UPE Stands Up for Airport Operations Dispatchers!

On July 7, 2025, United Public Employees (UPE) met with the Department of Airports for a second time to address the ongoing staffing shortages affecting Airport Operations Dispatchers (AODs) and Senior AODs. The County explained they are still experiencing vacancies, unexpected retirements, and leaves of absence creating 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 been stepping in to cover shifts.

Previously, 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 for AODs and Senior AODs; second, mandatory overtime for AODs and Senior AODs if voluntary coverage is insufficient; and third, shift coverage by supervisors and AOOs only if no AODs or Senior AODs are available.

UPE made sure the County is still making every effort to recruit and hire additional AODs and Sr. AODs, with the expectation that the staffing shortage will be resolved soon. The County has conveyed to UPE they are making efforts to reach full staffing levels, citing their ongoing accelerated recruitment efforts. This implementation is still 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 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, AND ZACKARY KOLLROSS, FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.