A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/597273
agreements regarding PIREP Entry and Dissemination, Weather Observation Backup Entry, and NOTAM Coordination for Terminal Facil ities. Under the PIREP Entry and Dissemination change, terminal facilities that formerly called LMFSS for the Dissemination of PIREPs will now enter the PIREP into the AIS - R. NATCA and the FAA have agreed that controllers on operational positions will not enter PIREPs but will instead pass the PIREPS on to the Front Line Manager or Controller in Charge for entry. When the Controller in Charge position is combined with any other position, or if staffing or other issues preclude timely entry, the PIREP will b e forwarded to the overlying ARTCC's Flight Data unit for long - line dissemination. The Weather Observation Backup Entry project change provides FAA LAWRs - certified terminal facilities with an alternative to calling LMFSS for the backup dissemination of wea ther observations. Under the change, LAWRs terminal facilities that are unable to disseminate weather observations will forward those observations to the overlying ARTCC's Flight Data unit for long - line dissemination. This change will be implemented in eig ht terminal facilities nationwide. Finally, NOTAM Coordination in the terminal facilities will no longer be provided by LMFSS. Under the change, the Flight Data unit in the overlying ARTCC will conduct NOTAM coordination. NATCA's workgroup members are coll aborating with the FAA and NAGE to develop an implementation plan and waterfall schedule for this change. On October 27, 2015, NATCA submitted proposals which included an MOU regarding the initiative. The MOU adopts the recommendations of the FSNI workgrou p, requires training for NATCA BUEs who will access the AIS - R system, and proposes local negotiations to resolve certain issues related to the implementation of the initiative. NATCA POCs: Eastern Regional Vice President Dean Iacopelli, Phil Barbarello, N ATCA Article 48 Training Representative Tom Adcock, NATCA Weather Article 48 Representative Matt Tucker, Enroute Technology Coordinator Mark Prestrude, and Labor Relations Attorney Nicole Vitale . HRPM SUPPLEMENT ER - 4.1A: USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BY FAA EMPLOY EES On October 5, 2015, NATCA received notice that the Agency was implementing Human Resources Policy Manual (HRPM), Volume #4: Employee Relations, Policy Chapter Supplement ER - 4.1a. The Agency stated that the policy "supplements ER - 4.1a Standards of Con duct and provides guidance to managers and employees on social media conduct. . . . during work and non - work hours, personal use and work - related use and when using Government - Furnished Equi pment and personal equipment." NATCA requested a full briefing on the matter for all impacted bargaining unit employees. During the briefing, which was held on Wednesday, October 28, 2015, NATCA's representatives expressed their concerns about the broad language and unclear guidance provided by the policy, and suggeste d that certain revisions be made in order accurately convey how, when, and to whom the policy applies. NATCA's POCs are currently working on a proposal that would encompass such clarifying changes. NATCA POCs: Eastern RVP Dean Iacopelli, Phil Barbarello, Director of Labor Relations Ryan Smith, and Labor Relations Attorney Greg Shoemaker . BRIEFING REQUESTS On October 28, 2015 , NATCA requested a briefing regarding the Office of Finance and Management (AFN) IT Training Services' (APS - 220) proposed Training E valuation Guide. We are currently waiting for a response from the Agency regarding our request. NATCA POCs: Labor Relations Attorney Nicole Vitale and Labor Relations Coordinator Ken dal Manson.