Our thoughts have been and will continue to be with Sgt. Mendez, Officer Ortiz, their families, loved ones and colleagues as we work together to heal the wounds caused by this loss of life and resulting trauma.  

When an incident like this occurs anywhere, there are questions about safety and security.  I want to let you know that we have a strong, collaborative relationship with our partners at the Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia Parking Authority.  Following the shooting, PPA increased staffing on all shifts. The DOA also increased the role of Allied Security guards at PHL to include garages and parking lots.  This additional PPA and security staffing was initiated to help deter potential criminal activity and is done in collaboration with the PPD.  

Prior to this tragic event, PHL was working on a planned, multi-phased garage rehabilitation project and was in the process of testing camera technology. Once successful testing is complete, we will work to procure the equipment and begin installation of cameras in all of our garages. We will keep you posted on this initiative.  

We continue to work with the City, PPD, PPA and our federal partners to address safety in our parking lots, garages and across the airport campus. The well-being and peace of mind of all employees and guests is our top priority.  

Thank you for what you do for our airports every day.  

-Atif 

HR Updates

Covid-19 Reminder

News of the Omicron EG.G variant, aka “Eris” which has become the latest dominant circulating variant in a recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., has heightened concern about current COVID-19 protocols and preventive measures. So far, there has been no change in the CDC guidance or the City of Philadelphia’s COVID-19 protocols. The current policy statement, last updated May 2023, is available for review. 

COVID-19 exposures and confirmed positive cases must be reported immediately to [email protected] for contact tracing. Employees will be provided direction on leave usage and return to work on a case-by-case basis. The minimum quarantine/isolation for a confirmed positive case is (5) days followed by (5) days mandatory masking while working. 

• Continue to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and altered sense of smell 
• Employees should stay home when sick or work remotely if possible 
• Employees experiencing sinus/allergy symptoms should wear masks while working with others and test to confirm a negative COVID-19 status. 
• Employees should avoid close contact, confined or closed spaces and crowded places. 
• Employees should continue practicing hand hygiene and disinfecting common use and frequently touched areas.  

Thank you for your vigilance and continued support in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

Contribute to the 2023 City of Philadelphia Combined Campaign

Philadelphia has changed a lot over the last 40 years, but our Brotherly Love remains unmatched. For 40 years, City employees have given generously to local organizations-- almost $40 million. The 2023 Combined Campaign is your chance to continue the legacy.  

Check out the video to hear why your support of the Combined Campaign is so important to our local charities, and then make your pledge today at: www.phila.gov/combinedcampaign 

For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

CAP Benefits  - Open Enrollment Begins November 3, 2023

All eligible flex employees (exempt, non-represented, DC-33 CAP, and DC-47 CAP employees) are eligible to participate in CAP Open Enrollment from Friday, November 3 through Friday November 17. 

For questions regarding CAP Benefits, please contact Rebecca Serrano at 215-937–5525.

SIDA Credential Pay Increase Update 

The DOA is eagerly working to roll out the SIDA Credential Pay Increase for all DOA DC 33, DC 47, and Non – Represented employees. Recent changes to Civil Service Regulation 6.14.65 – “Airport Employees Required To Obtain Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Clearance” were made and approved by the Civil Service Commission on October 18, 2023 to ensure that employees who remain eligible to earn cash overtime are compensated correctly. 

The final steps of programming are currently being completed and the anticipated go-live date is November 30, 2023.  Employees will receive a separate payment for retroactive payments dating back to July 1, 2023.  More information on the timeframe for retroactive payments will be shared when it becomes available. 

As per the SIDA Credential Based Pay – Civil Service Regulation 6.14.65: 

The DOA will increase wages for DOA employees who obtain and maintain the SIDA credential as follows: 

1. DC 33 employees will be compensated at two (2) pay ranges higher than the pay range assigned to their job class specification. 
2. DC 47 employees will be compensated at one (1) pay range higher than the pay range assigned to their job class specification. 
3. Non-Represented employees will be compensated at one (1) pay range higher than the pay range assigned to their job class specification. 

Thank you  for your patience and understanding as we work on the finer details to make sure we (DOA and our business partners) get it right.  We understand that people are anxiously waiting for this highly anticipated and deserved increase. We will continue to provide updates in the upcoming weeks as information is made available to us.

Training Calendar

*=Provided by the City of Philadelphia

DOA HR Training & Development Unit in Partnership with K- FERG Training Presents a New Six-Part  “Project Leadership Series”  

The “Project Leadership Series” at PHL is a Leadership Development series focused on empowering leaders and equipping them with the tools they need to successfully manage and deliver projects and tasks at PHL.

To register email [email protected]. 

“Managing Multiple Priorities” (Part two of the six-part series)  

In your roles, you undoubtedly must know how to prioritize crucial projects, manage competing demands, and handle multiple tasks adeptly. In this training we will discuss ways to take control of multiple projects, deal with unexpected requests, and unplanned challenges that can derail your planning. 

Tuesday November 7, 2023 from 10 AM-12:30 PM  

Virtually Instructor-led via Zoom (link will be provided once registered) 

PHL WELL would like to thank both the "Unite for Her” organization for their sponsorship, and everyone that attended the DOA’s first Breast Cancer Awareness Health Fair last month!  

If you would like to provide feedback to the PHL WELL Committee, please take a minute to complete the 2023 DOA Breast Cancer Awareness Health Fair Feedback Form. We use the information provided to enhance the quality of future breast cancer awareness events and celebrations. 

Mental Health Series

PHL WELL has partnered with Penn Medicine again to relaunch our Fall 2023/Spring 2024 “Mental Health Series”, available to all DOA staff!  

“Food, Mood & You"| Mental Health Series | Penn Medicine | Facilitated by: Penn Medicine’s, Carol Rickard, LCSW

November 9, 2023 from 12- 1 PM  

Zoom login info is provided within the calendar invite that was sent out to all DOA staff.  

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Email [email protected] for Zoom info and more details.  

NEW Financial Planning Workshop Series

"Getting and Understanding Credit" Hosted by Truist Bank in partnership with "The Urban Affairs Coalition" 

November 14, 2023 from 11 AM- 12 PM 

(This training will be offered in a Hybrid, Virtual, and In-person format) In-person location:  

International Plaza 2, Suite #325, 3rd Floor Training Room

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Financial Monthly Challenge   

"Money Madness Challenge" will continue to run through the third week of each month for the duration of the 2023 year, with “Money Mindset” check-ins each Friday at the end of each challenge week. 

The November Money Madness Challenge will run from Monday, November 13 - Friday, November 17. We're cheering you on to kick-off the challenge individually using this "MONEY MADNESS" SAVINGS CARD as your guide. The first challenge check-in is on November 17 at 12 PM. Feel free to bring a friend! 

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Thank you for your participation and ongoing support of the PHL WELL Program! 

City Resource Group (CRG) and Airport Empowerment Group (AEG) Meetings

CRGs

• AAPI: Meets on the last Thursday of every month. 
• Latindad: Meets on the fourth Thursday of every month.  
• LGBTQ+: Meets on the third Wednesday of every month.  
• New and Expecting Parents: Meets on the second Friday of each month.  
• Women of Color: Meets on the last Friday of each month.  

For questions about the City of Philadelphia City Resource Groups, contact Brenna Schmidt at [email protected]. 

AEGs 

In October, the YoPros welcomed Chief Information Officer Allen Mehta to their monthly meeting where he shared some career advice and also mentioned his stardom as an extra on Star Trek!

The young professionals also met at Frankford Hall in Fishtown and Positano Coast in Old City for happy hour. This month's outing will be at Bar-ly in Chinatown.

Meetings occur the last Tuesday of each month. If you have questions or would like to join, please reach out to Stacey Lennon or Alec Gever.

ABOUT CRGs & AEGs: Employee Resource groups are designed to ultimately make the City of Philadelphia and DOA more inclusive places to work. Focus areas include networking, talent development and enhancing diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives. If you are interested in participating or leading an AEG at PHL/PNE, email your idea(s) to [email protected]. There must be five people and a leader for implementation. 

TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE UPDATES DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE, EMAIL [email protected] WITH YOUR EMAIL AND/OR CELL PHONE NUMBER.

New Hires 

Welcome to our new hires:

Doris Alston, SQL Database Administrator

Samuel Brooks - Custodial Worker I

Helen Cahng - Collections and Exhibitions Curator 

Nafis Chowdhury - Engineering Intern

Anthony Feo - Window Washer

Colin Finney - Engineering Intern

Keyan Jones - Custodial Worker I

Demarious McPhaul - Custodial Worker I

Christine Ottow, Director of Strategic Communications

Eyoel Takle, Graduate Civil Engineer

Promotions 

Congratulations to all employees promoted in October:

Larry Adams, Electronic Technician Group Leader

Mohammad Ilyas, Mechanical Engineer I

Kareem Taylor, Electronic Technician Group Leader

DOA Collecting Donations for Veterans

The DOA is partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to give back to those who have given so much of themselves by serving our country. The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Campus, located at 3900 Woodland Avenue, provides primary care and specialty health services to veterans. To celebrate Veterans Day, the DOA has agreed to provide in-kind donations for the VA’s canteen to help support veterans and their families. If you’d like to contribute to the cause, please donate items from the list below. The PHL-PNE Community Relations & Outreach Committee will be accepting items through November 7. Items will be delivered to the VA on 11/8. Please contact Keesha Lane to coordinate pick-up. Items can also be dropped off Keesha’s office at IP 2, 4th floor, office 4410.

The DOA’s Racial Equity Council (REAC) will host activities during November in recognition of National Native American and Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month.

Fun with Flags Winners

Left to right: Louis Ramos, Damon Johnson, Gus Tsakos, Tamika Sturges, Benjamin Cromie, Joel Zran

Congratulations to all of the Hispanic Heritage Month “Fun with Flags” Scavenger Hunt  gift card winners.  Thank you to everyone that participated and submitted photos throughout the month.  

PHL Food and Shops

Runway PHL 

The PHL Food and Shops Fashion Show will be back this holiday season--mark your calendars for December 7 from 11 AM-2 PM in the B/C Connector. On November 9, Marketplace is inviting staff members who are interested in walking the runway to stop by the Tour Room between 9 AM-5 PM for an open casting call.

To sign up for PHL Food and Shops employee discounts, text PHLSHOPDINE to 267-550-0996. 

Follow the Airport on Social Media, Download the Podcast

Want to learn more about news and events at PHL and PNE? Be sure to follow the airports on social media:

• X: @PHLAirport
• Instagram: @phl_airport
• Facebook: @PhiladelphiaInternationalAirport
• LinkedIn: @phlairport
• YouTube: @PHL_airport

For in-depth interviews about the aviation industry and our airports, download the “Taking Off with PHL” podcast at https://takingoff.podbean.com/.

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

Press Releases 

PHL Launches Wingmate Guest Pass Program 

Have a family member flying from PHL or a good friend coming to town for a visit? Wouldn’t it be great to walk them to or meet them at their gate? Maybe you’d like to shop or eat at one of PHL’s 150 concessions. With the new PHL Wingmate Guest Pass, nonticketed guests can apply for a one-day pass to access PHL’s terminals, post-security, from 6 am-10 pm. 

Capital Development 

Design Phase of PHL's Taxiway S Reconstruction Complete 

PHL engineers have completed the design phase of a comprehensive Taxiway S reconstruction project. This work includes removing existing asphalt, replacing the base material, and repaving the surface. Spanning from the intersections with Taxiway N and Taxiway U, this project will provide suitable pavement for aircraft movement forecasted through the end of 2040. 

PHL's Fire Alarm System Upgrades Program Continues 

PHL is currently in the midst of a multi-phased Fire Alarm/Prevention Upgrades Program. The first phase included an airport-wide upgrade of audio and visual notification system associated with the Fire Alarm and Detection System. The second phase replaced sensors and enhanced ventilation systems to meet safety occupancy requirements. 

Operations & Security 

EPEX Tests Airport's Emergency Response on Land and Water 

PHL experienced a fast-moving thunderstorm. A Rocky Airlines flight on final approach for Runway 27L encountered severe windshear and a microburst forced the aircraft down onto the ground, breaking it in two. Half the wreckage was in the Delaware River, with the other half on the ground, engulfed in flames. Following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, an Alert 3 (airport’s highest level), was issued, triggering a full-scale emergency response from the airport, fire-rescue and emergency medical first responders and hospitals across the region, and local, state and federal agencies.

Fortunately, this scenario, which took place on October 7, was part of PHL’s Emergency Preparedness Exercise (EPEX). This simulated incident that gave PHL personnel and first responders the opportunity to practice their skills and ensure they are ready to act in the event of an actual emergency.

People at PHL 

PHL Teamwork Makes the Dream Work - TSA Supervisor Rafiu Adekanmbi 

TSA Supervisor Rafiu Adekanmbi recently received the “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” award in PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This distinction acknowledges employees who create a positive guest experience through service and delivery while collaborating with other organizations. 

PHL Caring Support: JetBlue Airways Airport Operations crew member Kaisha Mercado 

JetBlue Airways Airport Operations crew member Kaisha Mercado recently received the “Caring Support” award in PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who provide exceptional care and services to seniors, families with young children, disabled passengers, and others with special needs.  

PHL Impression Makers: Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) Deputy Manager of Airport Operations Thomas Whalen 

Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) Deputy Manager of Airport Operations Thomas Whalen recently received the “Impression Makers” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes customer-facing employees who provide direct customer service to passengers.