Bennie Thompson defends union rights for airport screeners

Bennie Thompson defends union rights for airport screeners

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said collective bargaining has not jeopardized the success of other Homeland Security workers, such as Customs and Border Patrol agents. He noted that even the two military police officers who helped end the Fort Hood, Texas, massacre in 2009 were union members.

“I hope some of the concerns about union rights can be put to rest because of that,” Thompson said.

Some GOP lawmakers are trying to pass legislation that would override Pistole’s decision. Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi has sponsored a measure that would bar screeners from gaining union rights.

AP
2/10/11