Good Afternoon Team,
As most of you know, numerous states across the Nation are cautiously opening businesses as a first step toward normalcy. With the increase in economic activity, air carriers are slowly ramping up their operations. Late last week, we learned that several air carriers at LGA will be adding flights in early June and moving their departure times to pre-COVID flight schedules.
In addition, we will be ramping up our ATLAS hours on 1 Jun at all four airports to more effectively address potential insider-threats. At LGA, for example, ATLAS hours will be increasing by over 300%.
Given the pending flight schedule changes at LGA and dramatic increase in required ATLAS hours at all four airports, we will be making adjustments to some of the current shift times and Weather & Safety days. Specifically, LGA will be returning to pre-COVID start times for 1st Shift. Additionally, due to the increase in staffing needed to support ATLAS, fewer Weather & Safety days will be allocated to each Officer. LGA Staffing and Scheduling is working out the adjustment plan and will be releasing more information soon.
In the coming weeks and months, we anticipate implementing further adjustments as we respond to the dynamics of industry demand. Please remain flexible and understand that our mission is dictated by industry demand and the threat environment. We pledge to keep you advised as soon as we learn of future changes.
I do have great news to report. We just finalized our COVID-19 Crisis Recognition Plan for the workforce. All uniformed Officers who worked 25 hours or more from 15 Mar – 9 May will be receiving an additional $2.00 for each hour worked. In addition, members of our non-uniformed workforce who distinguished themselves during this same period will be receiving special recognition in the form of time-off-awards, special achievement compensation, and end-of-year IBI/PBIs. The uniformed workforce can anticipate payment in PP 13 or 14, assuming no technical complications, while the payout plan for non-uniformed employees is still being finalized.
We certainly have been through a lot over the last 80 days. I want to personally thank each of you that staunchly supported our security mission, particularly during the early days of the pandemic when ambiguity and fear was at its peak. Your continued bravery and dedication under stressful conditions serves to inspire FSD Duffy and I each day.
V/r,
Matt McKeon
Deputy Federal Security Director
