TSA Removes Chairs for Officers Checking Airport IDs

The Transportation Security Administration is removing chairs from airport checkpoints and barring officers from sitting while they check passengers’ identification, the agency and the union representing its officers said Tuesday. The TSA said the change is intended to keep officers alert, while the union objected that removing seats could undermine workplace safety and ergonomic support. The agency said having officers stand reinforces security and helps maintain a professional environment for travelers. It also said officers must meet fitness-for-duty requirements to carry out their security work. The TSA did not provide details about how quickly the change will be implemented or how broadly chairs have already been removed. The American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council 100 said chairs support officers who stand and walk on hard surfaces throughout their shifts. The union criticized the decision and said it would fight the change. One account of the union’s statement said it had not been consulted before the policy was announced.