The following letter was sent to the RVPs and FacReps this morning,
Just learned that the DOT has directed the FAA that starting tomorrow, FAA is required to report absences due to sickness to DOT at core 30 towers, large TRACONs, and Enroute facilities by noon each day. It will include normal sick leave usage as a comparison.
I’ve offered to get our reps connected to the reporting process at the local level to provide some level of accuracy, but will keep you apprised.
Seems this is based on media reports of organized sick outs. I’m told it's not just FAA, likely TSA has been directed to do the same.
More as it develops.
Dean Iacopelli
What does this mean?
With the increased publicity of the shutdown and how it affects federal employees, it is imperative that ATC does not become associated with an en masse sick out or any kind of job action. Such action is a fireable offense. The above policy is a precursor for the DOT directing the Agency to start taking action on employees that are viewed as abusing sick leave or causing a job action. For the benefit of everyone when this shutdown ends, it is important that ATC is seen as stepping up to the plate and not falling down on the job. It will help everyone in the long run when Congress is determining if Furlough leave will be back paid. Articles like the ones about the TSA calling in sick are not helpful when it comes to public opinion of how we handled our duties during this Shutdown.
Please be mindful of expressing or sharing sentiments on social media that could be construed as a call for sick leave abuse. And please utilize unrecorded phone lines when calling work so it's one less thing they can use against us.
A - 2538043005
B - 2538043006
C - 2538043007
D - 2538043008
With that in mind, it is perfectly fine to take leave but please, request and use leave in accordance with the contract.
Please know, that in DC, every effort is being made to communicate the hardships that you all face and bring this standoff to a swift conclusion. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to a member of your E-Board.