A message from our FSD, Paul Leyh:

AFSDs, DAFSDs, TSSEs, TSIs, TSMs, STSOs, LTSOs, TSOs, BDOs, CCOs,  

Happy New Year and thanks for all you have accomplished in the past year.   

As we approach the beginning of significant snowfall in the New York/New Jersey and Connecticut areas, please be advised that you have been designated by the TSA as “Emergency Employees.”

Emergency Employees are required to report for duty and remain on duty in order to continue TSA Operations if and when an emergency situation occurs. And, as you all know, Emergency situations include, but are not limited to, adverse weather conditions, heavy snowfall, heavy rains and flooding, high winds, natural disasters, and widespread power interruptions.  

Emergency Employees are expected to report to duty on time unless specifically instructed by TSA Management to report at different times or locations because of delays in airport operations, airport closures or other extenuating circumstances and conditions.  Our JFK Coordination Center will transmit changes and updates in reporting times via email, text messages, AWS and/or through our telephone tree network.  While television and media reports are informative, they may not accurately reflect the requirements for Emergency Employees from TSA.

If Emergency Employees determine that it is impossible to report for duty (due to impassable roads, local or state government-directed road closures, or suspensions of public transportation), the affected Employees are required to follow JFK Call Out procedures by contacting 718-917-3810/11 at least “60” minutes prior to the start of their scheduled shifts.  The Employee will request leave; provide the reasons for the leave during the emergency, or advise the Coordination Center that the he or she will report late for duty.  If an Employee is faced with circumstances that would reasonably prevent contact with Management or with the Coordination Center, notification will be made as soon as possible.  If an Employee is unable to remain on duty during emergency operations, he or she is required to advise his or her immediate supervisor and request unscheduled leave.

Employees will submit completed OPM 71s and any documentation that might be required to substantiate absences.  Determinations of Excused Absences or Absences Without Leave (AWOL) will be evaluated on a case by case basis.  Employees who fail to follow JFK Call Out procedures may be charged with Absence Without Leave (AWOL).

As we (TSA) continue to serve as the one of the foundations for rapidly restoring and re-starting operations at JFK International Airport, I encourage each of you to travel to and from duty and conduct security operations on duty with safety as a priority.     

The references for this update are TSA MD 1100.61-1 Handbook - Emergency Dismissals and Closures and our Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Thanks in advance for your support. 

Paul Leyh

FSD
JFK International Airport