New TSA scanners
 

As some of you may know by now the TSA is implementing a new screening device that uses radiation to essentially "see" through any outer garments. The government and the manufacturer claim the devices are safe of course but some independent researchers question this. These machines will be mandatory for pax and crew but you do have the option to opt out and undergo a "police" style pat down that is very thorough. We as aircrew are subjected to a hell of a lot of radiation as it is and our union is recommending that we NOT go through these devices. I'm just passing this along and encouraging all crew not to go through these machines and to opt for the manual search. I'm sure if the other unions have any sense at all they have recommended the same thing. If not please pass it on to fellow crew.

Thanks.

+1

I'll choose rape over radiation.

Second that, and if they do start giving you crap, ask for a back room.

http://www.npr.org/assets/news/2010/05/17/concern.pdf

Don't just tell fellow pilots tell everyone you know who travels. No one should go through these scanners.

what are our rights when is comes to TSA? Are they posted anywhere?

Airport screeners get more aggressive with pat-downs - USATODAY.com


Of particular interest is the following quote from Mr. Billie Vincent:

An effective pat down "has to be invasive" and touch both breasts and genitals, says Billie Vincent, a former security director for the Federal Aviation Administration. "It is clearly a technique that most people would consider an invasion of their privacy."

What is APA doing to address this issue? In most states an unwanted "invasive" touching of both breasts and genitals would constitute a sexual battery/assault.

I also like the idea of not cutting in line in front of passengers anymore (unless you are commuting, of course). I think CREWPASS would be fixed overnight if the airlines saw delays at the TSA screening checkpoints everyday! Why are we cutting in line?...to get to the flight on time?....this is HURTING our leverage to get crewpass funded, IMO!

I've never understood the point of screening the crew, more so the pilots. They already have control of the damn plane.

So lessee... you have a right to refuse the scanner, which you do. You then refuse the pat-down because it could be argued as "sexual assault" or an unjustified search, of which both could be argued as correct.

You then are fired because you can't do your job because you can't get to your airplane. Your airline is then, effectively, making sexual assault and/or waiving your constitutional rights a condition of employment... both of which are legal. You then retire rich, young, and happy.


Why hasn't ALPA (and the other unions) put their foot down on this? Once again ALPA rolls over. How about ALPA comes out and says "no scanners and no pat-downs for pilots. If you want planes to move, effective now, you better figure out a new plan."