Collaborative Work Group (CWG)
During the past year and a half, most CWGs have been paused or shelved. We have one that needs to start soon and we are looking for people to help out with it. For many years now, we have used a piece of software that has allowed Flight Data and TMU to automatically forward PIREP GIs to the appropriate sectors without having to forward the data to each sector manually. Long story short but that program is no longer allowed and we need to move to the approved system of PIREP dissemination via ERIDS. The workgroup will be working together to determine the specifics of who is responsible for what data input, etc. This is an excellent way to help shape the way our facility utilizes our equipment that works best for us. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested or if you have any questions, we need to get this going right away.
Reasonable Accommodations
On Tuesday, the national office sent out an email about reasonable accommodations. Just to be clear, this form is not the exemption request, it is just announcing to the FAA of your intent to file an exception as soon as the agreed upon form is released. Here is an excerpt from the national office:
“We have received a number of questions from bargaining unit employees (BUEs) regarding the process to request a legal exception to Executive Order (EO) 14043, which mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for all Federal employees. We are continuing to work through this issue with the FAA. In the interim, we are providing the following guidance:
BUEs who wish to request a reasonable accommodation (RA) as an exception to the vaccination requirement because of a disability or a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance may do so by submitting the COVID-19 Vaccination Exception for Medical or Religious Reasons Form to their immediate supervisor. The FAA may request supporting documentation.
If the RA request is approved, the BUE will receive written approval of the accommodation request. The written decision will include the accommodation the Agency has granted and what protocols the BUE must follow.
If the RA request is denied, the BUE may request reconsideration in writing. The Agency will outline the process to request reconsideration and other available avenues of appeal in its denial letter.”
Amy Sizemore and Drew Stewart