By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said its 65,000-member workforce is exempt from a Trump administration offer to quit jobs in exchange for pay and benefits through September 30.
The TSA screened 904 million passengers in 2024, which was a record high and a 5% increase over 2023.
The White House said on Sunday federal employees involved in public safety positions, such as air traffic controllers and employees at the National Transportation Safety Board are exempt.
The Office of Personnel Management said previously said the offer was unavailable to military personnel, U.S. Postal Service workers and positions related to immigration enforcement and national security.
President Donald Trump has imposed a hiring freeze on most federal jobs but exempted some positions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said air traffic controllers and inspectors were exempt from the freeze and the FAA is actively hiring controllers.
Air traffic controllers received early retirement offers last week, sparking concerns among airlines about the impact a wave of departures could have on flights.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese and Daniel Wallis)
