Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 6
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
General Work Refused
Chart Or Publication; Weather; Human Factors
There was an active SIGMET that was not known to the sector I was relieving. A SIGMET for forecast severe turbulence between 25000 and 40000 feet. The SIGMET potentially affected every aircraft in the sector. It is a position responsibility of the Controller in Charge/Front Line Manager to enter and update SIGMETs in ATOP platform. Since the position responsibility was not fulfilled; I requested the Front Line Manager that the SIGMET be entered in the system. I was going to enter the SIGMET and was told 'NO.' Refusing to do this has very serious safety implications if not done correctly every time. It appears from the incident described that one or more people who are qualified to work the position but do not know their position responsibilities. This particular incident also indicated a disturbing lack of teamwork or regard for the safety of air traffic. This has recently been brought as a 'problem' in the high area and it would appear it is not being properly addressed. I filed a similar ATSAP about 2 years ago and again it has not been properly addressed. The Front line Manager did not like the way that Russia writes the geographical parameters of their weather information so they made the decision to not give the pilots or the controller the information.Train or re-train qualified Front Line Managers on their position responsibilities. Re-training on significant meteorological conditions. Train team concept/support of operation. Enter and update SIGMETs; and do the rest of SOP ATOP Front Line Manager position responsibilities.
ZAN ARTCC Controller reported their Front Line Manager refused to disseminate pertinent SIGMETs to the appropriate sectors.