"Nine airport screeners removed from posts after failing tests"

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Nine airport screeners removed from posts after failing tests
The Associated Press


NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - At least nine security screeners have been removed from
their posts at Newark Liberty International Airport after failing two
proficiency tests, according to a published report. 

The workers were placed on administrative leave and could be dismissed, The
Star-Ledger of Newark reported in Tuesday's editions. 

The action by the federal Transportation Security Administration was the
result of an annual evaluation of passenger checkpoint and baggage
screeners. The TSA is conducting the tests nationwide. They are designed to
assess workers' abilities to detect weapons and explosives. 

Airport screeners told the newspaper that more Newark workers could face
disciplinary action. 

Screeners who fail either the written or visual part of the test are given
remedial training and tested again. Those who fail the second round of tests
face mandatory suspension and possible dismissal. 

Screeners told the newspaper that the "do or die" tests have created
widespread anxiety among the workers. They have complained that some aspects
of the test were unfair because they have not been adequately trained in
some recently modified security procedures. 

Marcus Arroyo, federal security director at Newark Airport, declined to
comment on the disciplinary actions, referring questions to TSA's press
office in Virginia. 

"TSA cannot continue to employ screeners who are unable to demonstrate
proficiency in the skills necessary to be a member of our highly trained
force," agency spokeswoman Ann Davis told the newspaper in an e-mail
response to an inquiry about the removals. 

There are more than 1,000 checkpoint and baggage screeners at Newark
Airport, according to the TSA. They earn slightly more than $30,000 a year.


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