News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

August 15, 2002

Harman Promotes Screener Hiring At LAX

-- "Dedicated workers should receive priority for new federal jobs" --

LOS ANGELES - US Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Redondo Beach), Ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security, convened meetings today for workers interested in filling new federal screener jobs at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Dozens of applicants joined Harman, Adm. David Stone (USN - ret.), the federal security director at LAX, and officials from SEIU local 1877 at the LAWA administration building, where they received information on the ongoing application process.

As a result of legislation enacted last year following the September 11 terrorist attacks, the newly-created federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has until November 19 to put in place a new screener workforce at the airport and fulfill a commitment Harman secured from TSA to give priority to qualified laid off airport security workers.

"Improving security at LAX is critical to preventing future terrorist attacks and reassuring air travelers," said Harman. "But we must also help workers who lost their jobs and those who could be in danger of losing jobs as the airport screening responsibility is federalized."

Harman introduced legislation last October directing the Secretary of Transportation to give priority in hiring for screener positions to qualified workers who lost their jobs following the September 11 attacks and subsequent slowdown in the air transportation industry. This preference was incorporated last December into the TSA regulations, which also require screener personnel to hold a high school degree or GED and speak English fluently.

The TSA has contracted with the firm NCS Pearson to administer applications for LAX screener positions. Admiral Stone explained the hiring process and described how the preference in regulation will be carried out.

Harman said "I am pleased to hear Director Stone's commitment to hire and retain our talented work force. I fought hard for a preference so that those with experience could return to work or stay on the job. Increasing airport security can go hand in hand with sustaining economic security for hardworking South Bay residents."

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