TSA firing, suspending Boston screeners

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BOSTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The Transportation Security Administration says it is axing six baggage screeners and suspending 14 others in Boston for not doing their jobs.

The Boston Globe reported Monday those being fired didn't follow inspection procedures and the others were found to have not been paying close enough attention.

The newspaper said the action follows a routine audit at Logan International Airport revealed some officers failed to pay close attention to computer monitors displaying the contents of travelers' bags as they were screened by an explosive detection machine. TSA officials said the screeners' attention was diverted by their cellphones and other electronic devices.

TSA officials said no dangerous materials made it through the detection system despite the agents' lack of attention.

The employees have seven days to appeal the actions against them.

There are 1,280 TSA officers and 23 managers at the Boston airport.