Thanksgiving 2021

After a tumultuous 2020-2021, as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, including other residual impacts, we have so much for which to be grateful. Some of us have lost loved ones, became sick, or dealt with other effects of the last year and a half. Yet despite circumstances, here we are, some fully intact, some remnants of who they were, and others utterly broken from their losses. We understand the fragility of the moment and wrought emotion associated with painful thoughts; However, the tenacity and triumphant spirit of our workforce far exceeds the workspace—it seeps into every aspect of their lives because it is who they—who we all are as a collective group.

Earlier this year, DHS Secretary Mayorkas ordered TSA Administrator Pekoske to provide frontline Officers, and their Union, administrative Title 5-like rights, similar pay commensurate with the General Schedule, and Adverse Action protections through the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board. Although we eagerly await some of the outstanding promises, we have seen positive implementation of portions of these promises. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the lobbying, strategizing, and non-stop efforts of AFGE, TSA Council 100, and you, our leaders and members, who inspire and believe in us daily.

This Thanksgiving, we have more to be thankful for—at TSA—than we have in years past; and now, together, we will see all our labor culminate into reality after dreaming, hoping, believing, and fighting for change over the last two decades. We continue to have our legislation in the United States Congress (H.R. 903 in the U.S. House of Representatives; and S.1856 in the U.S. Senate), and while we have come further than ever before, we must push forward in this last stretch, to once and for all secure our long-awaited and earned rights.

We are thankful for being able to provide for ourselves and our families, keeping our nation safe by protecting the skies, solidified employee rights and pay occurring at TSA—because of the Union, and the ability to influence positive change in the workplace, in our neighborhoods, and in our homes.

Council 100 is thankful for you, your sacrifice, and your faith in this Federation and Council. Remember, as corny as it may sound, there is no Union without “U.” So truly, from the bottom of our hearts and the depths of our souls we sincerely thank you for all you do.

As we spend the next couple of days enjoying friends, family, and creating memories of feasting, laughter, and love, let us remember those who are less fortunate. Provide a stranger or familiar person in need with a hot meal, a few bucks, or a kind word.

Let us gather with those who mean the most to us, including keeping one another in harmonious thought, and everyday strive to be better today than we were yesterday.