US Airways Didn't Screen Workers, Faces Fines

US Airways faces fines of nearly $180,000 for failing to put employees through background checks before letting them work in secure areas.

The Transportation Security Administration is investigating the case, and the airline said it has received formal notification that it will face the penalties.

The violations date from 2002 and 2003 at the former America West Airlines, now US Airways. The companies combined in September.

Airline spokesman Philip Gee said the airline is working with the TSA and declined to detail the number of violations or other aspects of the case, but said the airline is now in full compliance with security rules.

"US Airways takes these matters very seriously," Gee said. "Our No. 1 priority is the security and safety of our customers."

Federal regulations enacted after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks require airlines to do criminal background checks on employees with access to secure areas. Anyone with a serious felony conviction in the previous decade can't be hired.

The background checks cost about $100 each, and America West had about 13,000 workers at the time.

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