Section 1
Given the essential nature of FAA responsibilities, employees are expected to make a reasonable effort to report for work during hazardous geological/weather conditions between the employee's home and their duty location; however, they are not expected to disregard their personal safety or that of their family. All employees who are unable to report for duty shall notify their facility as soon as possible. Employees who are unable to report for duty shall be granted excused absence at the time of their request, subject to the review process in Section 2. If requested, employees shall provide information that supports their request for excused absence as soon as feasible after returning to duty. Examples of information are:
a. oral or written statements;
b. conditions that the employee encountered;
c. a synopsis of efforts made;
d. other information which provides an explanation or which shows hazardous geological/weather conditions prevented the employee from reporting to the facility or compelled the employee to safeguard his or her family against such phenomena.
Section 2
When deciding to sustain or rescind excused absence(s) granted in Section 1, the Agency, during joint review with the Union, shall consider reports from the employee, civil authorities, current meteorological information, news media, official road reports, leave approvals, reduced staffing, or closings at other area government facilities.
Section 3
When the Agency at the local level, after consulting with the Union, determines that hazardous geological/weather conditions exist or are imminent, on-duty bargaining unit employees shall be released as soon as possible, as staffing and workload permit. Volunteers to remain on duty shall be utilized to the extent possible.
Section 4
The Agency retains the right to determine the opening, closing, and use of its facilities during periods of hazardous geological/weather conditions. Subject to security and operational needs, the Parties at the facility may review existing facility emergency readiness plans and, to the extent appropriate, negotiate supplemental procedures addressing the work and family safety concerns of employees during such hazardous conditions.
Section 5
At facilities not in continuous operation, the Parties at that level shall negotiate procedures that employees shall use to notify the Agency in the event that they are unable to report on the opening shift. The procedures shall also establish the method the Agency will use to notify employees in the event that they are not required to report for duty due to hazardous geological/weather conditions.
Section 6
Issues arising from employees who chronically are unable to report to work during these conditions will be addressed utilizing the provisions of Articles 8 and/or 52 of this Agreement prior to more formal measures being initiated.