Unions run ads pushing airport security federalization

Four labor groups have joined forces to run a television ad urging Congress to federalize airport security workers.

The coalition consists of the American Federation of Government Employees; the National Treasury Employees Union; the Association for Flight Attendants; and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

The woman in the ad says that while Congress is protected by federal law enforcement officials, "keeping the rest of us safe is the job of contractors paying barely the minimum wage, who sometimes even hire convicted felons." The ad urges viewers to call Congress and "tell them airport safety isn't a job for the lowest bidder."

The ad began running in the greater Washington area on Monday. It will continue at least "through the middle of the week," AFGE spokeswoman Magda Lynn Seymour said.

The Senate unanimously passed an airport security bill on Oct. 11 that would federalize the security personnel. The House leadership has scheduled a Thursday vote on its version, which would increase government oversight but leave security staffing in private hands.