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TSA Officers Granted Higher Uniform Allowance Than Combat Marines

Nov. 12, 2012 8:45am Liz Klimas

TSA Ratifies Its First Collective Bargaining Agreement That Includes a Higher Uniform Allowance Than Marine Lieutenants

(Photo: AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

After ratifying its first collective bargaining agreement with the union American Federation of Government Employees last week, the Transportation Security Administration is being criticized by some for focusing on “workplace grievances” instead of improving security.

Among the agreements made, as noted by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-FL) in a press release is that TSA officers’ uniform allowances will double, leading them to have more allocated for their attire than some in the military:

Under the labor agreement, TSA employees will see their uniform allowances nearly double to $446 per year. By comparison, a combat Marine Lieutenant receives a one-time uniform allowance of $400. The cost of the increase in TSA uniform allowance is an estimated $9.63 million annually.

“Unfortunately, TSA has spent months negotiating agreements which focus on workplace grievances but ignore security performance improvements,” Mica said in a statement. The agreement will take effect on December 9.

In the TSA’s statement last week about the ratification, Administrator John Pistole called the agreement a “milestone in our relationship with our workforce and AFGE.” The New Jersey Star-Ledger reported Stacy Bodtmann, a TSA screener for Newark Liberty International Airport and union member, saying the ratification, which took eight months to negotiate, “feels great” and called the 17,326 to 1,774 vote a “landslide.”

But Mica went on to say that the agency not only “continues to fail its employees and the American public,” but he called its 65,000 employees “a bloated workforce” with “overpaid headquarters and management staff.”

(H/T: Washington Examiner via Boing Boing)

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Comments (86)

raderby
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:24am
here is BHO’s “civilian force” funded as high as the real military (paraphrase)

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- Popp40
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:46am
  Question. The military takes an oath to the Constitution….who does the TSA take an oath to?
  
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- barber2
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:52am
  POPP: Is the answer : to Obama ??
  
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- Bobj_1960
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 10:14am
  Their loyalty oath is to their union and themselves.
  
  The American people are their enemies.
  
  Report this comment
- Vickie Dhaene
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 10:45am
  My thoughts exactly.
  
  Report this comment
- Red Meat
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 10:49am
  These perverted layabouts will be part of the opposition forces of the future.
  
  Report this comment
- Jake Dog2
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 4:08pm
  Can hear “Onward Big Brother” oh what it is “Onward Big Sis”.
  
  Report this comment
- SgtB
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 6:45pm
  My neighbor is a TSA employee and he is so lazy that he has yet to fix a water leak in his bathroom that turns my yard into a swamp. He’s had this leak for ~ 2.5 YEARS!!! He claims he doesn’t make enough to have it fixed, but he will go outside to turn on and off the water from the city disconnect every time he needs water. The TSA is full of POS’s and they need to be put out of a job or shipped overseas; because if they aren’t I’d like to see them all tried for treasonous acts.
  
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EqualJustice
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:22am
The next big push is to stop the SECRET vote using Card Check. NH voted it down several times, but NOW we have all the liberal players in place to get it voted on again and maybe PASS. Thank you BIG UNION MONEY for totally and savagely trashing all opposition candidates for months using the media. This is exactly how they WIN, so without a SECRET BALLOT, how will anyone fight the INTIMIDATION by these thugs?

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TexPat
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:22am
This administration is doing everything within their power to degrade, demoralize and decimate the military. I believe they are doing this to allow our enemies within and outside our borders to be able to conquer us more easily.

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- 338lapua
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 11:41am
  To that I add, I signed the petition for Texas to become its own country at whitehouse.gov.
  Please consider mine to allow Wisconsin to secede as well
  http://wh.gov/9AZz
  Whether or not you believe in breaking up the republic(I personally do not) I think this is something the regime needs to confront.
  
  Report this comment
JLPicard
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:19am
Hey I just wanted to point out, Officers in the military do not get a clothing allowance of any substance ever, except at initial entry to the service. I am retired Navy. The ENLISTED branch of our armed services get an annual allowance that is comparable to the TSA. I am afraid you are comparing apples and oranges and tending to twist the truth, sorta like the MSM does. Google MILITARY CLOTHING ALLOWANCE if you don’t believe me.

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- EqualJustice
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:27am
  I think this is an OUTRAGE after BO again promised to CUT spending and first thing he does is spend like a drunken sailor! He doesn’t care about the military at all. He has done everything in his power to demoralize and weaken it over the last 4 years. Also, how can he spend so much more on AIRPORT security, billions all together, and NOT on increasing funds to protect our borders? What’s the point of hiring and spending all that on unions, when terrorists can just WALK right in? It’s INSANE.
  
  Report this comment
- CulperGang
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:36am
  Jean-Luc-Picard you sounded credible until you OMITTED figures to back up your statement for verification.
  You and the Blaze should worry about the fact that the TSA even exists. TSA=Loss of 4th Amendment. Is this what you want for your children? Legitimized molestation?
  
  Report this comment
- Brejamin
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:52am
  Jlpicard is correct although the pay disparity for officers to enlisted is quite large especially considering they can have literally any degree that qualifies them to be “LEADERS”. The argument is they accept responsibilities however you never see them go to jail with their soldiers that do something stupid. Look at Abu Grab.
  
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- proliance
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:57am
  Culpergan, JLPicard is absolutely correct. If you had ever served in the military you would know that enlisted get a montly allotment to take care of their uniforms. Officers don’t, they are required to buy their uniforms out of their salary.
  
  From one vet to another, Happy Veterans Day JLPicard.
  
  Report this comment
- JLPicard
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 10:41am
  In order to sound more ‘credible’ here are your figures since you seem to lazy to look them up yourself:
  http://www.armytimes.com/projects/money/pay_charts/2012/clothing_allowances/
  There is a link to the enlisted clothing allowance pay chart for all services. Facts is facts. Hey, I am conservative to the core, and I am one of the Republicans that showed up to vote last week. Just pointing out that this report when I first saw it the other day was disingenuous IMHO. Combat Marines? C’mon give me a break guys. Sensationalism here at the Blaze????? We don’t need it.
  
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- RetiredUSNavy
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 1:37pm
  I would like to also add, that our Enlisted members get this clothing allowance as a cash payment, once per year. TSA agents do not. They HAVE to spend their uniform allowance on uniform items only. I have served in both. 20 years in the Navy and 8 years in TSA.
  
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scrapadapolis
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:17am
Soon when needed the TSA will be armed and put into Obamas plan of civilian gun disarmament.I hope they come see me first,I will be their test at what NOT to do with my 2nd amendment rights..

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- mercenary4freedom
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 10:57am
  When they come for the weapons, they better bring a good supply of bodybags to tote “their own” from the ensuing firefight. haha, what a joke these pogs are, and this joke is being funded by our tax $. We are paying for the creation of barry’s pot bellied brownshirts.
  
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GlennaBeckski
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:16am
Does Homeland securities first graduated armed youth corp fall under the TSA?

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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:14am
What do you expect of domestic thugs and terrorists being supported by Obama?

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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:39am
  Remember Bary his his civilian ‘army’ written in law with his so called health care law,he could use that army to remove political enemies,imprison them or just execute them. His term won’t be up in four years either he’ll be in office as long as he wants.
  
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- Eastinfection
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:42am
  Now, now…. we can’t give Obama all the credit….
  We should at least award a participation trophy to Bush and all the republican congress persons that initiated it in the 1st place (along with the Patriot Act).
  
  Report this comment
The Giver
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:14am
Hope it’s all for gloves.

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- kickagrandma
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:33am
  LOL that’s funny since I don’t fly any more…. One of the reasons I quit flying.
  
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65Mustang
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:14am
The TSA is Obama’s civilian military…we will be destroyed from inside our own country…the brownshirts. If you can defeat the electoral system, you can become the dictator.

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- CulperGang
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:42am
  He didn’t defeat the electoral system. He ignored it. Those voting machines are all FRAUDULENT everyone of them across the nation. The Board of elections have become a fraud for political favors.
  America is a nation of thieves and a den of vipers. NO honor, dignity or morals, by the majority. Only a handful, left with morals, dignity and honor. White Americans are leaving in droves, that can afford to, and who have a high end skills.
  
  Report this comment
DadRocked
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:07am
“… ratifying its first collective bargaining agreement with the union American Federation of Government Employees…”
Enough said

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- EqualJustice
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:14am
  How absurd! It will NEVER end now and this is just the beginning. I keep thinking that just MAYBE someone will investigate and prove ALL the fraud nationwide and when the electoral college meets in December, they will cast their votes for Romney instead. AHHHHHH what a sweet dream. Do I have to WAKE UP NOW?
  
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oldsoldier10
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:06am
Obama is Satan!

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- 338lapua
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 11:44am
  OOP Ack TtHpppft!
  
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oldsoldier10
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:05am
The TSA is the now Gestapo and Obama is hitler!

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- pdw
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:08am
  But he loves the Military?
  
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BlackCrow
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:05am
As usual the American fighting man is left sucking hind teat. Words are cheap Dear Leader.

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Tri-ox
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:05am
Of course – the TSA is the newest branch of dictator-obama’s personal army.

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- JSherrillj
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:09am
  They will begin to arm them soon..
  
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progressiveslayer
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:04am
Well it is a tough job molesting seniors and hot women so………………
To top it off the degenerates are unionized,let’s see we have another unconstitutional department (TSA),they routinely violate our fourth amendment right and their allowance for their uniforms are higher than combat marines. You’d think brown shirts and jack boots wouldn’t cost too much especially since they’re all made in China.

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- truthnstuff
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:54am
  We need somebody, anybody, (Freedom Works?) to start a loud offensive against this tyranny. Someone needs to start a party, or retake the GOP, and coalesce constitutional congressional members who will fight and shout the change to the public. Where the hell is Patrick Henry? We can’t do this behind the lines anymore. 2016 must be a 2010 mandate.
  
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- Small World
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 7:42pm
  I’m in .
  
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AMH
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:03am
I’m sure they deserve it more than my Soldiers and I do….

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ares338
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:01am
I’m never going to fly again so I don’t care what the Nazi basturds do!

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semihardrock
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 8:59am
Yes, I was thinking…..Marines should start their OWN Union….and ALL US Veteran too, considering many lost friends and family in battle ONLY to give the Government you fought for the liberty to become the Socialist/Communist Government is has become….

NOW….Go get your free buffet at the Golden Corral today! Obama thanks you for your service to give him the power he needs to over power you and take those freedoms and liberties away!

G-d Bless America…Home of the Free…..OOP’s ….wait a minute…..You still have to pay tax on that free Golden Corral meal…..lol

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- Metallicat
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 10:38am
  no public servant should be unionized,they work for us. it should be illegal for anyone who is paid with tax dollars to be a union member.
  
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Popp40
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 8:59am
Come on people now you all don’t expect Obama’s civilian army, you know the one that is suppose to rival the military to not be the best dressed and taken care of!

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- Welcome Black Carter
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:48am
  Be afraid when you see them begin to carrry weapons… it’s comming.
  
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- 338lapua
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 11:47am
  @welcome……if it threatens, it dies.
  
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Walkabout
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 8:58am
Maybe the military should unionize & go on strike like on the eve of any enemy invasion or when embassy staff are held hostage, or Americans on vacation or traveling for business are being held hostage.

Of course the stay at home types would say it is there fault of those traveling abroad for being taken hostage, but when the cost of good goes up they’ll be squalling like brat.

So what does a work slow down look like at an airport? Missed connections?
What does labor unrest look like at an airport? Missed contraband smuggled on board a plane.

If unions were not needed, they would never have existed. But unions have gone so far it is time to end them & start over. They are thugs!

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- Eastinfection
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:11am
  The TSA only provides the illusion of protection.. sure they filter out the obvious nutjobs but anyone truly diabolical could do some real damage on a plane with minimal resources…
  
  Remember the pilot that went bonkers recently? Well, the tiniest drop of liquid LSD could easily be responsible for disabling an entire crew. They say hello and shake hands with people as they board….
  
  Sooner or later you will have to be naked and sedated to fly.
  
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Eastinfection
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 8:58am
I see where this is heading….. Time for the Marines to “unionize”. sigh..

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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on November 12, 2012 at 9:45am
  With the fraud bastard in chief we have now it’s a wonder anyone volunteers for military service. I’m glad I’m out now so I don’t have any connection at all with that Marxist POS heathen.
  
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blanco5
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 8:55am
The devil’s minions always get better treatment.

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thibx
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 8:54am
damn shame

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TerryJ70
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 8:52am
As usual, we are shown how our government cannot run anything. TSA should never have been unionized, should never have been a government program, and now we are stuck with it. Everything is so upside down.

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oldguy49
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 8:51am
t.s.a tough sh$# americans

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