January 22, 2010
Pay for Performance
NTEU Renews Calls for Changes to Performance Testing
Following field reports of high failure rates and unfair testing protocols in the latest round of PSE tests, NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley has written a letter to TSA Acting Administrator Gale D. Rossides once again requesting changes to the agency's testing system.
President Kelley wrote to Rossides that, "You and I both know that these high failure rates do not accurately reflect the competency of exceptional screeners, many of whom have worked for TSA since its inception."
Kelley recommended that neutral third-party observers be present during PSE testing to help minimize disputes over rating scores. PSE failure rates appear to be lower at airports where employees exercised their right to have a third party observe their test. Unfortunately, at some airports, this has created another problem– the demand for third party observers is so great that it cannot be met for everyone.
Other NTEU recommendations include:
• Having ample observers available to employees during PSE testing sessions;
• Ensuring that employees' local training and instructions are consistent with the PSE test;
• Having PSEs administered by local evaluators;
• Using third-party observers who are trained in PSE administration, so that they may verify the evaluator’s conclusions, instead of simply reporting what they observed; and
• Ensuring there is adequate staffing so that employees have time to take PSE training modules before their test.
"NTEU has loudly and continually complained about the serious flaws with PASS and its components," President Kelley said. "Until these flaws are addressed, PASS will continue to be the subject of distrust and ridicule among TSOs, and a cause of poor morale."
For more information, contact your local NTEU representative, call toll free 1-866-591-5735 or e-mail TSA@nteu.org.
NTEU
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 If
you have questions, call toll free
1-866-591-5735 or e-mail
TSA@nteu.org.
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