RECOGNITION AND AWARDS PROGRAM

The Parties agree that the use of awards is an excellent incentive tool for increasing productivity and creativity of bargaining unit employees by rewarding their contributions to the quality, efficiency, or economy of government operations. The Agency agrees to consider granting a cash, honorary, or informal recognition award, or grant time off without charge to leave or loss of pay to an employee individually or as a member of a group.

The Parties agree the following list is meant to be an example but is not all-inclusive:

a. adoption or implementation of a suggestion or invention;

b. significant contributions to the efficiency, economy, or improvement of government operations;

c. exceptional service to the public, superior accomplishment, or special act or project on or off the job and contributions made despite unusual situations;

d. recurring exemplary service; e.g. performance throughout the year that consistently exceeds expectations and contributes to Agency goals and objectives;

e. exceptional customer service or contributions which promote and support accomplishment of the organization's missions, goals, and/or values;

f. creative or innovative methods used to make work processes or results more effective and efficient;

g. productivity gains;

h. unusual situations such as flight assists, gear saves, averting landings on the wrong runway, averting runway crossings when such clearances are not issued, and any other situation in which an employee's efforts go beyond his/her normal duties.

An award may be granted to a separated employee or the legal heir(s) or estate of a deceased employee.

The Agency will inform the Union, at the national level, of the total amount spent on awards for the bargaining unit and the remainder of the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) within one (1) month of the end of the fiscal year.

The Agency shall notify the Principal Facility Representative or his/her designee, in writing, when a bargaining unit employee receives an award. At a minimum, the notification shall include the employee's name and type of award.

The Parties at the local level agree to meet annually to discuss the recognition and awards program at the local level.

The awards program shall not be used to discriminate against employees or to effect favoritism.