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IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS ______________________________________ MARK G. ABBEY, et al. ) ) Plaintiffs, ) ) v. ) ) THE UNITED STATES, ) ) Defendant. ) _ )
No. 07-272C Judge Emily C. Hewitt
PLAINTIFFS' REPLY TO DEFENDANT'S RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS' PROPOSED FINDINGS OF UNCONTROVERTED FACTS Pursuant to Rule 56(h)(1) of the Rules of this Court, plaintiffs respectfully submit the following Reply to Defendant's Response to Plaintiffs' Proposed Findings of Uncontroverted Facts in support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment and in Opposition to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss and Motion for Summary Judgment. A. FAA Is Aware That It Must Comply With Federal Law
1. FAA's personnel handbook acknowledges that "[w]henever legislative, regulatory, or other authoritative changes invalidate any portion of this handbook, that portion is voided automatically." FAA Pay Order p.1 (Plf. App. 94). 1 FAA's Personnel Management System also reveals that FAA is aware that it is not covered by the relevant provisions of Title V. Personnel Management System, Sections II and III (Plf. App. 41-42) (Section 5543 of Title V not listed in section of "Applicable Statutes"; conceding that "Congress did not include Chapter 71 of Title 5 . . . in the list of section that will continue to apply to FAA's new personnel management system.") Defendants' Response: Admits the allegations contained in the first sentence of P1. PFUF No. 1. Admits the allegations contained in the second sentence of P1. PFUF No. 1 to the extent supported by the documents cited which are the best evidence of their contents; otherwise, denies the allegations contained in the second sentence of P1. PFUF
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Plaintiff's Appendix, submitted in opposition to Defendants' Partial Motion to Dismiss and Partial Motion for Summary Judgment and in support of Plaintiffs' Cross-Motion for Partial Summary Judgment shall hereinafter be referred to as, "Plf. App. ___." In addition, due to the voluminous nature of the document "FAA Pay Order," plaintiffs submit only the relevant portions of the document, but can provide the document in its entirety at the Court's request.
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No. 1; denies the characterization of provisions of title 5 as "relevant;" further avers that Congress eventually included chapter 71 of title 5 in the list of sections that apply to the FAA Personnel Management System. See Pub. L. 104-122, 110 Stat. 876 (Mar. 29, 1996), codified at 49 U.S.C. § 40122(g) (2) (C). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: The first sentence of Plaintiffs' Fact 1 is undisputed. The second sentence of Plaintiffs' Fact 1 is disputed and its other statements constitute argument.
B.
FAA Provides Compensatory Time for Hours Worked in Excess of 40
2. FAA provides plaintiffs with compensatory time for hours worked in excess of plaintiffs' required 40 hours of work per week. FAA Pay Order pp. 9-10 (Plf. App. 9596)(authorizing the payment of compensatory time for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek). Defendants' Response: Denies the allegations contained in P1. PFUF No. 2 to the extent these suggest the FAA grants compensatory time to employees who have not requested it. The FAA provides compensatory time for hours worked in excess of an individual plaintiff's required forty hours of work per week upon request of the individual plaintiff. FAA Order 3550.10, Pay Administration, App. 10, § 3; Agreement between the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, AFL/CIO and the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, Art. 38, § 7 (Sept. 2003) (hereinafter "2003 Contract") ("At the request of the employee, the Agency may grant compensatory time off from an employee's tour of duty instead of payment for an equal amount of irregular or occasional overtime work. At the request of an employee, the Agency may grant compensatory time off from an employee's basic work requirement under a flexible work schedule instead of payment for an equal amount of overtime work, whether or not irregular or occasional in nature. If an employee has any entitlement to overtime pay under FLSA at the end of a work week, the Agency cannot require the employee to take compensatory time instead of overtime."); Contract between the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, AFL-CIO and the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Art. 38, § 9 (June 5, 2006) (hereinafter "2006 Contract") (identical language as 2003 contract regarding compensatory time). Miniace Decl. ¶ 8 (Def. Supp. App. 39-40). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Defendant does not deny Fact 2 and its other statements constitute argument. 3. Plaintiffs receive compensatory time at the straight rate, not the time and one-half rate of pay. Instead, plaintiffs receive compensatory time for hours worked in excess of forty (40) hours per week at the rate of "one hour for one hour of overtime work." FAA Pay Order p.
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10 (Plf. App. 96) (employees receive compensatory time at a rate of "one hour for one hour of overtime work."). Defendants' Response: Admits the allegations contained in P1. PFUF No. 3, except for the citation to "FAA Pay Order P. 10." Avers that plaintiffs have not cited the correct section of the FAA Order to support their allegation. Appendix 10 of FAA Order 3550.10, Pay Administration, addresses the implementation of provisions of the FLSA. Cook Supp. Decl. ¶ 2 (Def. Supp. App. 1). Section 3.I.C. of Appendix 10 states: "Compensatory time continues to be earned at the rate of an hour for one hour of overtime work." PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 3 is undisputed. C. FAA Also Provides "Credit Hours" for Hours Worked in Excess of 40 Hours Per Week
4. FAA considers "credit hours" to be "non-overtime hours" worked by plaintiffs with Flexible Work Schedules Yet FAA provides "Credit Hours" for hours worked in excess of these plaintiffs' required 40 hours of work per week. Bukovskey decl. ¶6 (Plf. App. 8); Def. App. 14. Defendants' Response: Denies the allegations contained in P1. PFUF NO. 4 to the extent it suggests that employees other than those working a flexible work schedule ("FWS") may earn credit hours. Avers that only employees working a flexible work schedule (FWS) are permitted to earn credit hours, at the election of the employee and after approval by the Agency. Cook Decl. ¶ 6 (Def. App. 3); 2006 Contract, Art. 34, § 7 (Def. App. 14); 2003 Contract, Art. 34, § 8 (Def. App. 15). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 4 is undisputed. Defendant continues to engage in semantics calling hours worked over 40 hours a week "non-overtime credit hours," because it has placed the individual working them on a flextime pursuant to statutory sections of title 5 that do not apply to those employees. Defendant does not dispute that such hours are work hours in excess of 40 hours a week and that plaintiffs who have worked these hours are compensated for them with straight time "credit hours," which are comp time. 5. To receive credit for overtime hours that result in accrual of credit hours, plaintiffs must obtain prior management approval. Bukovsky decl. ¶7 (Plf. App. 8); Def. App. 20 ("Credit hours may be earned, with management approval")) Defendants' Response: Denies the implied allegation that credit hours are "overtime
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hours." Credit hours are "non-overtime hours worked under an FWS which are in excess of an employee's basic work requirement and which are worked at the election of the employee after approval by the Agency." 2006 Contract, Art. 34, § 7 (Def. App. 14). Defendant admits that employees must obtain prior management approval before earning credit hours. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 5 is undisputed as reflected in the last sentence of defendant's response. Otherwise, defendant is merely engaging in the game of semantics plaintiffs address in the plaintiffs' reply above. 6. "Credit hours" may be "used" by an employee for paid time off. Def. App. 14 ("credit hours" are accrued based on hours worked and may be used upon request to "substitute credit hours for approved annual leave"); Def. App. 20 ("Credit hours use is subject to management approval, as with any other form of leave"). Defendants' Response: Admits. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 6 is undisputed. 7. "Credit hours" are not given at a cash rate of time and one-half but are instead provided at the straight rate of pay and any "credit hours" accrued in excess of 24 hours are forfeited. Def. App. 14 ("credit hours" are provided "at [the employee's] current rate of basic pay" and "any balances in excess of twenty-four (24) hours shall continue to have no cash value"); Def. App. 20 ("Credit hours in excess of the [24 hour] maximum carryover are forefeited"); Def. App. 21 ("Employees receive lump-sum payment for the 24 hour maximum of credit hours when they leave the agency. The payment is made at the employee's current rate of pay at the time that payment is made"). Defendants' Response: Denies; avers that credit hours are earned on an hour for hour basis, i.e. for each non-overtime hour worked under an FWS which is in excess of an employee's basic work requirement and is worked at the election of the employee, the employee receives one credit hour. Cook Supp. Decl. ¶ 3 (Def. Supp. App. 1). Credit hour balances in excess of twenty-four (24) hours are carried over and not forfeited. 2006 Contract Art. 32, § 7 (Def. App. 14). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 7 is undisputed with the exception of whether credit hours are forfeited. Although defendant states that credit hours are now carried over, defendant does not dispute its own document that stated prior to 2006 they were not carried over. In addition, defendant does not dispute that credit hours have "no cash value," meaning they are not cashed out upon a plaintiffs'
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retirement or otherwise leaving government employment. See also Defendant's Response to Plaintiff's Fact ¶ 8 below. 8. Prior to September 3, 2006, the FAA did not give bargaining unit members any cash value for accrued credit hours, nor was there a cap on the number of credit hours an employee could accrue. (Krasner decl. ¶16)(Plf. App. 16). Defendants' Response: Admits; further avers that in 1998, the FAA agreed to remove the 24 hour "cap" on earning credit hours. Miniace Decl. ¶ 9 (Def. Supp. App. 40). In exchange, NATCA agreed that "controllers will in no circumstances be able to convert unused credit hours into pay." Id. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 8 is undisputed. 9. By September 3, 2006, many FAA employees, including plaintiffs, had accrued in excess of 1,000 credit hours. (Krasner decl. ¶17)(Plf. App. 16). FAA was aware of potential legal liability for its employees' accrual of credit hours. Id. Defendants' Response: Denies; avers that some FAA employees, not "many," possibly including some plaintiffs, had credit hour balances in excess of 1,000 hours; further avers that the FAA was aware that it had a responsibility to allow all employees with positive credit hour balances the opportunity to use those credit hours for time off from work. Ducharme Decl. ¶ 4 (Def. Supp. App. 13). Further avers that the allegations contained in P1. PFUF No. 9 are immaterial to determining whether the FAA had the legal authority to award employees, including plaintiffs, credit hours in certain situations. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 9 is undisputed. 10. Subsequent to September 3, 2006, FAA implemented a cap of 24 accrued credit hours whereby employees who had already accrued credit hours in excess of 24 hours were required to use all excess credit hours until the accrued hours level reached 24 hours. Only when their accrued credit hours dipped below 24 accrued credit hours were employees allowed to recommence accrual of credit hours. (Krasner decl. ¶18)(Plf. App. 16-17). Defendants' Response: Admits. Further avers that the amount of credit hours employees could accrue after September 3, 2006, is immaterial to determining whether the FAA had the legal authority to award employees, including Plaintiffs, credit hours in certain situations. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 10 is undisputed. D. Plaintiffs' Performance of Off-the-Clock Work
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11. The Cru-X/ART system is a time-keeping software that plaintiffs log-in and out of each workday. Plaintiffs sign-in and out of Cru-X/ART on a computer located at their workplace. Robicheau decl. ¶7 (Plf. App. 26). Defendants' Response: Admits PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 11 is undisputed. 12. The Cru-X/ART system was not in effect in all FAA facilities throughout the period of May 2004 through present. Def. Br. at 6 2 (Cru-X/ART was started at some facilities "as early as November 2004" but "implementation was not completed at all facilities until August 2005"). Defendants' Response: Admits. Avers that the Cru-X/ART system was implemented in all FAA facilities by August 2005. Masson Decl. ¶ 3 (Def. App. 6). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 12 is undisputed. 13. Prior to the implementation of the Cru-X/ART system, plaintiffs' hours of work were recorded manually. Bukovsky decl. ¶¶21, 29 (Plf. App. 9, 11); Savasta decl. ¶ 16 (Plf. App. 32); Peterson decl. ¶ 26 (Plf. App. 23). Defendants' Response: Admits. Further avers that time and attendance records were ultimately recorded electronically in the appropriate FAA time and attendance system. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 13 is undisputed. However, because discovery has not yet occurred, plaintiffs have no knowledge of defendants' unsubstantiated statement that "time and attendance records were ultimately recorded electronically in the appropriate FAA time and attendance system" and therefore deny defendants' response statement. 14. When plaintiffs' hours of work were recorded manually, plaintiffs performed job duties prior to and after their scheduled shifts for which they were never compensated. Bukovsky decl. ¶¶ 29-31 (Plf. App. 11); Savasta decl. ¶¶ 17-18 (Plf. App. 32-33 ); Peterson decl. ¶¶ 26-27 (Plf. App. 23 ). Defendants' Response: Denies. Avers that as a general principle, all FAA employees, including plaintiffs, are compensated for all time worked, including work performed before or after their scheduled shifts. Cook Supp. Decl. ¶ 4 (Def. Supp. App. 2). If an individual plaintiff performed work before or after her scheduled shift when plaintiffs' References to Defendant's Partial Motion to Dismiss and Partial Motion for Summary Judgment shall hereinafter be referred to as, "Def. Br. __."
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hours of work were recorded manually, she should have notified her supervisor and requested compensation in the form of overtime or compensatory time, depending upon the plaintiff's situation. Id. ¶ 5 (Def. Supp. 2). Additionally, each pay period, plaintiffs were required to certify to the accuracy of their time and attendance record for that pay period. Id. If the time and attendance record did not accurately reflect work performed outside of their scheduled shift(s), they had an opportunity to have the record corrected. Id. Otherwise, plaintiffs would have certified to an inaccurate time and attendance record. Id. Finally, plaintiffs received Leave and Earning (L&E) Statements on a biweekly basis. Cassady Decl. ¶ 13 (Def. App. 11). If a plaintiff believed she was not properly compensated for all hours worked, including hours worked outside of her scheduled shifts, she could bring the issue to FAA management's attention. Id. If she was not satisfied with management's response, she could file a grievance pursuant to the negotiated grievance procedure contained in the applicable labor agreement. Id. Defendant also denies the specific factual allegations contained in plaintiffs' declaration. Defendant is not aware of plaintiffs Savasta, Bukovskey, or Peterson ever working before or after their scheduled shifts without compensation. Dunne Decl. ¶ 3; Miller Decl. ¶ 3; Prosperi Decl. ¶3 (Def. Supp. App. 18, 22, 28). Defendant is also not aware of Mr. Savasta, Mr. Bukovsky, or Mr. Peterson ever claiming that they were not properly compensated for time worked either before or after their scheduled shifts or any of the grievances making the same claim. Id. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 14 is disputed. See also Santa Decl. ¶¶ 1011 (Plf. App. 116). Moreover, it is not relevant that defendants claim they were not aware of plaintiffs' performing work before or after their scheduled shift without compensation if defendants should have known (i.e., had constructive knowledge) that such work was performed. 15. Plaintiffs perform job duties prior to signing on to the Cru-X/ART system. Savasta decl. ¶¶ 7-8, 15 (Plf. App. 31-32); Savasta decl. attach. (Plf. App. 35). Defendants' Response: Denies. Avers that if plaintiffs are performing job duties prior to signing on to the Cru-X/ART system without authorization from FAA management, they are doing so in violation of FAA policies. Rooney Decl. ¶ 3 (Def. Supp. App. 14-15) "Cru-X/ART is the official time and attendance system for both signing in/out for a shift and on and off positions..." FAA Order JO 7210.3V, Facility Operation Administration, § 2-2-6 (Def. Supp. App. 7-9). "Employees shall use ART to sign in and out of their shifts." Id. Employees, including plaintiffs, should not perform any duties prior to the beginning of their assigned shift or prior to signing on the Cru-X/ART system without the authorization of their supervisor or manager. Rooney Decl. ¶ 4 (Def. Supp. App. 15). Defendant also denies plaintiff Savasta's specific allegations. All of the tasks listed in the "Opening Procedures" and "Closing Procedures" in the attachment to Mr. Savasta's declaration (Pl. App. 35) are to be performed while in a paid duty status.
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Prosperi Decl. ¶¶ 4-5 (Def. Supp. App. 28-29). The Morristown Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), where Mr. Savasta is assigned opens for air traffic at 6:45 a.m. Id. ¶ 4 (Def. Supp. App. 28). The scheduled shift start time for employees assigned to open the control tower, including plaintiff Savasta, is 6:15 a.m. in order for the employees to perform all of the "Opening Procedures" while on paid, duty time. Id. FAA management normally schedules two air traffic controllers to do the opening shift so that all of the tasks can be completed prior to 6:45 a.m. Id. The Morristown ATCT closes at 10:30 p.m. Id. The "Closing Procedures" are all accomplished prior to 10:30 p.m. except for turning off the audio recorder and stairwell lights. Id. ¶ 5 (Def. Supp. App. 28-29). FAA management normally schedules two air traffic controllers to the closing shift so the last two tasks can be accomplished at 10:30 p.m. Id. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 15 is disputed. See also Santa Decl. ¶ 7 (Plf. App. 115). Moreover, it is not relevant that the work performed by plaintiffs could potentially have been performed while in a paid duty status if the FAA knew or should have known that it was being performed in an off duty status. 16. Plaintiffs are not compensated for performing job duties prior to signing on to the Cru-X/ART system. Savasta decl. ¶ 9 (Plf. App. 31); Savasta decl. attach. (Plf. App. 35). Defendants' Response: Denies. Avers that as a general principle, the FAA compensates employees, including plaintiffs, for all work performed, including any work performed before and after their scheduled shifts. In accordance with FAA policies, plaintiffs are required to sign on to the Cru-X/ART system prior to performing any work. Rooney Decl. ¶ 4 (Def. Supp. App. 15). If any of the plaintiffs performed work prior to signing on to the Cru-X/ART system, they had the opportunity afterwards to adjust their shift start time in the system or request Time Outside of Shift (TOS), such as overtime or compensatory time, depending upon the situation, to compensate them for the work performed. Moreover, the cited provision of Mr. Savasta's declaration does not support the factual allegation. Savasta Decl. ¶ 9 (P1. App. 31). In his declaration, Mr. Savasta is alleging that he performs uncompensated work after he signs on to the Cru-XIART system, but prior to the scheduled start time of his shift. Nowhere in his declaration does Mr. Savasta state that he was not compensated for performing job duties prior to signing on to the Cru-X/ART system. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 16 is disputed. Defendant's "policies" are not relevant if FAA knew or should have known that plaintiffs were performing uncompensated pre-shift and post-shift work and did nothing to stop such work.
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Moreover, plaintiffs' Fact 16 should have cited to Savasta Decl. ¶ 8 (Plf. App. 31) as opposed to ¶ 9. See Bukovskey Decl. ¶ 23 (Plf. App. 9). 17. Plaintiffs perform job duties after signing on to the Cru-X/ART system, but before their paid work time begins. Bukovsky decl. ¶¶ 24, 31 (Plf. App. 10-11 ); Savasta decl. ¶ 9 (Plf. App. 31); Peterson decl. ¶¶ 19-22 (Plf. App. 22). Defendants' Response: Denies. Avers that pursuant to FAA policy, employees are supposed to sign on to the Cru-X/ART system for their scheduled shift time. Employees are aware of their scheduled shift times at least twenty-eight days in advance of the shift. Cassady Supp. Decl. ¶ 2 (Def. Supp. App. 10). When an employee signs on to the system, she must make an affirmative entry. Masson Decl. ¶ 5 (Def. App. 6). The employee must either: 1) enter her scheduled shift start time; 2) indicate that she is changing her shift time; or 3) indicate that she is working TOS. N. The expectation is that the employee will enter her scheduled shift time and perform no work until then, i.e. an employee signing in at 6:45 a.m. for a scheduled shift start time of 7:00 a.m. would enter 7:00 a.m. The employee would neither be required nor expected to perform any work between 6:45 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. If an employee is required to perform work before 7:00 a.m., she would either change her scheduled shift start time or indicate that she was working TOS in order to be compensated for that time. Both actions require supervisory approval. Masson Supp. Decl. ¶ 3 (Def. Supp. App. 3). An employee who performs work prior to the start of her scheduled shift without requesting to change her shift or to work TOS is doing so contrary to FAA policy. Rooney Decl. ¶ 5 (Def. Supp. App. 15). The one exception to the foregoing is if an employee has elected to work a flexible work schedule (FWS). Under an FWS, an employee can "flex" her shift start time usually by thirty (30) minutes, i.e. an employee working an FWS with a scheduled shift start time of 7:00 a.m. may begin her shift anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. without supervisory approval. Masson Supp. Decl. ¶ 4 (Def. Supp. App. 4). The CruX/ART system is designed to accommodate employees working an FWS. N. Thus, an employee working an FWS with a scheduled shift start time of 7:00 a.m. who signed on to the Cru-X/ART system at 6:45 a.m. could begin working immediately. Cru-X/ART would indicate that the employee's shift for that day began at 6:45 a.m. rather than 7:00 a.m. Id. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 17 is disputed. See also Santa Decl. ¶¶ 6, 8 (Plf. App. 115); Peterson Decl. ¶¶ 5-6 (Plf. App. 119). The issue of employees performing uncompensated pre-shift work has been previously raised with FAA. Santa Decl. ¶ 12 (Plf. App. 116). FAA did not make any efforts to prohibit or otherwise stop that work from occurring. Id. Moreover, defendant's "policies" and "expectations" are not relevant if FAA knew or should have known that plaintiffs
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were performing uncompensated pre-shift and post-shift work and did nothing to stop such work. 18. Plaintiffs are not compensated for performing job duties when they sign on to the Cru-X/ART system prior to the start of their paid time. Bukovsky decl. ¶ 31 (Plf. App. 11 ); Savasta decl. ¶ 8 (Plf. App. 31); Peterson decl. ¶¶ 19-22 (Plf. App. 22). Defendants' Response: Denies. Defendant incorporates its response to Pl. PFUF No. 17. Additionally, defendant avers that plaintiffs misapprehend the purpose of the CruX/ART system. It is not intended to be a "punch clock" whereby an employees' paid time begins the minute he signs on to the system, regardless of the scheduled start time of his shift. Masson Supp. Decl. ¶ 6 (Def. Supp. App. 4). Employees are expected to work their scheduled shifts, with the exception that employees on an FWS may come in earlier than their scheduled shift start time. Cassady Supp. Decl. ¶ 3 (Def. Supp. App. 10-11). The FAA expects that an employee who is scheduled to start her shift at 7:00 a.m. and is not on an FWS will be available to begin work at 7:00 a.m. The Cru-X/ART system allows employees to sign in earlier than their scheduled shift start time in order to avoid congestion at and around the system computers. Masson Supp. Decl.¶ 6 (Def. Supp. App. 4). The Faa, however, does not expect or require employees who sign in to the CruX/ART system prior to the beginning of their scheduled shift start time to perform any work until that time. Rooney Decl. ¶ 4 (Def. Supp. App. 15). Moreover, employes are aware of their scheduled shift times at least twenty-eight (28) days in advance. Cassady Supp. Decl. ¶ 2 (Def. Supp. App. 10). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 18 is disputed. See also Santa Decl. ¶ 8 (Plf. App. 115). Moreover, defendant's "policies" and "expectations" are not relevant if FAA knew or should have known that plaintiffs were performing uncompensated pre-shift and post-shift work and did nothing to stop such work. 19. Plaintiffs perform job duties after signing off from the Cru-X/ART system. Bukovsky decl. ¶ 27 (Plf. App. 10 ); Savasta decl. ¶¶ 12-15 (Plf. App. 32); Savasta decl. attach. (Plf. App. 35). Defendants' Response: Denies. The FAA is unaware of any plaintiff performing job duties after signing off from the Cru-X/ART system. Def. App. Defendant further avers that the duties that plaintiff Savasta allegedly performs after the end of his shift are part of his regular work assignments to be performed prior to the end of his shift while on duty time. Prosperi Decl. ¶ 5 (Def. Supp. App. 28-29). FAA management has never required, authorized, or expected plaintiff Bukovskey to perform work after the scheduled end of his shift without compensation. Miller Decl. ¶ 4 (Def. Supp. App. 23). FAA management is not aware of Mr. Bukovskey having performed work after the scheduled end of his shift without compensation. Id. ¶ 3 (Def. Supp. 22).
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PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 19 is disputed. Moreover, it is not relevant that the work performed by plaintiffs could potentially have been performed while in a paid duty status if the FAA knew or should have known that it was being performed in an off duty status. 20. Plaintiffs are not compensated for performing job duties after signing off from the Cru-X/ART system. Bukovsky decl. ¶ 27 (Plf. App. 10); Savasta decl. ¶ 12-15 (Plf. App. 32); Savasta decl. attach. (Plf. App. 35); Robicheau decl. ¶¶ 13, 15 (Plf. App. 27-28). Defendants' Response: Denies. Avers that as a general principle, the FAA compensates employees, including plaintiffs, for all work performed, including any work performed before and after their scheduled shifts. In accordance with FAA policies, plaintiffs are required to sign off the Cru-X/ART system at the end of their scheduled shift and are not supposed to perform any work after the scheduled end of their shift. Rooney Decl. ¶ 6 (Def. Supp. App. 15). If any of the plaintiffs performed work after signing off the CruXIART system, they had the opportunity afterwards to request Time Outside of Shift (TOS), such as overtime or compensatory time, depending upon the situation, to compensate them for the work performed. Masson Decl. ¶ 6 (Def. App. 6). Defendant also denies plaintiffs' specific allegations. The duties that plaintiff Savasta allegedly performs after the end of his shift are part of his regular work assignments to be performed prior to the end of his shift while on duty time. Prosperi Decl. ¶ 5 (Def. Supp. App. 28-29). FAA management has never required, authorized, or expected plaintiff Bukovskey to perform work after the scheduled end of his shift without compensation. Miller Decl. ¶ 4 (Def. Supp. App. 23). FAA management is not aware of Mr. Bukovskey having performed work after the scheduled end of his shift without compensation. Id. ¶ 3 (Def. Supp. App. 22). Plaintiff Robicheau does not allege that he personally ever worked after the scheduled end time of his shift without compensation. Robicheau Decl. ¶¶ 13 and 15 (P1. App. 3-4). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 20 is disputed. Moreover, defendant's "policies" are not relevant if FAA knew or should have known that plaintiffs were performing uncompensated post-shift work and did nothing to stop such work. It is also not relevant that the work performed by plaintiffs could potentially have been performed while in a paid duty status if the FAA knew or should have known that it was being performed in an off duty status.
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21. Plaintiffs spend over 10 minutes performing these pre- and post-shift activities per day. Bukovsky decl. ¶ 32 (Plf. App. 11 ); Peterson decl. ¶ 20 (Plf. App. 22). Defendants' Response: Denies. Plaintiffs do not specify in their Proposed Uncontroverted Fact No. 21 what tasks comprise "these pre- and post-shift activities." Paragraph 32 of plaintiff Bukovskey's declaration also does not specify any particular tasks, just "work related duties." Bukovskey Decl. ¶ 32 (P1. App. 11). Likewise, paragraph 20 of plaintiff Peterson's declaration does not specify any particular tasks, just "aforementioned duties." Peterson Decl. ¶ 20 (P1. App. 22). The duties referred to in the paragraph immediately preceding paragraph 20 refer to duties that Mr. Peterson allegedly performs prior to the beginning of his shift are: "review the FAA mandatory review binder and other briefing items and exchange air-traffic information with the TMC whom lam relieving."Id. ¶ 19. These tasks are not "pre-shift duties" but are part of Mr. Peterson's regular work assignments to be performed during the course of his scheduled shift. Dunne Decl. ¶ 8 (Def. Supp. App. 19). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 21 is disputed. See also Santa Decl. ¶ 6 (Plf. App. 115); Peterson Decl. ¶ 7 (Plf. App. 119). Moreover, it is not relevant that the work performed by plaintiffs could potentially have been performed while in a paid duty status if the FAA knew or should have known that it was being performed in an off duty status. In addition, the pre-shift and post-shift duties referred to by plaintiffs are those detailed in Plaintiffs' Fact ¶ 27. Savasta Decl. ¶¶ 7, 12, 15 (Plf. App. 31-32); Peterson Decl. ¶19 (Plf. App. 22); Plf. App. 66; Roanoke ROA 7110.1A (Plf. App. 39); Plf. App. 67-75; Bukovskey Decl. ¶22 (Plf. App. 9); Peterson Decl. ¶19 (Plf. App. 22); Bukovskey Decl. ¶22 (Plf. App. 9); FAA Order 7210.3U, § 2-2 (Plf. App. 76-87); Bukovskey Decl. ¶22 (Plf. App. 9); FAA Order 7210.3U, § 2-2 (Plf. App. 11); Bukovseky Decl. ¶33 (Plf. App. 11-12); and Robicheau Decl. ¶ 13 (Plf. App. 27). See also Santa Decl. ¶ 6 (Plf. App. 115); Peterson Decl. ¶¶ 5-6 (Plf. App. 119); Lumbard Decl. ¶ 5 (Plf. App. 122). 22. As a regular practice, plaintiffs sign in for their shifts within 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of their shift. When they do so, the Cru-X/ART system allows them to (1)
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manually change the time on Cru-X/ART to indicate the scheduled start of the shift; (2) change the shift start and end time if the plaintiff is allowed to work a flex schedule; or (3) indicate that the time is Time Outside of Shift ("TOS"). Robicheau decl.¶¶ 9-10 (Plf. App. 26-27); Bukovsky decl. ¶ 24 (Plf. App. 10); Savasta decl. ¶ 9 (Plf. App. 31). Defendants' Response: Denies the allegations contained in Pl. PFUF No. 22 to the extent that employees who are not on an FWS may also change their scheduled shift start and end times, with supervisory approval, if they are required to perform work prior to the scheduled start time of their shift. Masson Decl. ¶ 5 (Def. App. 6). Defendant does not otherwise dispute the factual allegations. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 22 is undisputed. 23. When plaintiffs sign into Cru-X/ART within 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of their shift, they manually change the time indicated on Cru-X/ART to reflect the scheduled start time of the shift. Robicheau decl. ¶¶ 9-10 (Plf. App. 26-27); Bukovsky decl. ¶ 24 (Plf. App. 10); Savasta decl. ¶ 9 (Plf. App. 31); Plans and Programs Bulletin (Plf. App. 40). Defendants' Response: Denies. Defendant incorporates its response to Pl. PFUF No. 17. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 23 is disputed. See also Santa Decl. ¶ 8 (Plf. App. 115). Moreover, defendant's "policies" and "expectations" are not relevant if FAA knew or should have known that plaintiffs were performing uncompensated pre-shift and post-shift work and did nothing to stop such work. 24. For example, if an employee signs in at 6:16 a.m. for a 6:30 a.m. shift, the CruX/ART screen will show "6:16" as the time of sign-in. However, Cru-X/ART does not automatically use her actual time, 6:16 a.m., as the "start time" of her work hours. Instead, CruX/ART prompts her to manually enter a "start time." If the actual time of her sign-in precedes her scheduled shift-start time, she will enter her scheduled start time as the recorded "start time". Cru-X/ART does not prevent her from inputting a future time, as opposed to the actual time, as the "start time." Robicheau decl. ¶¶ 9, 12-13 (Plf. App. 26-27). Defendants' Response: Denies. Defendant incorporates its response to Pl. PFUF No. 17. Moreover, plaintiffs cite no evidence to support the factual allegations. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 24 is disputed. Moreover, plaintiffs cited Robicheau Decl. ¶¶ 9, 12-13, Plf. App. 26-27, as factual support. In addition, plaintiffs cite to Masson Decl. ¶ 6, Def. Supp. App. 4; FAA Order JO 7210.3V (Def.
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App. 8) ("Sign in, using the assigned shift start time, may occur up to 15 minutes before an employee's assigned shift) (emphasis added); and Def. Response to Plf. Fact ¶ 17 ("[they] are supposed to sign on to the Cru-X/ART system for their scheduled shift time,") (emphasis added). 25. When plaintiffs sign into Cru-X/ART within 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of their shift and manually change the time indicated on Cru-X/ART to reflect the scheduled start time of the shift, plaintiffs are not compensated for any job duties performed during those 15 minutes. Bukovsky decl. ¶ 22, 24, 31 (Plf. App. 9-11); Savasta decl. ¶ 9 (Plf. App. 31); Robicheau decl. ¶13-15 (Plf. App. 27-28). Defendants' Response: Denies. Defendant incorporates its response to Pl. PFUF No. 17. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 25 is undisputed. See also Santa Decl. ¶ 8 (Plf. App. 115). Moreover, defendant's "policies" and "expectations" are not relevant if FAA knew or should have known that plaintiffs were performing uncompensated pre-shift and post-shift work and did nothing to stop such work. 26. FAA allows plaintiffs to manually change the time indicated on Cru-X/ART to reflect the scheduled start time of the shift even if the actual time is up to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the shift. Plans & Programs Bulletin (Plf. App. 40)("[p]ersonnel must sign on at their scheduled shift time, or up to 15 minutes before their regular shift time"); FAA Order 7210.3U, § 2-2 (Plf. App. 76-87)("[s]ign in, using the assigned shift start time, may occur up to 15 minutes before an employee's assigned shift. . . . [overtime] time at the beginning of an assigned shift must receive approval . . . prior to . . . recording it into Cru-X/ART"); Bukovsky decl. ¶ 24 (Plf. App. 10). Defendants' Response: Denies. Defendant incorporates its response to Pl. PFUF No. 17. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 26 is disputed. See also Santa Decl. ¶ 8 (Plf. App. 115). Moreover, defendant's "policies" and "expectations" are not relevant if FAA knew or should have known that plaintiffs were performing uncompensated pre-shift and post-shift work and did nothing to stop such work. In addition, plaintiffs cite to Masson Decl. ¶ 6, Def. Supp. App. 4; FAA Order JO
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7210.3V (Def. App. 8) ("Sign in, using the assigned shift start time, may occur up to 15 minutes before an employee's assigned shift) (emphasis added); and Def. Response to Plf. Fact ¶ 17 ("[they] are supposed to sign on to the Cru-X/ART system for their scheduled shift time") (emphasis added). 27. Plaintiffs perform the following pre- and post-shift activities without compensation: a. replace the tape recorder; turn on all machines, radars and computers (including Cru-X/ART), close out logs, give verbal broadcast of termination of services, contact other FAA facilities regarding transfer of control, "[e]nsure the appearance of the operational quarters", set thermostat, secure windows and doors, turn off tape recorders, machines, radars, computers and lights (Savasta decl. ¶¶ 7, 12, 15) (Plf. App. 31-32); b. review: FAA mandatory review binders and other briefing items (Peterson decl. ¶19) (Plf. App. 22); Hot Binder (Plf. App. 66); c. review "Hot Boards," "Read and Initial" documents, current weather, runway configuration, equipment condition/configuration and other information (Roanoke ROA 7110.1A) (Plf. App. 39); d. review FAA training memoranda (FAA training memoranda) (Plf. App. 67-75); Bukovsky decl. ¶22 (Plf. App. 9); e. exchange air-traffic control information with the person being relieved (Peterson decl. ¶19) (Plf. App. 22) (Bukovsky decl. ¶22) (Plf. App. 9 ); (FAA Order 7210.3U, § 2-2) ("[t]he [Air Traffic Control] specialist being relieved shall be responsible for ensureing that any pertinent status information of which he/she is aware is relayed to the relieving specialist . . . . [and] [t]he specialists engaged in apposition relief shall conduct the relief process at the position being relieved . . .")(Plf. App. 76-87); f. check in with supervisor (Bukovsky decl. ¶22) (Plf. App. 9 ); (FAA Order 7210.3U, § 2-2) (Air Traffic Managers shall "[e]nsure that all employees . . . are thoroughly briefed on [procedure/practice] change[s] prior to performing their duties.") (Plf. App. 11 ) g. use the radar scope (Bukovsky decl. ¶33) (Plf. App. 11-12); Robicheau decl. ¶ 13 (Plf. App. 27). Defendants' Response: Denies. Avers that the duties listed are not "pre- and post-shift activities." [FN1] They are activities that are part of plaintiffs regular work assignments to be performed during the course of their scheduled shifts and for which they are compensated. Dunne Decl. ¶ 8; Prosperi Decl. ¶¶ 4-5 (Def. Supp. App. 19, 28-29). Defendant's Footnote 1: The list of "pre- and post-shift activities" that Plaintiffs allegedly perform without compensation is based, in part, upon a series of unauthenticated documents (Pl. App. 39, 66, and 76-87), all of which appear to be incomplete portions of larger written documents that were not submitted. Further, the documents contain no indicia of self-authentication, such as a cover page, letterhead or signature. Moreover, if these documents are an excerpt from larger documents, Plaintiffs
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have submitted no explanation as to why the entirety of the document was excluded or why Plaintiffs failed to submit any documentation regarding the authenticity of the documents. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 27 is disputed. Moreover, it is not relevant that the work performed by plaintiffs could potentially have been performed while in a paid duty status if the FAA knew or should have known that it was being performed in an off duty status. Roanoke Order 7110.1A (Plf. App. 39) has been replaced by Roanoke Order 7110.1B. Plaintiffs have included the cover page of the Roanoke Tower Standard Operating Procedures, the memorandum signed by Donald E. Clark (Manager, Roanoke Tower, FAA) stating that the procedures are effective February 1, 2008, one page of the Table of Contents, and the applicable page of Chapter 1. Plf. App. 127-131. Plaintiffs have only submitted excerpts in an effort to decrease the amount of unnecessary paper submitted. The Hot Binder included as Plf. App. 66 is from the TRACON (radar room) located at the Youngstown Air Traffic Control Center. Lumbard Decl. ¶¶ 2, 4 (Plf. App. 121). Plf. App. 76-87 consists of a United States Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Order JO 7210.3U, Section 2-2. Plf. App. 87 specifically includes the website link which states "Return to FAC Home Page." That Order is now, at least as of February 14, 2008, called JO 7210.3V. Plaintiffs re-submit the entire Section 2-2, with a cover page, as Plf. App. 131-141. 28. Plaintiffs have logged out of Cru-X/ART up to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled end of their shifts. However, when they do so, plaintiffs are required to remain on premises until the scheduled end of their shifts in case FAA needs them to cover a post. Plaintiffs are subject to discipline for leaving the work premises prior to the scheduled end of their shifts, even if they have logged out of the Cru-X/ART system. Bukovsky decl. ¶ 28 (Plf. App. 10-11 ).
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Defendants' Response: Admits. Further avers that employees are expected to work their entire shift and are compensated for doing so. The Cru-X/ART system allows an employee to sign out from his shift fifteen minutes before the scheduled end of the shift in order to avoid congestion at the computer at the end of the shift. Masson Supp. Decl. ¶ 6 (Def. Supp. App. 4). Employees, however, are still on paid, duty time between when they sign out of the Cru-X/ART system until the scheduled end of their shift. For example, an employee scheduled to work a shift from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. may sign out of her shift at 2:45 p.m. She is expected to remain at the work site until 3:00 p.m. because she is being compensated until that time. Rooney Decl. ¶ 6 (Def. Supp. App. 15). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 28 is undisputed. E. FAA's Implementation of Bidding Procedures For Work Schedules and Annual Leave
29. Subsequent to September 3, 2006, FAA unilaterally (without negotiation with the union) implemented bidding procedures plaintiffs' work schedules and vacation time. (Krasner decl. ¶13)(Plf. App. 16). Defendants' Response: Denies. Avers that the FAA implemented its final bargaining offer on September 3, 2006, pursuant to authority granted under 49 U.S.C. §§ 106 and 40122. Miniace Decl. ¶ 3 (Def. Supp. App. 38). The Federal Labor Relations Authority has recognized the legality of the FAA's actions in implementing the 2006 labor contract between the Agency and NATCA. Id. ¶ 7 (Def. Supp. App. 39). During the negotiations over the 2006 labor contract, NATCA, with plaintiff Krasner serving as the Union's Chief Negotiator, tentatively agreed to Article 32 of the contract, which addresses procedures for bidding on work schedules. Id. ¶ 3 (Def. Supp. App. 38). The FAA and NATCA did not agree on Article 24 of the contract, which addresses bidding on vacation leave. N. That contract article, along with others at impasse, were submitted to Congress and implemented by the FAA pursuant to authority granted under 49 U.S.C. §~ 106 and 40122. Id. The FAA and NATCA negotiated agreements addressing the bidding process after the implementation of the 2006 contract. Miller Decl. ¶ 6; Fuentes Decl. ¶ 5 (Def. Supp. App. 23-24, 31-32). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 29 is disputed. 30. Plaintiffs are scheduled to bid for their work and vacation time schedules while off-duty. Bukovsky decl. ¶¶ 11-15 (Plf. App. 8-9 ); Adcock decl. ¶¶ 6-9 (Plf. App. 2-3, 5-6) (actual bidding schedules); Peterson decl. ¶¶ 11-12 (Plf. App. 2021). Defendants' Response: Denies. Avers that plaintiffs are not "scheduled" to bid for work and vacation schedules as bidding is not a required duty. Rather, plaintiffs are provided with windows of opportunity during which they may bid on work and leave schedules if they wish their preferences to be taken into account by the agency. Plaintiffs also have the option of submitting a "proxy" bid with a co-worker or union representative or waiting until they return to duty to bid. Cassady Decl. ¶ 7 (Def. App. 10). Typically,
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employees spend a total of five (5) to (10) minutes annually bidding their work and vacation leave schedules. Id. ¶ 8. In no circumstance should any employee spend more than one (1) hour per year total bidding on her work and vacation leave schedules. Id. The foregoing amounts of times include both time spent bidding while on duty and off duty, if any. Id. Defendant also denies plaintiffs' specific allegations. FAA management has either provided sufficient time for employees to bid while on duty or have provided for bidding by proxy in agreement with NATCA. At Miami Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), where plaintiff Adcock is assigned, FAA management negotiated a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NATCA regarding the bidding of work schedules in 2007. Fuentes Decl. ¶ 5 (Def. Supp. App. 3 1-32). The MOU specifically provides that if an employee is absent from the facility on his or her "bidding days," the employee can submit their bid to a supervisor prior to that absence. Id. At Houston TRACON, where plaintiff Peterson is assigned, FAA management conducts bidding in accordance with the NATCA-established seniority policy and the labor contract with NATCA. Dunne Decl. ¶ 5 (Def. Supp. App. 19). FAA management has provided Mr. Peterson with ample time to bid on his work schedule and vacation leave while on duty. Id. At Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), where plaintiff Bukovskey is assigned, FAA management negotiated an MOU with NATCA addressing bidding of work schedules and vacation leave in 2006. Miller Decl. ¶ 6 (Def. Supp. App. 23-24). The MOU provided that employees who will not be present during the bid process shall provide the NATCA representative or the scheduling supervisor with their selections. Id. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 30 is disputed. Moreover, although bidding by proxies may be technically possible, it is not feasible as supervisors are not willing to be responsible for timely submitting the bids. Adcock Decl. ¶¶ 2-3 (Plf. App. 112). Finally, it is irrelevant that bidding by proxy is possible if employees actually perform this work while in an off-duty status. 31. Plaintiffs spend over 10 minutes per day bidding while off-duty. Adcock decl. ¶¶ 8-9 (Plf. App. 2, 5-6)(bidding schedule showing 3-hour bidding windows on specific dates); FAA Memorandum, Subject: Vacation Leave (Plf. App. 36-38)(bidding schedule showing 30minute bidding windows on specific dates). Defendants' Response: Denies. The evidence cited by plaintiffs does not support their allegations. Plaintiff Adcock states that she was supposedly allocated three-hour windows in which to conduct bidding, but nowhere in her declaration does she allege that she or any other plaintiff spent "over 10 minutes per day bidding while off-duty." Adcock Decl. ¶¶ 8-9 (Pl. App. 2). The other document cited by plaintiffs shows thirty minute windows for bidding but does not indicate which, if any, of the plaintiffs were
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scheduled to bid during those windows and, more importantly, it does not indicate whether they were off-duty at the time of their scheduled bidding. [FN2] (Pl. App. 3638). Defendant's Footnote 2: Plaintiffs failed to submit any documentation regarding the authenticity of the document. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 31 is disputed. See also Adcock Decl. ¶¶ 4 (regular days off bidding takes fifteen minutes), 6 (prime time leave bidding takes thirty minutes to one hour) (Plf. App. 112-113); Santa Decl. ¶¶ 15-16 (Plf. App. 116117). 32. Plaintiffs spend over 1 hour per year bidding while off-duty. Bukovsky decl. ¶ 16-18 (Plf. App. 9 ); Adcock decl. ¶¶ 8-9 (Plf. App. 2, 5-6); Peterson decl. ¶ 14-16 (Plf. App. 21). Defendants' Response: Denies. Avers that part of the evidence cited by plaintiffs is internally inconsistent. Plaintiff Bukovskey states that in 2004, 2005, and 2006, he spent approximately 70-95 minutes each year "bidding while off duty." Bukovskey Decl. ¶¶ 16-18 (Def. App. 3). Yet, Mr. Bukovskey also states: "Prior to 2006, bidding was performed during scheduled hours of work." Id. ¶ 20. Other evidence cited by plaintiffs does not support the allegations. Nowhere in plaintiff Adcock's declaration does she state that she spends over one hour per year bidding while off duty. Adcock Decl. ¶¶ 8-9 (P1. App. 2). Plaintiff Peterson alleges that he spent two hours per year bidding on his schedule outside his scheduled hours of work in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Peterson Decl. ¶¶ 14-16 (Pl. App. 21). Assuming arguendo that Mr. Peterson's allegations are true, he was neither directed nor expected to spend his off-duty time bidding for his schedule. Dunne Decl. ¶ 6 (Def. Supp. App. 19). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 33 is disputed. See also Adcock Decl. ¶¶ 4 (regular days off bidding takes fifteen minutes), 6 (prime time leave bidding takes thirty minutes to one hour) (Plf. App. 112-113); Santa Decl. ¶¶ 15-16 (Plf. App. 116117). 33. Plaintiffs bid over the course of several days per year. Adcock decl. ¶ 8-9 (Plf. App. 2, 5-6). Defendants' Response: Defendant admits the factual allegation. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 33 is undisputed.
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34. Plaintiffs are not compensated for time spent bidding while off-duty. Bukovsky decl. ¶ 15 (Plf. App. 8 ); Adcock decl. ¶ 10 (Plf. App. 3); Peterson decl. ¶¶ 13-16 (Plf. App. 21). Defendants' Response: Admits. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 34 is undisputed. 35. Plaintiffs do not use proxies for bidding. Peterson decl. ¶ 13 (Plf. App. 21).
Defendants' Response: Denies. Plaintiffs' basis for this factual statement is plaintiff Peterson's allegation that he personally was "unable to use a proxy" for his bidding. Peterson Decl. ¶ 13 (Def App. 21). This does not demonstrate that the other approximately 7,000 plaintiffs could not and did not use a proxy to bid. Moreover, while Mr. Peterson claims that he was unable to use a proxy, he also claims that the "FAA delegated the bidding process for TMCs at Houston" to him and had to work approximately forty to fifty hours per year assisting other TMCs with their bidding. Peterson Decl. ¶ 13 fn. 1 (Def. App. 21). Agreements between FAA management and NATCA regarding bidding specifically provide for proxy bidding. At Miami Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), where plaintiff Adcock is assigned, FAA management negotiated a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NATCA regarding the bidding of work schedules in 2007. Fuentes Decl. ¶ 5 (Def. Supp. App. 3 1-32). The MOU specifically provides that if an employee is absent from the facility on his or her "bidding days," the employee can submit their bid to a supervisor prior to that absence. N. The "Primetime Leave Bidding Notice" distributed by NATCA at Miami ATCT in 2005 states: "If you will be out of town or on leave during this process, please leave a proxy or phone number where you can be reached." Id. ¶ 6, Att. 3 (Def. Supp. App. 32, 36). At Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), where plaintiff Bukovskey is assigned, FAA management negotiated an MOU with NATCA addressing bidding of work schedules and vacation leave in 2006. Miller Decl. ¶ 6 (Def. Supp. App. 23-24). The MOU provided that employees who will not be present during the bid process shall provide the NATCA representative or the scheduling supervisor with their selections. Id. PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 35 is disputed. Moreover, although bidding by proxies may be technically possible, it is not feasible as supervisors are not willing to be responsible for timely submitting the bids. Adcock Decl. ¶¶ 2-3 (Plf. App. 112). Finally, it is irrelevant that bidding by proxy is possible if employees actually perform this work while in an off-duty status.
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36. FAA is aware of and/or schedules the times during which plaintiffs engage in bidding while off-duty. Bukovsky decl. ¶¶ 12-15 (Plf. App. 8 ); Adcock decl. ¶¶ 6-8 (Plf. App. 2, 5-6); Peterson decl. ¶ 12 (Plf. App. 21). Defendants' Response: Denies. Avers that the FAA is aware of and schedules the windows of opportunity during which plaintiffs may engage in bidding off duty. They also have the option of submitting a "proxy" bid with co-worker or union representative or waiting until they return to duty to bid. Cassady Decl. ¶ 7 (Def. App. 10). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Plaintiffs' Fact 36 is disputed. Moreover, although bidding by proxies may be technically possible, it is not feasible as supervisors are not willing to be responsible for timely submitting the bids. Adcock Decl. ¶¶ 2-3 (Plf. App. 112). Finally, it is irrelevant that bidding by proxy is possible if employees actually perform this work while in an off-duty status. F. Collective Bargaining Agreement Status
37. NATCA and FAA commenced negotiations ("the negotiations") in July 2005 regarding a successor agreement to the 2003 Extension Agreement. Those negotiations continued through early April 2006. (Krasner decl. ¶6)(Plf. App. 15) On or about April 5, 2006 FAA declared an impasse of the negotiations. (Krasner decl. ¶8)(Plf. App. 15). On June 5, 2006, FAA notified NATCA of the FAA's intention to implement its last offer. On September 3, 2006, FAA unilaterally implemented its last offer. Thus, since September 3, 2006 FAA has operated unilaterally and not subject to a collective bargaining agreement. (Krasner decl. ¶9)(Plf. App. 15). There is no 2006 bargaining agreement between NATCA and FAA. (Krasner decl. ¶10)(Plf. App. 15). Defendants' Response: Admits the allegations contained in the first five sentences of Pl. PFUF No. 36. Denies the allegations contained in the sixth and seventh sentences. Avers that the FAA implemented its final bargaining offer on September 3, 2006, pursuant to authority granted under 49 U.S.C. §§ 106 and 40122. Miniace Decl. ¶ 3 (Def. Supp. App. 38). The Federal Labor Relations Authority has recognized the legality of the FAA's actions in implementing the 2006 labor contract between the Agency and NATCA. Id. ¶ 7 (Def. Supp. App. 39). PLAINTIFFS' REPLY: Sentences one through five of Plaintiffs' Fact 36 are undisputed. However, sentences six and seven of Plaintiffs' Fact 37 are disputed.
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Respectfully submitted,
Dated: April 17, 2008
/s/ Gregory K. McGillivary Gregory K. McGillivary WOODLEY & MCGILLIVARY 1125 15th Street, N.W. Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 833-8855 (Telephone) (202) 452-1090 (Facsimile) Counsel of Record
Sara L. Faulman WOODLEY & MCGILLIVARY 1125 15th Street, N.W. Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 833-8855 (Telephone) (202) 452-1090 (Facsimile) Of Counsel
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that Plaintiffs' Reply to Defendant's Response to Plaintiffs' Proposed Findings of Uncontroverted Facts was electronically filed on this 17th day of April with the Clerk of the Court using the CM/ECF System which will send notification of such filing to defendant's attorney: Hillary A. Stern Commercial Litigation Branch Civil Division Department of Justice Attn: Classification Unit 8th Floor 1100 L Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20530 (202) 616-0177 (telephone) (202) 305-7643 (facsimile)
/s/ Gregory K. McGillivary Gregory K. McGillivary