Meet and Confer Update – Department of Airports

On October 14, 2025, UPE met with the Department of Airports to discuss several Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Topics included Fire Call Handling, General Emergency Call Handling, Law Enforcement Call Handling, Trainer Responsibilities, Audio/Video Review and Release, Aviation Worker Screening, Airport Vacation Bidding, Communications Center environment, Overtime Selection and Assignment, and Scheduling and Leave Time.

UPE is still in the process of meeting with the department on many of these SOPs. Another meeting is scheduled for October 23, 2025, to discuss the policies.

One important topic discussed in depth that was settled was the Scheduling and Leave Time policy. Shift and vacation bidding is generally based on seniority and is done twice a year through a system called Schedule Express. There are blackout dates when vacation requests are limited, bidding on the holiday times will need to take place a month before the holiday, and only one dispatcher per shift can be off at a time. Overtime is first offered voluntarily and then assigned if unfilled.

UPE works hard to protect your rights in the workplace. Please stay tuned for future updates. If any members have any questions or concerns, please contact your worksite business agent.



UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE 005 OFFICE TECHNICAL GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS ZACKARY KOLLROSS, SYLVIA GARCIA, AND ERICKA JONES FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT