Tampa International Airport announced it will no longer shift security screening to a private contractor.
This comes a little over a month after officials said the airport would be among the first in the country to participate in the new Transportation Security Administration Gold+ program. It was supposed to start May 31.
The change would have given security checkpoints and screening equipment to a private company. It would have also meant TSA officials were no longer federal employees.
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WUSF previously reported the change would have left around 800 workers facing a choice of either signing on with the private contractor, taking an early retirement package if they qualified or looking for a federal TSA job elsewhere.
Officials said the main reason for wanting to switch came down to government shutdowns. This is because when Congress enters a budget standoff and funds freeze, federal officers are still required to work but don't get paid until the shutdown ends.
According to St. Pete Catalyst, the TSA union, American Federation of Government Employees, has concerns about the program. The union sued in federal court earlier this month to demand documents about the timing and rationale behind the program.
ALSO READ: TSA union sues over airport security privatization push
It disputes the notion that privatization is needed due to federal funding freezes. Instead, union members point to a bill in Congress that would lock in money years in advance, the St. Pete Catalyst reported.
Now, on Monday, Tampa International said it will stick with existing federal TSA officers. According to a release, the airport opted into the program in the first place to learn more about its provisions — from security, workforce, technology, financial and legal considerations.
And after an "extensive review and evaluation," they decided not to adopt the model. The airport did not go into detail about why.
Airport CEO Michael Stephens said they were thankful to learn more about the program "with the potential to enhance operational resiliency and innovation" so they could reach an informed decision.
"We have worked closely with our TSA team through record passenger growth, severe weather, federal funding disruptions and peak travel periods," Stephens said. "We value their professionalism and commitment to security and service, and look forward to continuing our strong partnership."
As of March, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport was one of 20 across the country that uses private companies to screen passengers at checkpoints.
