By Todd Tollefson

People's Weekly World

SEATTLE - In July 2001, two months before the 9/11 attack, Washington Citizen Action put out a survey called, "Passenger Safety at Risk?" This was done in concert with organizing efforts by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 6 of pre-board screeners working for Huntleigh and Argenbright at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The survey pointed traveler concerns about the working conditions of airport personnel. Among the concerns was lack of adequate use of force training. In other words, screeners do not have training or resources to subdue dangerous persons.

Lack of general training is another strong concern. Screeners receive only three days of training. A screener remarked, "baristas at Starbucks get more training - and better pay and benefits - than screeners."

Other concerns mentioned were the lack of living wage pay - the starting rate is $8.05/hour; lack of health insurance for workers - neither Huntleigh nor Argenbright offer company paid or subsidized health insurance; high turnover - one screener said that co-workers continue to "drop like flies."

This means that new screeners have to be hired and trained and companies fail to retain their most experienced workers. And infrequent job rotation meant that instead of being relieved every thirty minutes, x-ray monitors sometimes work as long as two hours without a break.

SEIU Local 6 representative Terry Costello brought these concerns to the Port of Seattle commissioners. The survey "reflects a serious concern on the part of the traveling public over the negative impact that poor working conditions for screeners have on travelers safety," Costello said.

The commissioners, who are elected officials, response was that their hands are tied. They pass the buck saying concerns need to be brought up with the airlines - who contract out security. In reality, the commissioners have the final say at the airport and can make the needed changes. However, no changes were made.

Since Sept. 11, security is now finally being discussed, all the way up to the president. National Guard reserves are now stationed in most airports pre-board screening areas. Though Huntleigh did not want to discuss - or have employees discuss - safety issues with the press.

Teuila Tuitele, a screener and union activist organizing with SEIU to get a contract for the screeners, talked to the Seattle Times and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks. She mentioned to the Times she had been inadequately trained in security, and asked for more training from Huntleigh. They replied that employees get nothing further than the initial training. When her bosses found out she had spoken to both the press and Senator Murray, she was fired.

The next day Tuitele went with SEIU representatives to the Times who called to find out why Tuitele was fired, but were told "no comment." SEIU called Sen. Murray, who then contacted Huntleigh and made sure she was reinstated. Huntleigh, returned her badge and told Tuitele she would get training and back pay for the days she was sent home.

However, Huntleigh screeners have now had to sign a "gag order" not to talk to the press or anyone else about security and safety issues. This has also had the effect of workers not being as open to talking to union organizers about wages and benefits. SEIU is now calling for federalizing airport security. This includes security workers should be under federal supervision and not contracted out by the airlines to the lowest bidder.