Orlando airport sends message to TSA, improve or we go private

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport will not be hiring a private screening company to replace TSA employees, just yet.

The board of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority chose instead to send a message to the Transportation Security Administration headquarters that local management needs to improve, or they will seek out the private option.

“We have to collaborate more closely, is what I’m prepared to say,” explained a frustrated airport CEO Phil Brown. His staff recommended the board vote to find a suitable screening company and make an application to the Federal Security Director to replace TSA screeners.

Instead, board chairman Frank Kruppenbacher insisted that they limit the vote to forming an ad hoc committee that will seek out and interview candidates, while at the same time he will reach out to TSA with his concerns in hopes they can be resolved beforehand.

When the board meets in April, they will again tackle this issue and could move to make that application. If approved, federal employees at the airport would face the loss of their jobs and benefits.

Some may apply to work with the private contractor, but the TSA would only require they be given the minimum pay and benefits they would earn as federal workers.

For those who have been on the job for years and have built up a pension, it would be a real loss of income.  Many of them spoke to the board not to go down this path.