Today’s decision by the International Labor Organization (ILO) sends a powerful message to the Bush Administration that the international community rejects its attempts to limit the collective bargaining rights of government employees entrusted with protecting our nation’s security. In response to a complaint filed by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association ruled that the Bush-created Transportation Security Administration (TSA) violated the fundamental rights of 56,000 airport screeners by denying them the right to organize and bargain collectively.

 The Bush Administration tried to justify its 2002 decision to deny representation and collective bargaining rights to airport screeners at TSA on the basis of national security. The AFL-CIO and AFGE join the international community in its recognition that national security and worker rights are not mutually exclusive. At a time when airport screeners need a voice on the job to highlight where improvements can be made in our national security, the Bush Administration continues to stifle dialogue. Today’s decision further calls into question the Administration’s policy of using national security to justify the denial of basic worker rights.

 The decision by the ILO amplifies the growing voices heard around the country and the world that are calling on the Bush Administration to recognize internationally accepted workers’ rights standards. We implore the Bush Administration to follow the ILO’s recommendations and immediately grant collective bargaining and all other labor rights to TSA workers.

AFGE is the only union that has actively fought on behalf of employment rights for Transportation Security Officers. Although transportation security officers remain deprived of a collective bargaining agreement, AFGE represents these employees before the Disciplinary Review Board, EEOC, courts, in Congress and in the media.

Contact: Steve Smith (202) 637-5018