CPA eyes reinstatement of overtime work

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is seriously looking at the possibility of allowing employees to work beyond the regular 80 hours per pay period but only under specific situations that may require their presence either at the airport or the harbor.

CPA Board finance chair Roman T. Tudela said the agency’s current financial situation can allow the reinstatement of overtime compensation, which was previously suspended due to austerity measures, but only under strict enforcement.

In order to prevent possible abuse of the proposed reinstatement of overtime compensation, Mr. Tudela said Executive Director Carlos H. Salas or his designee should have the sole authority and discretion to approve overtime requests.

He said overtime work should be allowed only on emergency situations like aircraft or vessel accidents, fire, bomb threats, HAZMAT spills, earthquakes, tropical storms, typhoons or electrical, sewer and heavy equipment repairs and maintenance.

Mr. Tudela added that overtime work may also be permitted on aviation safety situations that include generator repairs, Navaids, and airport security crisis such as acts of terrorism.

“In situations other than these, the Executive Director shall use his discretion whether to approve all the extra hours for overtime compensation or convert portion of the hours worked as compensatory time,” he stressed.

The proposal will take effect only after the approval of CPA Board of Directors and will not be retroactive.

In response to the Administration’s call for austerity, CPA last year frozen salary increases, stopped overtime, reduced manpower hours by eight hours every pay period and slashed health benefits by 50 percent. This measure was implemented beginning April 1, 1999.

The ports authority trimmed salaries and benefits by more than 10 percent and 17 percent respectively during the FY 2000. With the exception of personnel costs, communication and utilities, operating expenses plunged by at least 15 percent.

The ports authority, however, expects a five percent annual interest rate on any cash from operating activities.

The 1:25 debt coverage requirement is the ratio of operating income to the summation of interest expense and revenue bond principal payment.