TSA automation will cut positions, but no layoffs yet – Pacific Daily News

Kyla P Mora , kmora@guampdn.com Published 8:38 p.m. ChT July 12, 2017 | Updated 8:38 p.m. ChT July 12, 2017

In this file photo, passengers wait in line at the security checkpoint, at A.B. Won Pat Guam International Airport.(Photo: PDN file photo)

The Transportation Security Administration has identified positions that will be eliminated due to automation, but no one has been laid off yet, TSA Regional Public Affairs manager and spokesman Nico Melendez said.

In June,the Guam International Airport unveiled "Check in and Go!", a $30-million baggage handling system which allows passenger luggage to be checked and automatically screened.

Over the past 15 years, Melendez said, most airports have installed automated baggage screening systems to check for explosives.

"Whenever there's installation of one of these new systems, we have to reevaluate the staffing we have at these locations," Melendez said.

The TSA has identified 40 positions that could be eliminated now that the system is operational. However, the agencyhas authorization to maintain those 40 employees "until we're able to move them, or they quit or leave or other reasons," Melendez said.

Lateral movement within the TSA may be an option if positions are available, Melendez said.

"Obviously were all throughout the Pacific islands, so if an employee wanted to work in Saipan, American Samoa, even Hawaii, those options are available to them as positions come open," Melendez said.

Melendez stressed that because the automated bag screening is a separate system from the passenger checkpoint screening there's noreason to believe it' affect wait times for passenger screening.

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Melendez said the TSA will "be working to make sure the passenger checkpoint is staffed" once the planned checkpoint expansion is completed.

"We have to staff airports based on whats there now. We cant say Guam needs another 30 employees and hire them with the hope that the checkpoint will be installed, because what happens if it's not installed?And were stuck with 30 employees taxpayers are paying for," Melendez said.

Airport marketing administrator Rolenda Lujan Faasuamalie confirmed the airport has been in discussions with the TSA on the expansion of screening lanes as part of the airport authority's capital improvement projects.

Expansion of TSA screening lanes is considered a priority project, Faasuamalie said.

"(The airport is)aggressively moving forward with major capital improvement projects that deal with safety and security, such as the $97 millioninternational arrivals corridor, for which groundbreaking will be held July 19."

On Friday, the Legislature's Committee on Guam U.S. Military Buildup, Infrastructure, and Transportation, led by Sen. Frank Aguon Jr., will hold an oversight hearing toreview the status of the TSA checkpoint expansion design.

Reporter Kyla Mora covers Guam's business community, economy, tourism, public health, and anything else that catches her interest. Follow her on Twitter @kylapmora. Follow Pacific Daily News on Facebook/GuamPDN and Instagram @guampdn.

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TSA automation will cut positions, but no layoffs yet - Pacific Daily News