Airports Communication Center SOP Update

On October 24, 2024, UPE had a second meeting with the Sacramento County Department of Airports to discuss DOACC 100-03 General Dress Code and DOACC 100-07 Scheduling and Leave Time policies as they relate to dress code, shift bidding, and vacation scheduling. The department proposed requiring employees needing dress code accommodation to provide detailed medical documentation specifying restrictions and their duration. UPE argued that ADA-related accommodations should be handled by HR rather than being embedded in department policies, as the department was overstepping its discretion. We successfully demanded the removal of such language. Notably, the department now prohibits open-toe shoes in the workplace; however, employees needing accommodation for medical reasons can still request ADA support.

 

The department also attempted to enforce what they considered “good business taste” for dress code, reserving the right to deny employees based on this subjective judgment. UPE countered these subjective standards as inappropriate for management to enforce. This language was successfully removed.

 

For scheduling and leave, employees now have two bidding windows each year: one in November for shifts and vacation from January 1 to June 30 and one in May for the period from July 1 to December 31. Initially, the department limited the time to bid to two days, but UPE negotiated a three-day period to allow employees adequate time for selection. The shift bidding process will be completed using Schedule Express and organized into three bidding groups: Supervisor, Senior Airport Operations Dispatcher (Senior AO), and Airport Operations Dispatcher (AOD). The department will notify employees in advance about their specific bidding dates.

 

After shift bidding, overtime availability will be posted in Schedule Express, allowing members to volunteer for open shifts. If overtime coverage is still needed, forced overtime will be assigned through Schedule Express, with advanced notifications posted on Schedule Express.

 

UPE remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of its members. We understand that clarity and fairness in policies are needed rather than subjective standards like “good business taste.” Rest assured, UPE will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected, and your voices are heard. Together, we are strong.

 

UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK SYLVIA GARCIA, AND JUNE MORRIS, UPE 005 GOVERNING BOARD, FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONG!