TSA, to Pare Costs, Will Cut 6,000 Airport-Screener Jobs

The Wall Street Journal ^ | Thursday, May 1, 2003 | GREG BLUESTEIN and STEPHEN POWER

[TroutStalker]

WASHINGTON -- Travelers are likely to wait in longer security lines at some airports as the Transportation Security Administration, in a cost-saving move, is eliminating 6,000 airport screeners by the end of September.

The cuts, which include 3,000 jobs by the end of May and an additional 3,000 by the end of September, will save the agency $280 million and help it meet congressional demands to limit staff, TSA Administrator James Loy said. He conceded the cuts would likely lead to longer waits at checkpoints, but said they wouldn't compromise security.

[The Duke]

I have a feeling that flying is about to become *MUCH* less popular, and not simply because it's a bigger hassle getting on the aircraft.

[Indrid Cold]

Quick quiz: Which organization has been most responsible for killing off the airline industry in America? Is it a) Al-Qaida, or b) the TSA. Discuss.

[Pylot]

I think this lay off of TSA employees is almost a self fullfilling act.

I have done everything to avoid flying since last fall because it is sheer torment to have to deal with a bunch of over empowered numb skulls who can jail you for your attitude.

Business people who fly for a living are, arguably, one of the most productive groups in the US. To impose constant demands on their efficiency guarantees an impact to their business which impact we are all witness to.

[taxed2death]

...AAAAAHHHH YEEEEESSSSSSS..

Homeland security, lackluster airport security, open borders and all.

[Wright is right!]

"I have done everything to avoid flying since last fall because it is sheer torment to have to deal with a bunch of over empowered numb skulls who can jail you for your attitude."

So have I. In fact, I put my money where my mouth is. Domestically, we now travel in this:

No standing in line, leave when we want, take the dogs, sharp objects, and have a smoke if I want to. Not only that, but we have a nice place to stay when we get there. All the comforts of home.

Michael

[Wright is right!]

" The agency, created after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist hijackings, was originally expected to employ 30,000 screeners, but has grown to more than 55,000 since opening its doors early last year."

OK, what we've really got here is a "staffing correction." They planned to hire 30,000 to do the job. They wound up hiring 55,000, and that's too many - so they're scaling back to 52,000. Big whoop-de-doo. That's still 22,000 MORE than they said they'd originally hire.

This is similar to a 7% increase in spending instead of a planned 10% increase being labeled "a cut."

Michael

[Wright is right!]

Oops...math error. They're going from 55,000 down to 49,000. Still 19,000 more than they originally promised.

Michael