the highest turnover and injury rates in the federal government. DHS IG Richard Skinner (yeah, think about that name for a minute) points out that "Given their frustration, employees may be distracted and less focused on their security and screening responsibilities." The whole thing was quickly shot down by TSA administrator Kip Hawley who feels the results were flawed because the investigation focused on disgruntled employees. The report claims screeners have complained about discrimination, selective hiring, nepotism and "management misconduct" to include retaliation by superiors. A union rep for screeners at Boston Logan admitted that "With low morale, you can definitely lose your focus." Gale Rossides, deputy administrator at TSA, told USA Today through the rose colored glasses that morale is "very good" and that screeners "are very much turned on" and focused on security. It was only two years ago that Hawley commented screening was a "dead-end job", but he is now looking to rejuvenate the force with several new incentives including newer, more authoritative uniforms and badges.


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