The June 30 issue of the NTEU TSA Update contained an inadvertent error in item #4 of the story titled, "Working this Weekend?" Item #4 is now correct and we regret any inconvenience this may have caused.
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July 1, 2010
Key Subcommittee Provides Budget Boost
New technology and additional manpower could be headed to TSA following approval by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security of an agency budget that includes a 6 percent funding increase in fiscal year 2011—the largest of any Department of Homeland Security component agency. The bill now goes to the full House Appropriations Committee.
Fourth of July Message from President Kelley
In celebration of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, I want to recognize the commitment of TSA Officers nationwide whose selfless public service plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation's airports and traveling public, including the many officers who will be working on July 4.
The dedication of TSA Officers, and all federal employees, contributes greatly to the strength and stability of our nation. For that, our entire nation is grateful. |
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The funding hike would allow the hiring of more than 5,000 new airport screeners, the purchase of roughly 500 new advanced imaging technology units and the training of nearly 300 explosive detection canine teams.
Union Scores Victory at LAX
NTEU resistance has helped put a stop to plans to institute a “Summer Leave Blackout” for TSA Officers at Los Angeles International Airport.
In a recent memo to employees, the airport's acting federal security director rescinded plans to restrict TSA Officers' sick leave usage this summer, including a proposal that officers be required to provide medical documentation for unscheduled sick leave absences lasting three days or less.
This reversal came after NTEU successfully worked with several House lawmakers from the greater Los Angeles area, led by Rep. Laura Richardson (D-Calif.), to send a letter to airport management highlighting their concerns about the proposed change in policy. NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley sent a similar letter to senior TSA officials in Washington, D.C.
Read about other NTEU representational victories here.
Filling out an SF 86
Across the country, BDOs are being asked to complete an SF 86, a lengthy background investigation form used for employees in such sensitive positions.
Any employee asked to complete this form should do so fully and truthfully and should also check their records to ensure consistency with other similar forms completed in the past.
The 19-page SF 86 includes questions about employees' education and employment experience, as well as financial records, foreign activities, drug and alcohol use, and police records. The form also asks for basic information about family members in order to determine potential conflicts of interest or other associations that may impede full clearance.
It is rare that any single answer would be disqualifying; instead, all answers are evaluated based on how recent the event was, its seriousness, and the relevance to your duties. A misrepresentation or falsification, however, will undoubtedly have an adverse impact.
If you have any questions, NTEU can help. Contact your local NTEU representative to learn more about the SF 86.
Working this Weekend?
Please keep this in mind:
1. If you are a full-time officer and scheduled to work on July 5, the day designated as "in lieu of holiday," you will receive double time (holiday pay) for the hours you worked.
2. Under TSA policy, if you are on a full-time schedule and your regularly scheduled work week is not Monday through Friday, then the workday immediately preceding the holiday is considered your "in lieu of holiday." For example, if you typically have Sundays and Mondays off, then this Saturday should be considered your "in lieu of holiday" for the upcoming Independence Day weekend.
3. If any portion of your shift falls on July 5, you are entitled to holiday pay for the entire shift. Also, holiday pay is computed in addition to any overtime, Sunday, or night differential pay that you earn, but it is not part of the employee's base pay that is used to compute these differentials.
4. If you are a part-time TSA Officer, you are entitled to receive holiday pay if you are scheduled to work on July 5. Part-time officers who are not scheduled to work on July 5 will not receive holiday pay or an "in lieu of holiday." More on holiday pay
For more information, contact your local NTEU representative.
