Hoffa Denounces TSA Decision To Allow Knives In Aircraft Cabin In Letter To Administrator

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Mar 18, 2013, 10:36 ET

Teamsters General President Calls on TSA Administrator to Reverse Decision to Protect Flying Public, Aircraft Crew

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa repeated his strong opposition to the Transport Security Administration's (TSA) decision to allow knives in the aircraft cabin in a letter sent today to TSA Administrator John S. Pistole. In the letter, Hoffa demanded to know why the administrator didn't consult any of the unions that represent flight attendants before moving forward with this proposal.

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"I cannot fathom the TSA's rationale for allowing knives on planes with blades longer than box cutters – which are still banned," Hoffa said. "This proposal is pure lunacy and flies in the face of common sense.

"Most disturbing is the fact that not one union representing flight attendants was consulted or asked for input on this proposal. These are frontline workers that are being put in the most danger."

A copy of the letter can be downloaded and viewed here. (http://bit.ly/ZVZi76)

The Teamsters Airline Division represents about 80,000 workers in all segments of commercial aviation, including pilots and flight attendants. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters