59TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Singapore, 30 March – 3 April 2020WP No. 163Review of WC (Working Conditions) – Professional Policy of the TPM
|
| IMPORTANT NOTE: The IFATCA Annual Conference 2020 in Singapore was cancelled. The present working paper was never discussed at Conference by the committee(s). Resolutions presented by this working paper (if any) were never voted. |
Summary
Over the past few years, PLC came to the conclusion that the TPM was in need of a significant overhaul in order to ensure consistency throughout the manual and with ICAO. Every year, several slight changes are made to individual policies, but there is a need to look at the entire TPM in a holistic way.
Introduction
1.1. The TPM is the main document used by TOC, PLC, ICAO representatives and other liaison officers as well as Member Associations, when there is a need to advocate a position on behalf of IFATCA or to push IFATCA’s policies at the global level. It is obvious that, for these reasons, the manual has to be as up- to-date as possible and as easy to use and refer to as it can be; this brings the need for a significant update this year.
1.2. This paper is one of multiple papers that will look at some editorial changes to the WC (Working Conditions) section of the TPM. This paper does not propose changes to the content or the intent of policies; changes proposed are purely editorial, but since they affect policies, they need to be presented in due form to Committee C at Conference.
Discussion
2.1. WC 8.1.3 – the words “circumvent an industrial dispute” appear twice in the same sentence, which is redundant. It is proposed to amend the policy as follows:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.1.3 – Disputes
Proposal:
The use of TIBA to circumvent an industrial dispute constitutes a misuse of the procedure and should not be used
to circumvent an industrial dispute.
2.2. WC 8.1.5 – It is proposed to insert the word “should” instead of “it is recommended that”, to align with policy drafting style used elsewhere in the document and in ICAO, as follows:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.1.5 – Minimum Service
Proposal:
It is recommended thatMember Associations should establish a policy on minimum ATC service that their individual members should provide when engaged in an industrial dispute.
It is recommended thatMember Associations should seek agreement with the appropriate authorities on the minimum ATC service ATCOs will provide when engaged in an industrial dispute.
2.3. WC 8.1.6 – It is proposed to edit the punctuation in the text, which is currently incorrect. “not” should be replaced with “without” to improve readability, as follows:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.1.6 – Single / Lone Person Operations (SPO)
Proposal:
[…] Until such time, measures shall be taken to mitigate all impacts of SPO/LPO, such as, but not limited to: traffic regulation, work break provisions,and informing neighbouring ATC units. Procedures shall be in place to implement such measures in an efficient way,notwithout increasing the workload of the ATCO.
2.4. WC 8.1.7 – In the first sentence, the word “strongly” is superfluous and should be removed. In the second sentence, 4EP is considered a principle, therefore “safety net” should be removed, as follows:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.1.7 – Four Eyes Principle (4EP)
Proposal:
Implementation of 4EP shall be
stronglyencouraged by MAs, both through their ANSP(s) and their regulator(s).An ATCO shall not be held liable for incidents or accidents resulting solely or in part from the non- implementation of the 4EP
safety net.
2.5. WC 8.1.8 – To ensure consistency with the rest of the document, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall”, and to insert “be” before “developed” in the second paragraph. The word “of” appears to be a typing mistake in the last paragraph and should be removed, as an editorial change, as follows:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.1.8 – Performance Indicators
Proposal:
[…]Global metrics for the performance of the Air Traffic Management System shall be developed through ICAO processes as soon as possible.
Controller expertise
mustshall be used in the establishment and settings of metrics that measure the performance of the Air Traffic Management System.Controller expertise
mustshall be used in establishing and reviewing models used for determining performance of the Air Traffic Management System to ensure that the models accurately reflect how the ATM system functions.Controller expertise
mustshall be used in the interpretation of data used to assess the performance of the Air Traffic Management System to ensure that data is not misleading because it is incomplete or incorrectly applied.[…]
IFATCA urges MAs to be involved in the creation
ofand application of an ATM Performance Measurement System.
2.6. In WC 8.2.1, the second and third parts of the policy refer to the ILO report (which is proposed to be moved from the TPM to the IFATCA website). To be consistent with this change, and to refer to ILO in a broader way, which would more in line with today’s practice (instead of 1979, when the report was written), some changes are proposed below. The intent of the policy doesn’t change, it only eliminates the specific references to the ILO report:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.2.1 – Methods of determining conditions of operation and service
Proposal:
Member Associations should make use of the ILO Conclusions in their contract negotiations with their employers, where these may be suitable.The Executive Board should in the interest of safety use any means, within the Constitution and Bye-Laws of the Federation, to assist the Member Associations in
suchtheir contract negotiationsto get acceptance from the authorities of the ILO Conclusions.
The Executive Board should use any lawful means to achieve, through and by the ILO, an international instrument, based on the above Conclusions or improved ones, by which aviation authorities would be encouraged to become signatories.The Executive Board should continue to liaise with the ILO
regarding conclusions numbered 12, 13, 25, 32, 41, 42 and 45 of the 1979 ILO Meeting of Aviation Experts in Air Traffic Controlon all matters of common interest to both organizations.
2.7. In 8.2.2.1, the last line mentions that a database should be created and maintained by IFATCA. Such database never existed: the office does not have, and never had the said database. While the rest of the policy is still valid, this line should be removed.
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.2.2.1 – Monitoring Privatisation / Commercialisation in ATC
Proposal:
IFATCA creates and maintain a secure database from responses to the questionnaires.
2.8. In 8.2.3 / 8.2.4, in the last paragraph, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall” for consistency:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.2.3/8.2.4 – Working Environments and ATC Systems
Proposal:
The physical working environment regarding control room temperature, lighting, relative humidity, adapted rest areas and facilities for eating and drinking
mustshall be designed so as to facilitate night shift demands.
2.9. In 8.2.5, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall” for consistency:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.2.5 – Automation / Human Factors
Proposal:
Automation
mustshall improve and enhance the data exchange for controllers. Automated systemsmustshall be fail-safe and provide accurate and incorruptible data. These systemsmustshall be built with an integrity factor to review and crosscheck the information being received.The Human Factors aspects of Automation
mustshall be fully considered when developing automated systems.Automation
mustshall assist and support ATCOs in the execution of their duties.The controller
mustshall remain the key element of the ATC system.Total workload should not be increased without proof that the combined automated/human systems can operate safely at the levels of workload predicted, and to be able to satisfactorily manage normal and abnormal occurrences. Automated tools or systems that support the control function
mustshall enable the controller […]The legal aspects of a controller’s responsibilities
mustshall be clearly identified when working with automated systems.
2.10. In WC 8.2.7, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall”, and use “ATCOs” and “ATS” for consistency, as follows:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.2.7 – Working with unserviceable or inadequate equipment
Proposal:
ATS management
mustshall ensure that ATS equipment is regularly maintained, by properly trained and qualified technical staff, to ensure its availability and reliability.ATS management
mustshall design adequate fault reporting procedures and publish required rectification times.
Air Traffic ControllersATCOs should not use equipment that is known to be unserviceable, unreliable or inaccurate for the provision ofservices to air trafficATS.
2.11. In WC 8.2.9, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall” for consistency, to remove unnecessary upper case and spell ATCOs properly (editorial). For clarity, “escape” should be replaced with “avoidance” and the word “separation assurance” replaced with “responsibility for separation”, as shown below:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.2.9 – Co-operative Separation
Proposal:
Airspace within which Co-operative Separation is used
mustshall be so designated. Before establishing a single airspace continuum over different States, all legal issues regarding liability and protection of staff should be addressed.[…]
Standard
escapeavoidance procedures shall be established for aircraft not being able to maintain responsibility for separationassurance.States
mustshall have in place regulations detailing procedures to be followed beforeSeparation Assuranceresponsibility for separation can be transferred to the cockpit.The Initial and final points at which
Separation Assuranceresponsibility for separation are transferred from ATC to the pilotmustshall be accurately defined in all cases.The responsibility for providing separation between the intercepting aircraft and all other aircraft
mustshall be clearly defined. ATCO’s should not be held liable for incidents or accidents resulting from an interception.
2.12. In WC 8.2.11, the first paragraph contemplates the establishment of an IFALPA/IFATCA working group, which either never existed or does not exist anymore. It is proposed to delete the first paragraph of the policy. It is also proposed to add the review of the entire policy to next year’s work programme, if possible.
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.2.11 – The “Free Flight Concept” Human Factors Considerations
Proposal:
IFATCA and IFALPA establish a Joint Task Group to evaluate the “Free Flight Concept” with a view to determining a Concept Document on the Future of ATC.
2.13. In WC 8.2.12, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall” for consistency:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.2.12 – ATM Safety Monitoring Tool
Proposal:
ASMT
mustshall be part of a Safety Management System and shall not be used by Management as a punitive tool for disciplinary action.[…]
Implementation of ASMT
mustshall be preceded by a clear statement in which its goals are defined.[…]
The criteria used to set up the ASMT parameters
mustshall be carefully planned and monitored. Sufficient considerationmustshall be given to restrict false or nuisance reports.[…]
ASMT
mustshall be part of a Safety Management System and shall not be used by management to take punitive action but solely for the prevention of future incidents and accidents. An ASMT shall only be enabled once appropriate safety nets relevant to the task such as STCA have been incorporated. The criteria used to define ASMT parametersmustshall be carefully planned and monitored with due consideration to minimising nuisance alerts.
2.14. In WC 8.3.1, there are several inconsistencies in the use of “shall” and “should”. It is proposed to replace “must” with “shall” and add a “shall” where “shall” is used (2nd paragraph) and a “should” where “should” is used (7th paragraph):
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.3.1 – Duty Rosters
Proposal:
An optimal roster should be promulgated, based on the maximum allowed number of working hours per week and per shift, a minimum number of break periods of an agreed minimum length, both during a shift and between shifts and on an optimal night/day switch number per week or per month as appropriate. This roster shall require
sdefinition of personnel strength based on the number of sectors and traffic density. Itmustshall allow for attribution of a minimum number of days paid leave, sick leave, extraordinary leave and unpaid leave. Itmustshall be such that a minimum number of weekends per month and of public holidays per year can be taken as they occur and not later. Conditions for overtime and night work (e.g. rest facilities)mustshall be defined and the regulations governing the various kinds of leave be clearly stated.[…]
In respect of the nature of night shift duties Member Associations should pursue additional time off for night shifts worked as compensation.
2.15. In WC 8.3.3, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall” for consistency:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.3.3 – Vacation Scheme
Proposal:
The annual leave for a controller should be not less than 30 working days (this is the equivalent of 6 weeks), excluding public holidays, of which 3 weeks
mustshall be consecutive.
2.16. In WC 8.3.4, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall” for consistency, and get rid of the bullet point, since there’s only one, and rephrase appropriately, as shown below:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.3.4 – Recency and Competency
Proposal:
The minimum operational working hours
mustshall be appropriate for the workload of each position.The minimum working hours may be increased
in the following cases:
•at the introduction of new procedures or ATC systems; at the instigation of
an individual controller.[EDITORIAL: remove bullet point, make the paragraph one single sentence]
2.17. In WC 8.4.1, it is proposed to rephrase slightly the policy to use standard language for policy, as follows:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.4.1 – General Provisions
Proposal:
Remuneration for the profession of air traffic controller
is justifiedshall be commensurate with the requirements and responsibilities of the profession, not limited by the practices of other organisations.Equal remuneration shall be granted for equal work
is justified with relationwith regards to duties and responsibilities.
2.18. In WC 8.4.2, it is proposed to update the reference to the most recent version of the ILO publication ISCO-88 (now ISCO-08), and to add a hyperlink to the document:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.4.2 – Remuneration Principle
Proposal:
Remuneration of air traffic controllers should reflect their “employment status” in accordance with ILO Publication
ISCO*-88ISCO-08, in which air traffic controllers have been put in a category that includes Aircraft pilots, ships’ officers and other related “associate professionals”.
*International Standard Classification of Occupationshttps://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/isco/docs/publication08.pdf
2.19. In WC 8.5.1, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall” for consistency:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.5.1 – Retirement
Proposal:
Air Traffic Controller retirement legislation
mustshall be accompanied by an adequate superannuation scheme which enables the controller to receive pension benefits as if service had continued to national retirement age.ANSPs
mustshall not increase retirement ages in an attempt to address ATCO staff shortage issues.
2.20. In WC 8.6.1, the first four paragraphs do not contain any action verb, advice, recommendation or requirement for MAs. It is in fact an explanation to what follows, the three following paragraphs, which are the actual policy. It is proposed to convert these four paragraphs into introduction material. Also, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall” for consistency:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.6.1 – Loss of Licence
Proposal:
Throughout their careers, air traffic controllers are exposed to the constant risk of losing their licence and/or qualifications on grounds of medical or technical incapacity.
To avoid the risk of loss of licence and/or qualifications, air traffic controllers should be provided with adequate measures at the employer’s expense such as the availability of appropriate medical services, physical fitness program, training facilities and refresher training to assist the Air Traffic Controller in maintaining the required health and skill standards.
Since the number of suitable and meaningful posts for re-employing the Air Traffic Controller within the civil service is rather limited in view of their specialized backgrounds, training and experience, employers should provide loss-of-licence compensation schemes and second career programs for air traffic controllers.
Where ATC is run by a private company, such establishment is even more important since re- employment possibilities are thus even more difficult to obtain.[EDITORIAL: MOVE TO INTRODUCTION]
[…]
a) Protection against Loss of Licence Insurance
mustshall be held by all ATCO’s.b) No extra medical examination
mustshall be required as ATCO’s undergo regular medical checks according to ICAO regulations.c) The insurer
mustshall not be able to impose special conditions or exclusions for any individual members.d) Exclusion for already existing medical problems
mustshall not be allowed.e) The meaning of bodily injury and illness
mustshall be clearly defined.f) The premium
mustshall be paid by the employer.g) Any payment under the policy
mustshall be in addition to any other benefits payable (i.e. pension, sick leave).h) The sum payable for permanent loss of licence
mustshall be at least equal to the amount of five years of ATCO’s income.i) The sum
mustshall be paid even if the ATCO continues to work with the same employer in a position outside ATS.j) Should the controller be re-instated with the same employer at a salary less than that of a controller, some provision
mustshall exist for this loss of income.k) Claims procedure
mustshall be set out clearly in the policy.l) Cancellation of Loss of Licence benefit
mustshall be payable upon provision of due written proof of loss.m) The policy
mustshall have no exclusions other than self-injury and war.
2.21. In WC 8.7.1, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall” for consistency:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.7.1 – Regulatory Framework in ATM
Proposal:
Regulation of ATM
mustshall remain the responsibility of the State or of those supranational public entities mandated by the member States.Regulatory / oversight functions
mustshall always be separated from Air Navigation Service Providers.Regulatory / oversight functions
mustshall always include ATCOs expertise in the development of the regulatory ATM framework.
2.22. In WC 8.7.2, it is proposed to replace “must” with “shall” for consistency, and to add “the” after “meet”, for clarity:
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.7.2 – Normal Operations Safety Survey
Proposal:
Monitoring Safety in Normal Operations
mustshall be seen as an integral element of a Safety Management System.A safety tool such as NOSS, shall meet the following conditions:
[…]
2.23. In WC 8.7.3, Air Traffic Service Providers (ATSPs) is an expression that is not (currently, at least) used; it should be changed to Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs). The second paragraph contains a short definition of what Human Factors are, and should be moved to acronyms and definitions. The third paragraph and second sentence of the fourth paragraph should be deleted, as it is an EASA tool which is not used anymore.
IFATCA TPM (2019), WC 8.7.3 – Safety Management Systems
Proposal:
Air
TrafficNavigation Service Providers (ATNSPs) should be encouraged from the outset to utilise the available and current operational expertise already existing within their organisations when developing SMS.
Human Factors are described as the human aspects of the working environment.[EDITORIAL: MOVE TO ACRONYMS AND TERMS]
The Human Factor Case is a tool to provide a process to address HF issues for a project. Its function is to identify and mitigate HF issues from the beginning of any new project.Human Factor issues shall be accounted for in each phase of the definition, development, and deployment of new and existing ATM systems and into operational training.
Human Factors Case shall be integrated into Safety Management Systems (SMS).Controllers and human factors experts shall be involved from the beginning of any new project.
Conclusions
3.1 The TPM is in need of a significant overhaul in order to ensure consistency throughout the manual and with ICAO. This paper is one of several papers addressing this issue, addressing in particular the editorial changes needed for the WC (Working Conditions) Section of the manual.
Recommendations
4.1 It is recommended that the above-mentioned sections of the Technical and Professional Manual (TPM) be amended accordingly, as described in Section 2 of this working paper.
References
IFATCA. (2019). IFATCA Technical and Professional Manual (TPM). 2019 Ed. Montréal, Canada: International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations.
Last Update: October 2, 2020