PASS Call with the FAA, April 22

PASS Brothers and Sisters:

As I reported earlier this week, the FAA has rolled out what we are calling a ‘pulse’ survey to our Tech Ops employees and I encourage all of you to take it. We share the concerns you submit to PASS with the agency anonymously, but this is another avenue for you to provide direct input about what you are facing and what gaps still may exist. Please provide as much detail as possible so that direct action can be taken to improve the situation.

No doubt you have all seen news reports about states looking to ‘re-open’ after a month or more of sheltering in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget released a joint memo to agency heads that states it will be a phased reopening in accordance with state and local guidelines. Just this morning, OPM released a series of frequently-asked questions. The FAA and the Department of Transportation have not offered specific guidelines as of yet, but I have been assured that PASS will be at the virtual table when those guidelines are hammered out.

Facility cleaning: We reported to the agency yesterday that there seems to be miscommunication on the local level regarding custodial services and areas of some facilities, like common areas, are not being cleaned properly or at all. All facilities should be receiving Level 2 cleaning, unless there is a confirmed or presumptive positive test for COVID-19, in which case a Level 3, medical grade cleaning is to be conducted. Some of the inconsistencies are due to a lack of clarity with custodians as to what the cleaning contract covers. PASS is doing our part to clear up these misunderstandings about cleaning to protect the health and safety of you and your family. We have asked that frontline managers consult with PASS representatives at each facility to ensure that all areas are cleaned regularly and to the standards set forth in custodial contracts. If you are reporting to a facility and still see inconsistent levels of cleaning, please let us know.

Periodic Maintenance (PMs): We again raised the issue of inconsistent application of the PM guidance provided to frontline managers. I have been promised that a clarification will be coming out today. But please continue to monitor for updated PMs and report to PASS if you are being asked to perform nonessential maintenance. We will continue communicating with the agency and will report back to you on the topics discussed.

In Solidarity,

Mike Perrone
National President

 

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