ACTION NEEDED: call your Congressmembers now!

CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate will soon be voting on an FAA extension bill which includes language that would revise the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge for all airport employees. The revision extends the employment background checks for any employee, potential or current workers, with access to secure areas from 10 years to 15 years and increases the number of disqualifying infractions considered. CWA has actively engaged with Congress and federal agencies in developing stricter security protocols at our nation’s airports and on board aircraft agencies. Credentialing of employees with access to secure areas is an integral part of airport security. The enactment of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 established solid requirements which have allowed TSA to properly screen all aviation employees with unescorted access to a SIDA badge. Despite the fact that there is no evidence that additional scrutiny of our aviation workers will strengthen security, the changes will put workers at risk for losing their jobs. These workers pose no terrorist threat and are in good standing with their employers. They should not have their jobs jeopardized by these new requirements. Let Congress know that this is a mistake and that you strongly oppose the language on the FAA extension bill. It will harm workers while not increasing airline security. Call your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators at the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly to your Congressmembers. When connected, tell the person who answers the phone, "I urge the Congressmember to oppose the FAA Extension because of unnecessary language targeting aviation workers." Once you've called your Congressmembers, let us know by adding your name here.