TSA to End Collective Bargaining Agreement: What Travelers Should Know

Published on December 16, 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a major policy shift that will affect the agency’s operations and its workforce. As of January 11, 2026, the TSA will officially rescind the collective bargaining agreement it formed with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) in 2024. The decision, made by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, has sparked significant debate over its potential impact on airport security, TSA workforce stability, and the overall traveller experience at U.S. airports.

This move, which eliminates the agreement that protected 47,000 TSA officers, aims to create a new labor framework that the agency says is better suited to its mission. While TSA leadership claims the change will improve efficiency and security, critics argue that it could lead to greater instability within the workforce and result in disruptions for travellers. Here’s an in-depth look at the implications for the travel industry.

The Impact of TSA’s Decision on Airport Security

The TSA’s collective bargaining agreement, signed in May 2024, brought significant benefits to TSA officers, including improved sick leave, uniform allowances, and more stable working conditions. These improvements helped reduce turnover, stabilise staffing levels, and improve the effectiveness of airport security operations. Prior to the agreement, TSA workers faced high levels of attrition, contributing to longer security wait times at airports and creating a strained experience for travellers.

By rescinding this agreement, the TSA aims to eliminate what it considers bureaucratic inefficiencies. The agency’s leadership argues that union negotiations and staffing regulations hinder its ability to respond to evolving security challenges and provide optimal service to the travelling public. However, the U.S. Travel Association has raised concerns that the end of the collective bargaining agreement could lead to increased employee dissatisfaction, which might undermine the security effectiveness that travellers rely on.

What This Means for the TSA Workforce and Travel Efficiency

The new labor framework being proposed will likely reduce some of the benefits previously enjoyed by TSA workers, leading to concerns about employee morale and retention. Without the protections of a collective bargaining agreement, workers may face increased job dissatisfaction, potentially leading to higher turnover rates and staffing shortages. This could, in turn, affect security screening processes and increase wait times for passengers at airports.

Additionally, TSA officers may feel less empowered to raise concerns about safety protocols and working conditions if they no longer have the backing of a union. These concerns could translate into decreased staff engagement, which is critical for maintaining high standards of security at busy airports.

Traveler Impact: Longer Wait Times and Increased Uncertainty

For travellers, the main concerns stem from uncertainty around TSA staffing levels and the efficiency of security processes. If the TSA experiences increased employee turnover or a reduction in staffing, passengers may encounter longer security lines, delays at checkpoints, and even increased frustration with the airport experience.

Additionally, as TSA shifts towards a new labour framework, airport security protocols might undergo adjustments, which could cause temporary confusion or delays in implementation. The travelling public could experience disruptions, especially during peak travel seasons, such as the holidays or summer vacations.

The Union’s Response and Legal Challenges

The AFGE, which represents TSA employees, has voiced strong opposition to the rescindment of the collective bargaining agreement, calling it “an illegal act of retaliatory union-busting”. The union asserts that the contract brought stability and efficiency to TSA operations and that ending it is a harmful move for both the workforce and the travelling public.

The AFGE has pledged to continue challenging the move in court. A legal battle is expected, as the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington previously blocked attempts to revoke the agreement earlier this year. If the courts side with the union, the decision could be delayed, potentially impacting the TSA’s ability to implement its new policies as planned.

What Travellers Should Expect Going Forward

The end of the collective bargaining agreement for TSA workers signals a potential period of transition and uncertainty for both employees and travellers. While the TSA aims to enhance security effectiveness and resource allocation, the potential for staff instability and increased wait times raises concerns for those planning to travel through U.S. airports. As the situation unfolds, travelers should stay informed about any changes to TSA policies and possible delays at checkpoints.

It is clear that the resolution of this issue could play a significant role in shaping the future of airport security and the overall travelling experience in the United States.