On March 7, 2025, United Public Employees (UPE) met with the Department of Airports to address the ongoing staffing shortages affecting Airport Operations Dispatchers (AODs) and Senior AODs. The County explained that vacancies, unexpected retirements, and leaves of absence have created a critical shortage, requiring dispatchers to take on both voluntary and mandatory overtime. To maintain compliance with state emergency service requirements, supervisors and Airport Operations Officers (AOOs) have also been stepping in to cover shifts.
UPE proposed a structured process for shift coverage to ensure fairness and limit the burden on dispatchers. Under our proposal, voluntary overtime opportunities would first be offered to all AODs and Senior AODs. If no one was available, shift coverage would then be assigned to supervisors and AOOs, with mandatory overtime for AODs and Senior AODs as a last resort. The County rejected this proposal and instead has decided to implement the following coverage process for the next 60 days: First, voluntary overtime opportunities for AODs and Sr. AODs will be provided to all AODs and Sr. AODs in the event that shift coverage is needed. Second, if no voluntary AODs or Sr. AODs are available, then available supervisors will cover AOD’s or Sr. AOD’s shift. Third, mandatory overtime will be assigned to AODs and Sr. AODs if voluntary coverage is insufficient, and no supervisors are available. Fourth, shift coverage will be provided by AOOs if no AODs or Sr. AODs are available for voluntary or mandatory overtime, and no supervisors are available.
UPE made sure the County is making efforts to recruit and hire additional AODs and Sr. AODs, with the expectation that the staffing shortage will be resolved by May 2025. UPE has requested a list of all actions being taken to fill these positions which the county has agreed to provide. This implementation is temporary, if the issue is not resolved within the next 60 days and an extension of the current plan is needed, the County must notify UPE and further meet and confers may occur regarding this matter.
While we believe our proposed structure would have been a fairer and more balanced approach, the County’s decision is intended to be temporary. UPE will continue to monitor this situation and defend member rights.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UPE 005 GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS ERICKA JONES, SYLVIA GARCIA, ZACKARY KOLLROSS, AND JENNIFER AVALO FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.
