HR Updates

Safe Return to Work Playbook

Every PHL and PNE employee plays a critical role in creating an environment where staff feel safe performing their jobs and passengers feel confident traveling. The PHL and PNE Safe Work Playbook was created by the Administrative Offices and includes practical guidance for PHL and PNE to collectively respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis. Contents include general preparedness protocols, City wide programs, HR updates, and operational guidelines considering physical distancing, personal protective equipment, and recommended safety procedures for your safety. If you have any questions about the playbook, please contact [email protected]. 

Travel Policy

COVID-19 cases and deaths have been reported in all 50 states, and the situation is constantly changing. Because travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading COVID-19, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick.

The Division of Aviation Travel Policy sent to all employees on 7/24/2020 is rescinded effective 7/27/2020. Non-essential business travel remains cancelled until further notice, including attendance at conferences and tradeshows. The Division of Aviation will follow City Health Department recommendations as follows:

1. People should not travel to any of the red states.
2. People traveling to Philadelphia from any of the red states or from any international travel should self-quarantine or 14 days. If self-quarantining is not practical or you must work onsite, for 14 days after traveling to Philadelphia, they should:
   • Wear masks at all times at the workplace or near other non-household members, and
   • Monitor closely for the development of new onset of cough, fever, or other COVID-19 symptoms; if these symptoms occur, follow our guidance for isolation (PDF) and get tested for COVID-19.

COVID Employee Self Screening Questions

In July, the City required all employees to complete a personal self-screening prior to each onsite work shift. You may complete the City’s online self-screening assessment at www.phila.gov/employee-screener/#/ . If you cannot access the link, answer these self-screening questions before reporting to work onsite. If you answer ‘Yes’ to any one of the questions below, immediately contact [email protected] and/or [email protected]. 

1. In the last two (2) weeks, did you care for or have close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID -19?
2. Within the last two (2) weeks, have you travelled to a different state or country outside of the United States?
3. In the last 24 hours, did you have a measured temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater?
4. Do you currently have two or more of the following symptoms?

• Feel feverish or chills
• New or worsening cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you been diagnosed with, or tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days, please contact [email protected].

MASK UP PHL and PNE

The current COVID19 risk in Philadelphia is high. There are over 30,000 confirmed cases in the City. Masks block the virus from spreading from infected persons which is why it is the first defense against the virus when you are out. As individuals, we have some control over and are very effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 by following the three W’s:

1. Wear a mask
2. Wash your hands
3. Watch your distance

Welcome and Congratulations Division of Aviation Staff

PHL welcomes the following new Division of Aviation staff members

July New Hires  

Mark Slade, Industrial Electrician 1

Congratulations to the following Division of Aviation staff members on their recent promotions

July Promotions

Reji Thomas, Electronic Equipment Supervisor
Jinto Varghese, Electronic Technician Group Leader
Thomas Joseph, Airport Engineering Assistant Manager
Samuel Varghese, Industrial Electrician 2
Kimberley Carr, Airport Communications Operator 2
Timothy Wyche, Custodial Worker 2
James Clarkin, City Planner 3, Planning & Environmental Stewardship
Milton Robinson, Airport Facilities Manager, Maintenance Administration
James Jones, Airport Facilities Manager, Maintenance Administration

Division of Aviation Racial Equity Town Halls

In July, the Division of Aviation held three virtual town hall discussions for employees to express their views on racial and social justice. Highlighting PHL's "People First" value, it is important that employees feel safe, seen, heard and included. Open conversations about social justice, racism, discrimination and racial bias are critical as the Division of Aviation strives for meaningful change. 

“The Division of Aviation’s leadership is committed to advancing racial equity and these town halls are one of many spaces being created to engage all airport employees in a meaningful way,” said Jonathan Todd, who leads the Racial Equity Advisory Council. “These discussions are an important step towards implementing change and will help shape the Racial Equity Strategic Plan.” 

The town halls provided a space where dialogue about racial and social injustice and how to strengthen diversity at PHL and PNE can begin. Attendees had the opportunity to share their thoughts on recent national events and ways in which the Division of Aviation can be more inclusive and welcoming to its employees and guests. 

Feedback given at the town halls will provide valuable insight as the Racial Equity Strategic Plan is crafted. Employees can look forward to participating in various engagement opportunities that directly support advancing racial equity throughout the DIvision of Aviation. A voicemail box and email address have been created for employees to share their thoughts, questions, comments and concerns. Employees can call 215-863-5300 or email [email protected] to have their voices heard.  

What is the Difference Between the City of Philadelphia’s Office of the Inspector General and the Board of Ethics?

Both the City of Philadelphia’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and Board of Ethics have one goal: to increase public confidence in City government.

The main purpose of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is to “keep City government free from fraud, corruption, and misconduct.” As part of its functions, the OIG conducts investigations of all government entities under the Mayor’s jurisdiction and individuals or businesses (contractors) that work with the City or receive City funding (grant recipients).

The OIG has the power to:

• Issue subpoenas.
• Examine all City documents, contracts, and monetary expenditures.
• Demand testimony from City employees.
• Recommend administrative discipline, policy improvements, and contract or grant action.
• Collaborate with law enforcement on issues of criminal activity and serious cases of fraud and corruption.

For more information, visit the OIG’s website

If you have any inquiries related to the Office of the Inspector General, email Joe Messina at [email protected].  

The five-member, independent Board of Ethics:

• Provides education and training to all City employees on the City’s ethics rules and regulations.
• Reviews financial disclosure forms filed by City officials and candidates for City offices to determine whether any conflicts of interest appear.
• Responds to ethics questions raised by City officials and employees.
• Recommends improvements or advances in laws and policies that would strengthen confidence in government and promote public trust.

For more details, visit the Board of Ethic’s website

For more information related to the Board of Ethics, email Sheila Trueheart at [email protected]. 

Reminder: Keep Your Badge Up to Date 

All employees, including those working remotely, must make sure to renew their airport badge before it expires.  The process for renewing your badge is as follows: 

• Visit phl.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php to schedule your appointment;   
• Click on Expiring Badge Renewal. 
• Select the date/time you are available.  
• Fill in all the requested information (Company you work for is Division of Aviation – your unit name) and Click Complete Appointment. 

The Security Office has modified its hours of operation and appointments are not available everyday (reflected on the website).  You must plan accordingly to make sure your badge is renewed before it expires.  

Forms that must be completed and brought to the appointment are available at phl.org/employeeupdates. The list of acceptable forms of ID is also available on the employee updates web page. Security staff has authorization to sign forms during the pandemic. If there are any issues, please ask for Jason Sankey, Acting Security Manager.  

MASKS/FACE COVERINGS MUST BE WORN BY ALL VISITORS TO THE ID/BADGING OFFICE OR YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE AND RETURN WITH A MASK.

The Latest From PHL's Online Newsroom

Airlines:

More Options for PHL Passengers

Sun Country Airlines is increasing its seasonal nonstop service between Philadelphia and Minneapolis - Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to five times a week, while Delta’s August schedule from PHL is 132 percent greater.

PHL Becomes American Airlines’ Second Largest International Hub

American Airlines remains committed to the Greater Philadelphia region’s passengers by positioning PHL as its primary hub for service to Europe and the airline’s second largest international hub. Read about where travelers will be able to fly to beginning this winter:

At the Airport:

PHL Provides Update on Use of CARES Act Funding

In April, PHL received approximately $116 million in CARES Act funding, as well as $157,000 for PNE, the equivalent to a little over 100 days of cash to support airport operations, including payroll, paying vendors and making debt service payments. With COVID-19 cases on the rise and international travel restrictions still in place, where does the airport stand as the new fiscal year begins? Read more

PHL Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

As the nation commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, PHL outlines the advances it has made to make the airport a more inclusive place, as well as continued efforts to create new programs and amenities that welcome people with disabilities and allow everyone to fully participate. Read more

Welcome back Casey!

Casey the Golden Retriever, a member of the PHL Wagging Tails Brigade, is back at PHL! After months away due to COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions, Casey and her handler Chris visited the airport on July 21 to greet and help guests feel more comfortable while traveling. Don’t miss this video of passengers' reactions to Casey’s return to PHL.

Northeast Philadelphia Airport:

Northeast Philadelphia Airport Receives $9.1 Million FAA Airport Improvement Program Grant

PNE was awarded a $9.1 million Airport Improvement Program grant by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the largest FAA grant the airport has ever received. The grant will be used to rehabilitate Runway 6-24, which accounts for approximately 60 percent of PNE’s traffic. Read more

Operations & Security:

Maximo Program Maximizes Efficiency at PHL Work Units

Before the implementation of Maximo, a state-of-the-art software management system, PHL employees relied heavily on handwritten record keeping and did not have a real means of tracking work that was performed. Now, work units’ processes are fully automated, which has enhanced efficiency, productivity, and data reporting capabilities. Read more

Capital Development:

Northeast Philadelphia Airport Widens Leonardo’s Opportunities

Look, up in the sky… it’s an AW609 tiltrotor! PNE is in the final stages of widening Taxiway J1 to accommodate the production of the AW609 by Leonardo Helicopters. The AW609 combines the speed, range, and comfort of an airplane with the convenience and flexibility of a helicopter. Read more

The State of Capital Projects at PHL and PNE

Api Appulingam, the Deputy Director of Aviation, Capital Development, is not one to “let a good crisis go to waste.” As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the airports’ $2.4 billion Capital Development program, Appulingam and her team got creative in order to advance PHL's and PNE's capital projects. Learn more

Sustainability:

PHL’s Noise Office: Working to Minimize Exposure to Aircraft Noise

The Federal Aviation Administration’s aircraft noise standards require that aircraft meet or fall below designated noise levels. That’s where PHL’s Noise Office comes into play. What are its functions and what can you do if you have been impacted by aircraft noise in the Philadelphia region? Read more

People at PHL:

Employee Spotlight

We continue to shine a spotlight on the amazing work our employees do every day. This month we highlight Alycia Speas, Administrative Support Supervisor; Al Garcia, Building Maintenance Group Leader; and Oliver Simmons, Equipment Operator II. Read about their favorite eateries and amenities at PHL and their most memorable moments at the airport.

Shopping and Dining:

PHL Food & Shops Restaurants Deliver for Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House

It is always good to help those in need. La Colombe, Chickie’s and Pete’s, OTG and Jack Duggan’s at PHL prepared and delivered approximately 80 pre-made meals for families staying at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, which supports families of seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope. 

Read the rest of our stories in our newsroom.

PHL Food & Shops Update

There are two more reasons to download the Grab food ordering app- Geno's and Jack Duggan's are available now. To download the app, visit getgrab.com.

Employees can also become a member of the Grab@PHL Ambassador program. For every five new friends or coworkers that sign up for Grab, the referring employee will receive a free meal through the Grab app. For information on how to get a special redemption code for friends and collegues, email [email protected].