Orlando Airport TSA chief ousted amid bullying claims
The director of the Transportation Security Administration at Orlando Airport has been ousted following a critical TV news report highlighting claims of workplace bullying.
A Spectrum News 13 report interviewed multiple current and ex-TSA workers over bullying and retaliation against colleagues speaking out.
The American Federation of Government Employees union says workplace abuse was allowed to prosper under the management of Jerry Henderson.
Henderson was removed from his position and replaced by interim director Pete Garcia.
The TSA says an inquiry is underway into the allegations.
The union says bullying was a factor in the suicide of TSA agent Robert Henry, who jumped to his death from an airport balcony in February.
"TSA leadership initiated an administrative inquiry approximately 30 days ago due to ongoing management and personnel concerns raised by the TSA workforce," the agency said in a statement.
"TSA places a high priority on addressing workplace and personnel concerns when they are raised."
Workplace issues like these are not only confined to Orlando Airport.
The Department of Homeland Security released a report last week highlighting the reasons for high turnover rates of TSA officers.
Based on exit interviews and other research, reasons included management’s competence, disrespect, lack of trust and promotion of a negative work environment.
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