Show Solidarity with Union TSA Officers, Congressional Town Hall, Knock/Call for Endorsed Candidates

Here's what you need to know this week:
 

Save TSA Officers at Tampa Int'l Airport from Privatization

As we reported last week, Tampa International Airport announced its acceptance into the TSA Gold+ program. While that might sound like the new TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, it is simply a ploy to privatize hundreds of federal union jobs.

Below is a message from Chris Finlay, President of AFGE Local 556 which represents TSA officers at the Tampa and Orlando airports:

On September 11th, 2001 the United States of America was attacked by terrorists who hijacked several aircrafts and flew them into key targets, to include the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. This terrorist attack killed 2,977 people. TSA was created in response to this horrific event so that this never happens again, and “We Will Never Forget” was said nationwide.

TSA announced on Monday July 20th that Tampa International Airport (TPA) had submitted an application to participate in the TSA GOLD+ privatization, which would replace all federal TSA officers with private contract workers. As a federal agency, TSA’s first objective is the mission, to ensure the safety of the traveling public and to protect the nation’s transportation system to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. A private contractor is beholden to the shareholders and their bottom line to remain profitable. TSA expects a 12% attrition rate with the contractor, as opposed to the 7.8% achieved by the agency after implementing a fairer pay structure in 2024.

The safety of the travelling public is being sold to for profit companies. Over 700 TSA employees are now facing the elimination of their federal careers. These are dedicated men and women who went through two government shutdowns this year, totaling 116 days. Despite this they still reported for duty while dealing with the struggles of providing for their families. Flights at Tampa were largely unaffected. Callouts stayed well within the bounds of reason, and the mission never stopped. All of this because they made an oath to the American people, the Constitution, and the traveling public. Now is not the time to remove them from Federal service in favor of an untested Gold+ program.

We are asking everyone to contact the leaders that either made this decision or have influence on decisions made at TPA. The need to reverse this action now before it is too late. The safety of the traveling public is not for sale to private contractors who want to monetize screening at the airports. The TSA officers deserve better, the traveling public deserve better, and the memory of 2,977 people who were killed by terrorists on September 11th deserve better.

President Finlay has called upon on the solidarity of the labor movement and community allies to call airport executives and Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) board members. Their contact info is at the bottom of this message.

Additionally union members and community supporters are encouraged to pack the room at the next HCAA meeting on Thursday, August 6 at 9am. The meeting will be held at HCAA's boardroom at SkyCenter One (level 4). Members of the general public attending the SkyCenter Boardroom meetings should park in the Economy Garage, and then take the SkyConnect train to the Rental Car Center.

Postal Workers Rally in Carrollwood to Protect Our Public Post Office

Dozens of American Postal Workers Union (APWU) members and union and community allies mobilized to the Carrollwood Post Office Tuesday. Their efforts are a part of a nationwide push by APWU to call on the public to protect our public post office: Protect USPS from privatization, safeguard voting by mail as a democratic right, and advocate for living wages, safe workplaces, and strong benefits for postal workers.

APWU Celebrates Medicare and Social Security Anniversaries with Rep. Kathy Castor

Union members and retirees gathered at the Fair Oaks Park Community Center on Tuesday to celebrate 61 years of Medicare and 91 years of Social Security. These two programs are the gold standard for a public safety net which has allowed Americans to retire with dignity for generations.

However, Social Security and Medicare are constantly under attack. Our endorsed candidate for Congress Kathy Castor has long been our local champion defending these programs, so APWU and FLARA were proud to have her and celebrate not only the anniversaries but Rep. Castor's commitment to defending these vital government services.

Here's What's Coming Up:
 

8/3: Phonebank with Pinellas Teachers for School Board Candidates

Mail ballots are out and early voting is coming for our August 18 primary, and union members are doing everything they can to get out the vote for our endorsed candidates fighting for working families. We have a number of endorsed candidates whose races will be determined in the primaries, in particular our school board races.

Join PCTA-PESPA members Monday for a phone bank to voters informing them of PCTA-PESPA's endorsed candidates for office. Dinner provided!

Monday, August 3 at 5pm

650 Seminole Blvd. Largo, FL

8/4: CLC Meeting on Zoom

Tomorrow, the formal invite to delegates and union members will go out for our monthly CLC meeting taking place on Zoom Tuesday, August 4 at 7pm. We will hear from endorsed candidate for Hillsborough School Board Daniela Simic. We will accept nominations for the vacant Hillsborough and At-Large Trustee positions. After adjournment, we will field questions from BSA Scouts Troop 528 Boys and Girls who will observe our meeting as they earn their American Labor Merit badge.

If you don't receive the formal invite on Friday, reply here, and we'll send you the RSVP.

8/13: AFGE Congressional Townhall

8/15: Tampa Palms "Bring it On" Canvass - Knock for Brian Nathan, Luis Viera, and Neil Manimala

Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 15! You can knock for three endorsed candidates at once. See the flyer below for information.

9/7: WCFLC Labor Day Picnics

Tampa

Union's may pre-purchase meal tickets for $15 members; contact Field Rep Alec Wilcosky by replying to this email for more info. Tickets will be available for purchase on site for $20 via credit, debit, or cash.

Lupton's will once again be catering the event: BBQ pork and chicken plus baked beans, coleslaw, mac 'n' cheese, and garlic bread. Drinks include lemonade, tea, and beer.

We will have face painting, inflatables, and a water slide for kids (bring towels!)

Finally, ahead of November's Midterm election, we will hear from our endorsed candidates for office. View a full endorsement list here

Sarasota

WCFLC's Coalition of Manasota Unions is organizing a celebration at Fogartyville. Expect comradery with fellow union members, a performance from union musicians, lunch, and hear updates from union members on their unions' wins.

That's all for this week! Check out our website at wcflc.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.
 

Tampa Airport Executives

Chief Executive Officer Michael Stephens (813) 870-8701 / MStephens@TampaAirport.com

Chief Operating Officer John Tiliacos (813) 870-8711 / JTiliacos@TampaAirport.com

Chief Financial Officer Damian Brooke (813) 870-8748 / DBrooke@TampaAirport.com

Chief Development Officer Smitha Radhakrishnan (813) 205-5915 / SRadhakrishnan@tampaairport.com

Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel Cynji Lee (813) 895-9722 / CLee@tampaairport.com

Tampa Aviation Authority Board Members

Brig. General Chip Diehl, Chair
(813) 546-8125
CDiehl@TampaAirport.com

Gary W. Harrod, Vice Chair
(813) 229-1500, F: (813) 221-1570
GHarrod@TampaAirport.com

Robert I. Watkins, Treasurer
(813) 254-3369, F: (813) 253-3280
RWatkins@TampaAirport.com

Mayor Jane Castor, Secretary
(813) 274-8251, F: (813) 274-7050
JCastor@TampaAirport.com

Commissioner Harry Cohen, Asst. Secretary/Asst. Treasurer
(813) 272-5470, F: (813) 272-7046
HCohen@TampaAirport.com