The Hampton Roads area has already experienced a couple of brushes with winter weather this month. As we enter the peak of the winter season, it’s important for Newport News Shipbuilding employees to understand their options if winter weather impacts the company’s operations.

During inclement weather, shipbuilders are encouraged to check the following channels for updates about shipyard operations: Employee Information Phone Line (1-877-871-2058), NNS to Go app, company email, NNS President Kari Wilkinson’s Facebook page and NNS websites.

If the weather threatens to make travel unsafe in the region, liberal leave may be implemented. Liberal leave means that the company has determined that the facility is safe for work but employees may elect not to work during the designated time if external conditions make it unsafe to do so. Hourly employees who do not report can use annual leave, paid sick/personal time, or dock time. Salaried employees can use flextime or paid time off (PTO). When liberal leave is implemented for a partial shift, employees have the option to use liberal leave during any portion of the designated liberal leave time frame, provided they work the remainder of the shift.

There also may be situations when inclement weather makes travel hazardous only in certain areas of the region. In the event that liberal leave is not implemented at NNS, employees who are unable to report because they live in an area where travel conditions are unsafe should contact their supervisor.

Please see a list of frequently asked questions regarding liberal leave at NNS below:

Can a salaried employee take dock time if they don’t have PTO and don’t want to borrow PTO?

No. As indicated in the instructions above, and in accordance with the company’s Emergency Pay/Liberal Leave Procedure, NN 01-200, salaried employees (non-exempt or exempt) who do not work must use Paid Time Off (PTO) if they have a balance available, borrow PTO, or flex with supervision’s approval. In the event a salaried employee has already borrowed the maximum 40 hours allowed, they should contact their HRBP for further instructions.

Can a salaried employee borrow PTO if they don’t have any/enough hours in their banks?

Yes, to a maximum of 40 hours. In the event a salaried employee has already borrowed the maximum 40 hours allowed, they should contact their HRBP for further instructions.

Can salaried employees work from home?

Yes, with advance approval from their immediate supervisor. Employees working from home are reminded of the importance of accurately charging their work time.

Can an hourly employee take dock time? If so, how is that to be recorded in the system?

Yes, unless they have been designated as essential personnel by their supervisor. Supervisors should remember to enter Company Pass Out (0325) into MyTime for those hourly employees who are eligible for liberal leave and who are not essential personnel.

Can an hourly employee use Annual Leave (AL) if they choose?

Yes, as long as they have a sufficient balance to do so and have not been designated as essential personnel.

Can an hourly employee use Personal Time (PT) if they choose?

Yes, as long as they have a sufficient balance to do so and have not been designated as essential personnel.