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TSA: No sign of Saipan
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Posted on Jul 04 2005
Almost eight months since the Transportation Security Administration launched its “opt-out” program for airports nationwide, the Commonwealth Ports Authority has not indicated any intention to privatize screening at the Saipan International Airport.
On Nov. 19, 2004, TSA started accepting applications from airports wishing to have private companies employ their security screeners.
Nico Melendez, TSA public affairs director for the Western Field, said only “one or two airports” have so far applied to join the program. One application, he said, came from a small airport in Nevada, which currently employs only about seven screeners.
“From what I understand, we have no indication that Saipan has any intention of attempting to opt out,” Melendez added.
He maintained that, while TSA fully supports any airport that might want to consider opting out, the program would not result in a huge difference other than the fact that the screeners would be paid by a private company.
Melendez explained that screeners would be required to meet the same TSA qualifications, receive TSA training, and be supervised by TSA personnel.
“The screening workforce will essentially be TSA screeners being paid by a different company,” he said.
TSA-Saipan federal security director Rhonda Vickery agreed, adding that switching contract screeners would only result in reduced wages for the screeners.
“I really can’t see how it will make a difference other than the screeners getting a paycheck which could be, frankly, quite smaller than what they’re getting now,” Vickery said. “That’s why I have no intention of allowing that to happen. I think these people deserve the rate of pay that they’re receiving right now because they work very hard, they’re very loyal, committed, dedicated employees.”
TSA has set no deadline for filing “opt-out” applications in order to provide airports maximum flexibility.
