PASS Sisters and Brothers:
I wanted to report to you the substance of the calls PASS participated on with the FAA today. These calls are becoming invaluable for the union so that we can share with you the most up-to-date information. In addition to the Executive Board, our National ATO Safety Representative Bob Seagrave has also been participating.
We are making progress in collectively dealing with this unprecedented event and communications have greatly improved. Still, you may have issues or unanswered questions; you may continue sending us information when this occurs.
Self-Quarantine Discrepancies: This morning, National Secretary-Treasurer Carlos Aguirre was on a brief call with the deputy chief operating officer of the Air Traffic Organization. They discussed the discrepancies in self-quarantine time periods for employees at facilities where there was a positive test for COVID-19. The agency is drafting a procedure to correct this and will provide it to PASS for review. Moving forward, the FAA’s flight surgeon will screen all employees who had direct contact with a worker who tested positive. The flight surgeon will go through a checklist to determine the details of that contact and provide a date for when the self-quarantined employee can return to work.
ATO-PASS Meeting
Telework: More and more employees are either working from home or remotely and we are pleased that the agency has been aggressive in this area. There are only a few local issues that remain and they are being addressed with the PASS regional vice presidents.
Maintenance Moratorium: As reported yesterday, there has been much confusion locally over the maintenance moratorium. This is not similar to a holiday moratorium but is to focus on essential work projects. The agency is going to issue a new Maintenance Alert to clarify what work needs to be done. That should help to resolve those issues.
Protective Equipment and Workplace Cleanliness: We reported to the agency that there still seems to be trouble in the distribution of cleaning supplies, gloves and other personal protective equipment. The FAA is looking at the possibility of technicians using a stylus for touch screens to limit skin contact with equipment and will be issuing guidance in this area. There has been progress on new local and national cleaning contracts. The FAA is facing the same distribution and access issues with regards to cleaning supplies that everyone else is dealing with. Maintenance alerts have been issued for the cleaning of VSCS/VTABS, TVS, IDSR/NIDS and ERID. It was hoped that ultraviolet light cleaning would be available, but the agency has been advised that this is not a viable option for some equipment. The use of masks was discussed again and PASS reiterated that it is more important that our technicians be given an adequate amount of gloves and disinfectant supplies since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend the use of masks for those who are asymptomatic.
Use of Administrative Leave or Excused Absence: It has been reported that air traffic controllers are being granted administrative leave if they self-identify as being in a high-risk demographic for COVID-19. This occurs because the vast majority of controllers cannot telework. A procedure has been worked out where the flight surgeon will review each high-risk case after the fact. The parties discussed that administrative leave may need to be extended to technicians who are in similar situations and cannot telework as well. These will be case-by-case evaluations.
Long-Term Per Diem: PASS raised the issue of long-term per diem for employees in travel status. Management promised to look into the policy, review how this was handled during the government shutdown and report back to PASS.
Decision Matrix Package (Positive Contact Risk Decision Matrix, Employee Exposure Questionnaires): PASS received draft copies of forms, questionnaires and direction as to how to handle employees who have tested positive and those who believe they have been exposed. PASS will provide any edits or suggestions by tomorrow so that this can be used by employees.
It has taken more time than was necessary during this national emergency, but I am pleased with the progress we are making with the agency as we continue working to protect you and your families, while you take care of the NAS.
In solidarity,
Mike Perrone
National President
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