You may have heard by now that James Becker (ZLA) is no longer coming to TMU. Apparently he withdrew his acceptance to the offer 6 months ago but that information never made it to ZSE. Because of this, Anthony has asked and was given permission to select 2 people from the bid that closed last week. This was a very disappointing turn of events since its hard to say when we will be able to get anyone from this bid released to come to TMU. As always, we appreciate everyone’s patience when it comes to our staffing issues.
Last week, Keeley, Anthony (by phone), and myself met with the LSC. The topic was the relationship between the areas and TMU. The LSC thinks it would be beneficial to help improve the relationships and to bring a better understanding to everyone. One of the things we said we think would help is education on both of our parts. So far, Keeley and I worked together answering the first set of questions from the areas directed towards TMU. Other things that were discussed are making it a requirement for R-side trainees to fam in TMU before certification, requiring new TMCs to fam in the remaining areas that they didn’t certify in, and having TMU conduct briefings to the controllers. Keeley, Anthony, and myself all agree that this is a good idea and we will support it however we can. Please let us know if you have any other ideas that we can pass along to the LSC.
In September, the C area, A area, and TMU are going to meet to start discussing ways to simplify the NUW activations. They have been getting more and more complex with overlapping MARSA events and varying altitudes. This has definitely become a safety issue when its difficult for the controllers to be able to tell what aircraft belong in what airspace and to what altitude. I’m hoping we can come up with a resolution sooner rather than later. Please let me know if you have any input on this that I can bring to the meeting.
You will be receiving a secret ballot for the elections at some point this coming week. If you do not receive it by the 30th, please reach out to the election chairperson Angie McMahon. You will be able to vote for Fac Rep and your TMU rep. All ballots must be mailed early enough to be received in the mail by September 15th at 4pm.
I have truly enjoyed being your rep over these last 2 years. Everything I have done has been to try to make things better in TMU for all of us. I hope that I have represented you to the best of my abilities. I also hope that you will vote for me to continue to be your rep for the next 2 years. Thank you.