Center Controller reported the OM was refusing to comply with policy in stopping GPS jamming despite the workload and aircraft navigational difficulties it was causing.
Synopsis
Center Controller reported the OM was refusing to comply with policy in stopping GPS jamming despite the workload and aircraft navigational difficulties it was causing.
Narrative
GPS jamming was causing a ton of issues in the sector. I was getting overwhelmed with reports about aircraft losing equipment. Some aircraft needed headings as they could no longer navigate point-to-point. Per the LOA (Letter of Agreement) we cancelled the RNAV STARS into ZZZ so I also had to reroute every ZZZ lander. Aircraft X wanted to know why we were allowing jamming during the day as per his experience it normally happens only at night. One aircraft reported a complete loss of all autopilot systems and was temporarily unable to maintain altitude. He lost about 300 ft. Another aircraft departed VFR from ZZZ1 and requested to pick up IFR in the air but then but then advised that they couldn't proceed IFR anymore because of the GPS jamming and elected to remain VFR. Numerous aircraft reported transponder issues as well as ADS-B issues and navigation losses. After the one aircraft lost the ability to maintain altitude; I requested that GPS jamming be paused. The FLM (Front Line Manager) agreed. The OM however did not want to stop GPS jamming and kept refusing. The OM directed the FLM to get more information from me. So now in addition to all the extra workload I kept getting distracted by questions that the OM wanted answered. The OM didn't want anything recorded on the line so the FLM had to keep leaving the area to speak with the OM. After about 15 minutes went by from my request to stop jamming the OM finally agreed and paused the jamming.Surrounding areas should advise inbound aircraft to Sector XX/YY that GPS jamming is in effect. TMU (Traffic Management Unit) should assist in sending T-routes to aircraft that are not direct to VORs or on airways. Sector numbers should be lowered during periods of jamming to reflect the increased complexity and workload on the controller. Lastly; when controllers ask for help and to temporarily pause jamming; Management should comply. Per ZZZ [ARTCC] policy OM's are supposed to delegate authority to CIC (Controller in Charge)/FLM to stop jamming but the OM in charge that day refuses to comply with the written procedure. ZZZ [ARTCC] Management has a long history of refusing to stop jamming for any reason and ignoring jamming procedures and this compromises safety.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.