WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY

TO: All LGA, HPN, ISP, SWF Personnel

FROM: Robert A. Duffy, Federal Security Director: LGA, HPN, ISP, SWF

         It is with deep regret that I inform you of the untimely passing of I-Band Cargo Inspector Vincent Murray, age 55, of Glendale, NY, on Saturday, January 30, 2021.

         Vince began his TSA service in June, 2008. A highly respected member of the Regulatory team at LGA, Vince was an excellent teammate and mentor to our new inspectors. His motivation and enthusiasm for work was evident every day. Vince genuinely enjoyed his work and left all who knew him with a very positive lasting impression. Vince was also an exceptional teammate and respected officer in Screening and the Facilities Service Unit prior to his service in the Regulatory Unit.     

    

        Vince leaves behind his wife Brenda and 7 year old daughter Kaitlyn. Funeral arrangements will be sent to all when finalized.

         Our sincere condolences to Brenda, Kaitlyn, Vince’s family, Regulatory teammates and and many friends.

Respectfully,

Bob Duffy

Snow Alert: Monday 2/1/2021

LGA

Overnight Shift tonight Sunday 1/31 are to report as scheduled.

All Screening Operations are cancelled for Monday 2/1. 1st Shift Personnel are not to report on Monday 2/1. This includes TSSEs, K9 and ATLAS.

2nd & 3rd Shift Personnel are to standby for further information on Monday 2/1.

TSIs are to telework. Duty Agents are on call.

One lane will be open at Terminal B and one at Terminal C will be in operations.

 

Mission Support

Mission Support Personnel at Bulova are to Telework Monday 2/1 and Tuesday 2/2

Screening Support Center, Lost and Found and the Warehouse will be closed.

 

Parking in Airport Garages:

For personnel who will be driving in but don’t normally do and don’t have a proxy card. Remove your EZ-Pass from the windshield. Enter into a non EZ Pass Lane and take a ticket. When leaving, exit a non EZ Pass Lane and press the button and ask for a ABM representative who will verify your ID and let you out.

 

New Hire Orientation:

New hire orientation has been moved to Wednesday February 3, 2021. The scheduled timeslots will remain the same.

 

Training:

All Training is canceled for Monday 2/1 and Tuesday 2/2 at Terminal and BULOVA.

ARC and FOL are also canceled

 

General

MTA is going to a modified schedule at 0600 hours on Monday 2/1.

Schools are on a virtual schedule with physical schools closed.

Alternate side parking is suspended until Wednesday 2/3

Snow Alert: Local Information

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING:

The New York City Department of Transportation announced that Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended 2/1 & 2/2 to facilitate snow removal. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout NYC. 

SCHOOLS:

NYC public school buildings will be closed on 2/1. All students scheduled for an instructional day will learn remotely. All Meal Hubs will be closed.

 

Snow Alert: New Hire Orientation

Due to the pending snow storm the new hire orientation has been moved to Wednesday February 3, 2021.   The scheduled timeslots will remain the same.

Snow Alert: LGA Terminal B COVID Testing Site closed 1/31/2021

On behalf of New York City Health + Hospital Test & Trace Corps, please see the below message.

 

In response to the approaching winter weather storm, The LaGuardia COVID testing facility, in the Terminal B Garage, will be CLOSED on Monday, February 1, 2021.  Normal testing operations will resume at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

 

Thank you and stay safe.

Snow Alert: FSD Staff at Bulova

In anticipation of the snow event on Sunday 1/31/2021 to Monday 2/1/2021 all FSD personnel assigned to Bulova will telework on Monday 2/1/2021. Liberal leave policy if you choose to take leave. 

Announcement on screening operations will be posted after conference calls with PANYNJ and Airlines. 

Please continue to look for updates.

Weekly Update

DATE:        January 29, 2021

TO:            All Personnel: LGA, HPN, ISP, SWF

FROM:      Robert A. Duffy, Federal Security Director: LGA, HPN, ISP, SWF

SUBJECT:  Weekly Update

As we close this last week of January, I want to take this opportunity to welcome Deputy FSD Matt McKeon back to New York.  As you know, Matt served as the Acting FSD for the State of Wyoming for the past four months and it is great to have him back.

As we welcome Matt back to New York, we say goodbye to AFSD-I John Ellison.  John retired this week from the TSA after 19 years of service.  We thank John for his service to the Nation and wish him and his family all the best as he heads into his next adventure in life.  We will begin the process to name a successor to John soon.  Effective today, Supervisory TSI Bryan Fleming will serve as the Acting AFSD-I.  I am confident that Bryan will be successful and I ask that you all provide Bryan and the Regulatory team with your support during this transition.

I want to say thank you to all of you in Screening Operations as we have seen a substantial improvement in our covert test results between FET and Red Team testing over the past four months.  With an increased focus on strict adherence to following the SOPs, resolving all alarms as a team with 2 or more people, and combatting complacency, we are seeing tremendous improvement in our test results.  The use of our TSS-Es in all colorimetrics tests has resulted in 100% detection.  We are pursuing different options for improving the complacency challenge.  TSA-IAD (Washington-Dulles) conducted a pilot program developed by the US Army and successfully used by the NFL and NASCAR, that showed excellent results in overcoming complacency.  We are also looking at other opportunities through area colleges and the private sector business community for additional ideas on how we can successfully overcome this challenge and drive improvement in our effectiveness in detection.

We still continue to see low passenger volumes at all of our airports.  The information we have received from the airlines and airport operators indicate that February will not be much different than January.  There are indications that as we get into March, some airlines will be expanding their schedules.  We have started hiring new officers to fill the vacant TSO positions, and we are also working to fill the K-9 team vacancies as well as two K-9 instructor positions.  We expect all of our screening checkpoints to be fully staffed by this summer.  Our K-9 vacancies will take longer to fill as the training is 3 months, so we won’t likely see new teams until late summer or early fall at the earliest.  Since our K-9 Unit has been increased from 6 to 10 teams, we have more hiring to do than expected at the start of the year, but that is a good problem to have as we have worked hard for several years to increase the number of K-9s at LGA. 

Thank you for the excellent teamwork and flexibility in addressing the need for the Congressional assistance at the checkpoints and for the ATLAS teams increasing the REFS plays at the gates over the past two weeks.  We will continue those efforts through Sunday, January 31.

Lastly, I want to address the matter of COVID-19 and the vaccine.  By now, all of you in Screening and Regulatory should have received an e-mail advising you of the opportunity to receive a vaccination through a program offered to all DHS components nationwide.  Please respond to that e-mail.  The vaccine is voluntary, but we need to know how many people are interested in the opportunity to receive the vaccine.  We expect the DHS program to start in February.  DHS is working with the Veteran’s Health Administration (VHA) to administer the vaccine program.  You will be given 4 hours during your work day to receive a vaccination.  If you are vaccinated and feel any ill effects, you can take up to 2 days of leave to recover.  So far, from our personnel who have received a vaccine through state public health vaccine programs, there have been no ill effects.  A second option for you is the use of the State of New York, Connecticut or New Jersey Public Health Departments.  They all have a web site where you register to receive the vaccine at locations that may be closer and more convenient to you than the DHS program.  You can register for both and go to whomever calls you first.  If you go to a non-government provider, you can still take 4 hours from work to receive the vaccine.  In either program, you must notify your supervisor so that we know you are accounted for.  Upon returning to work, please show your vaccination certificate for proof of having received the vaccine and for the follow-up date and time for your second vaccination.  

In talking to some of you and looking at our survey results of interest in receiving the vaccine, I have to admit I am surprised at the low numbers of people wanting the vaccine at LGA and SWF.  From the people I have talked to that said they were not going to get the vaccine, I have heard that people think the vaccine was developed too quickly; that young people aren’t as badly effected by COVID-19 and don’t see the need; some people want to wait to see what happens to those that do get a vaccine; others don’t like getting shots and some people have said they had COVID-19 and don’t need it.  I strongly recommend you to do your own research and talk to your healthcare provider about the safety of the vaccine.  Tens of millions of people have already received the vaccine across the US and many more millions around the world.  The first group to receive the vaccine were healthcare professionals and they had no reservations.  The President, who has arguably the best healthcare of anyone on earth, received his vaccination.  I had COVID-19 last year and I am going to get the vaccine, with no hesitation or concerns, at my first opportunity.  I would never encourage you to do something that I am not willing to do.  Knowing all too well what the illness was like, I will take the vaccine rather than risk becoming infected again.  I tell you this because I care about you and don’t want to see any more of you and your families getting sick.       

While the vaccine is not mandatory, I urge you to consider that by receiving the vaccine, you are protecting yourself against COVID-19, but you are also helping to protect your TSA teammates, friends and your loved ones at home.  COVID-19 is a dangerous, and in some cases a fatal illness.

Thank you very much for your continuous efforts and dedication to keep our Nation safe.

Respectfully,                  

 

Robert A. Duffy

Federal Security Director

Shift Trade Cancellation Process

MESSAGING TO ALL BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES,  

This is a reminder of the Shift Trade Policy and Cancellation process from the Collective Bargaining Agreement & Policies.    

A signed agreement to work a Shift Trade on TSA form 1160-8 (on iShare) for another Officer becomes part of the work schedule. To Cancel a Shift Trade, a TSA form 1160-9 (on iShare) is used.  As such employees are required to follow guidelines and apply proper leave procedures when applicable.  Failure to do so affects the operation and will result in counseling and/or progressive discipline in accordance with existing directives.   

     

CBA ARTICLE 5 D. 5. A

Cancellation of Approved Shift Trades: a. Bargaining unit employees will cancel an approved trade by submitting TSA Form 1160- 9, Shift Trade Cancellation, or the electronic version to the designated management official or POC no later than twenty-four (24) hours before the start time of the first affected shift and receiving acknowledgment of the submission of TSA Form 1160-9, Shift Trade Cancellation, or the electronic version from the designated management official or POC. In circumstances in which affected bargaining unit employees cannot submit TSA Form 1160-9, Shift Trade Cancellation, or the electronic version or have not received acknowledgment of receipt of the form from the designated management official or POC, the affected bargaining unit employees must verbally cancel the approved shift trades to the designated management official or POC no later than twenty-four (24) hours of the start time of the affected trade. TSA Form 1160-9, Shift Trade Cancellation, or the electronic version must be submitted to document the cancelation as soon as practicable but no later than the end of each affected bargaining unit employee’s next scheduled shift.

 

Janine M. Ganas

SSOO - Scheduling

LGA Vacancy Announcement - Program Assistant E Band

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/589849700

 

Program Assistant

Transportation Security Administration

Department of Homeland Security

Queens, New York

01/21/2021 to 02/03/2021

KRONOS BULLETIN FOR ALL PERSONNEL IN THE LGA HUB AND SPOKES

TSA LGA/HPN/ISP/SWF Leadership reminds all personnel who utilize KRONOS clocks that you are expressly forbidden from swiping another employees KRONOS card, from utilizing their unique KRONOS ID, or from using their unique KRONOS password. TSA LGA/HPN/ISP/SWF personnel are also reminded that they are forbidden from providing their own issued KRONOS card, unique ID or password to any other employee (except a management official or scheduling official for identified legitimate uses and or technical assistance). Any employee found to have improperly provided and or used another’s KRONOS information, KRONOS card, unique ID, or password; are subject to an inquiry due to violation of policy, including but not limited to timecard fraud. Individuals found violating policy may be subject to discipline up to and including removal from service.  

AWARENESS BULLETIN FOR ALL PERSONNEL IN THE LGA HUB AND SPOKES

TSA LGA/HPN/ISP/SWF Leadership was notified that a local Officer’s personal e-mail and social media account (Facebook) has been “hacked.”  The Officer received an e-mail (appearing to be sent from their own e-mail address) in which the perpetrator demanded a ransom to be paid in bitcoin.  The message further contained the Officer’s personal identifiable information not only of the Officer but their relatives as well.  The perpetrator, who currently has control of the Officer’s social media and e-mail accounts, has sent out derogatory, inflammatory, and distasteful messages from the Officer’s accounts.  Many of the affected Officer’s colleagues have received these messages.  Additionally, information has been changed on the affected Officer’s social media accounts in an effort to discredit the Officer and create hostility.

 

We want to assure you that this information DOES NOT represent the thoughts, views, or beliefs of the Officer.  The Officer has reported this hack and threat to us and local law enforcement. TSA Management is taking this matter very seriously and will be working diligently with law enforcement until the situation is resolved.

 

If you receive any of these messages, please report it through your chain of command so that we may properly track the full extent of the breach.

LGA Vacancy Announcement - Human Resources Assistant F band

Please see vacancy announcement for a Human Resources Assistant at LGA.

 

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/589569700

 

SARS-Covid-2 Vaccine Information Flyer LGA-HPN-ISP-SWF

For dissemination to all personnel in the LGA FSD Hub and Spoke Network and required to be briefed to all frontline and office personnel for the next seven days to ensure widest dissemination possible.

 

On the LGA iShare you will find the SARS-COVID-2 Vaccine Info Flyer 1.13.2021 that outlines the frontline workforce assigned to the LGA FSD AOR ability to use the NYS health portal to receive the vaccine in the 1B roll out by signing up through the NYS Health portal link embedded in the document as an “airport assigned employee.” Note that this is outside of the DHS/TSA efforts through the VHA network.

 

By utilizing your airport SIDA and Government issued PIV in conjunction with the updated FERO Response letter our employees should be able to access the 1B roll out of the vaccine through the State and City of NY designated sites.  

The flyer has step by step instructions on how to sign up on both the eligibility page and enrollment page of the NYS COVID Vaccine Page. After the eligibility page it will list the providers you can go to. You then must fill out the enrollment page to receive a confirmation number you must show the provider. 

It is very important person strongly consider getting the vaccine in order to protect themselves, their family and co-workers but participation is voluntary. 

Pay Period 26 Salary Payments

The National Finance Center (NFC) has informed TSA that they experienced system issues with running the Time and Attendance Validation System (TIME) job during Pay Period 26 payroll processing.

Employees whose Pay Period (PP) 26 time and attendance (T&A) records were certified and received at NFC by the first cut-off, which was on Tuesday, January 5. These employees will receive their Direct Deposit net salary payments in their bank accounts on the official pay date of Monday, January 11, 2021. Employees who have check mailing will receive their paycheck via mail by Thursday, January 14, 2021.

For those employees whose time and attendance has not been certified and transmitted to NFC, the T&A must be certified before 6 p.m. Eastern time today, January 8, 2021, to ensure a Direct Deposit net salary payment is received on Monday, January 11.

As a reminder, financial institutions may have different timeframes for posting of direct deposits. This may delay funds being immediately available in an employee’s bank account. Employees are encouraged to verify payment posting through their financial institution.

COVID Rapid Test at LGA

On behalf of New York City Health + Hospital Test & Trace Corps, please see the below message.

 

Effective 4pm today NYCHH will PAUSE rapid testing availability at the LGA COVID test site.  They are actively working to reintroduce rapid testing availability no later than Sunday, January 10^th.   

 

Please be advised, they will continue to offer PCR testing at the COVID test site during this time.

W2s and TSPs

Please check the LGA iShare page. Information posted on W2s and TSPs. Too much info to post here. 

LaGuardia is opening Part Time to Full Time conversions.

Please complete a Conversion Request Sheet and submit a legible copy to Scheduling or send an email with required information to Lga.Scheduling@tsa.dhs.gov. TSOs are evaluated on criteria to include attendance and performance. Must have at least thirty (30 days) of service and be fully certified for eligibility.

 

Submit your application by COB on Thursday, January 15, 2021.  Thank you.

 

Janine M. Ganas

SSOO - Scheduling

COVID-19 Vaccine Sign Up: 1-B Group

Date:	January 5, 2021
To:	All TSA Employees
From:	David P. Pekoske Administrator
Subject:	100 – COVID-19 Vaccine Sign Up: 1-B Group

As noted in previous broadcasts, TSA is participating in a program with DHS and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. An initial notification was sent last night to the mission critical frontline personnel who were identified by TSA. This includes positons such as TSOs, LTSOs, STSOs, TSMs, TSIs, TSS-Es, Canine Handlers, and FAMs.

 

These individuals should have received an email notification from DHS. This email came fromITServicenow@hq.dhs.gov with the subject line “DHS Vaccine Program Invitation.” Please ensure your mailbox is not full and check your Junk folder if you have not received an email notification.

 

Employees who received this email notification are required to notify their immediate supervisor of the receipt of the email and their intent to opt in or opt out for the VHA administered vaccine. Those who might have received the vaccine through other channels are required to also notify their immediate supervisor, log into ITSERVICENOW, indicate they are opting out and state they have received the vaccine through a local partner.

 

Human Capital will be issuing specific guidance tomorrow to assist employees and field leadership through this process. The information will also address travel and leave protocols to assist employees in receiving the vaccine.

 

TSA is committed to ensuring our employees have full opportunity to participate in this program, and I encourage you to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccination when it becomes available to you.