United, Undivided

September 18, 2009

Brothers and Sisters,

It is my great honor and privilege to represent the great members of NATCA as your next President!

As this election comes to an end, a new chapter in NATCA also begins. We have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us and I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to say thank you to those that supported me and gave 100 percent of themselves to get out the vote in order to ensure that a majority of our membership decided this election. We had a record turnout in the runoff election and I thank everyone who voted. You understood the importance of this election and you took the time to let your voice be heard.

Regardless of whom you supported in the election, it is time for us to quickly put it behind us and stand united as we move forward. I feel extremely blessed and fortunate to have the opportunity to lead this union, with its amazing group of activists.

During this election, particularly over the last six weeks, I was re-energized and reminded why I love this union so much and why I chose to run for NATCA President. I believe this union is about “you and I working as one, for the good of all.”

We have an opportunity over the next three years to correct the wrongs of the past five. Our hard work and subsequent successes over the course of these next three years will impact our union and our professions for decades to come. Our collective spirit has been and will continue to be their worst enemy!

I now commit to you, every minute of every hour of every day for the next three years, to bring you results! I promise to work to make your quality of life better. I promise to work to ensure the FAA pay you properly and treat you with respect. I promise to work to make NATCA stronger and more united than ever before.

Sometimes the words “thank you” just isn’t enough to show the deep gratitude I have for every single one of you who make up this great union. I will work every day to show you how thankful I really am. Additionally and most sincerely, I would like to thank Ruth Marlin for stepping up to serve our union by running for President. I hope that I will always be able to count on her in the future for her help and counsel.



In solidarity,



Paul

Our Collective Spirit Is Their Enemy!

A Labor Day message from Paul Rinaldi

September 5, 2009

"The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, government relief for the destitute and, above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life. The captains of industry did not lead this transformation; they resisted it until they were overcome. When in the thirties the wave of union organization crested over the nation, it carried to secure shores not only itself but the whole society." - Martin Luther King Jr. (Speech to the state convention of the Illinois AFL-CIO, Oct. 7, 1965)

On this Labor Day weekend 2009, I’d like to reflect on the significance of Labor Day and how it pertains to our Union. As the great Dr. King made mention in his speech to the AFL-CIO nearly 50 years ago, throughout the history of this country organized labor has fought for everything from safe working conditions to better benefits and wages. Union brothers and sisters have literally given their lives for the belief that workers should be treated fairly and respected by their employer. Union efforts garnered employees such things as eight hour days, weekends, overtime, paid breaks, paid vacation, childcare and seniority.

I don’t need to remind any of you that the FAA imposed their dictatorial work and pay rules on Labor Day of 2006. Much as the “captains of industry” Dr. King spoke of, the FAA resisted a fair contract. To be sure, an inflammatory and intentional act designed to taunt organized labor and, in particular, to belittle our Union’s efforts to reach a fairly negotiated and ratified agreement with an agency that never had any intention of engaging in good faith bargaining.

Over the past three years, I have spoken to thousands of our members about the importance of remaining united and not allowing the FAA union busting tactics to divide, split or fracture us. I am proud to say that we have remained unified and stood up to the FAA and we have come away stronger in many ways as a result of their archaic and draconian methods and actions. We withstood their best effort to break us while all the forces were aligned in their favor. We have overcome these self-proclaimed captains of industry, just as our sisters and brothers before us have done throughout the history of labor itself.

As we approach a time when we will once again have a ratified agreement it is clear that we will have our work cut out for us as we attempt to ensure the Agency’s proper implementation and application of that agreement.

As your President, I vow to you that I will spend every single day of my term ensuring that your rights are protected, the process is adhered to and enforcing all collective bargaining agreements that are negotiated in good faith. That is the very core of what I will bring to this very important office.

Over the course of this long weekend, I know most of you will be working on the front lines, away from your families keeping the skies safe. I hope that each of you can find the time to reflect on the value of what you do and be proud. Be proud of your profession and be proud of your Union. NATCA is a proud member in good standing in the House of Labor and I am proud to have served as your Executive Vice President during one of the most difficult periods in our organization's history. Together we stood tall and proud in the face of tremendous adversity; thank you. I hope you will honor me by electing me as your next President.

I wish each of you and your families a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. I thank each and every one of you for the enormous amount of effort that you contribute each day to our Nation and our Union. Remember your families and our other NATCA sisters and brothers that serve our country and that will be away from their families over the Holiday weekend keeping our Nation and skies safe.

In Solidarity,
Paul Rinaldi

Paul Rinaldi calls on NATCA’s past to help unify and heal for our collective future

August 24, 2009

For too long, our internal conflicts have hindered our ability to completely focus on the present and in some cases have harmed our ability to look to the future. I feel that the experience, skill and vision of our past leaders can assist us in moving into the future as a force among the labor world.
In an effort to re-unite the NATCA family and to ensure that we move forward united by the experiences of the past, I am asking EVERY former NATCA President and Executive Vice President to meet with the next President and current EVP Elect Trish Gilbert within the first 120 days of the outcome of this election; together as a group for the collective good of the organization that we all love.
We must ask this group of NATCA titans to examine our organization from top to bottom. We must ask them to make observations of NATCA, both good and bad that are steeped in their experiences and their strengths. To do that we must all take an honest evaluation of ourselves. Our past triumphs and adversities will guide us to help make our future even brighter and stronger.
Regardless of who wins this election, I believe this action must be taken to heal the wounds of the past and unite this great Union as we walk together into the future.
I call on each retired and active member of NATCA to be available for consultation and to encourage our past leaders to assist our current and future leaders to unite on this project. Ask them to utilize their wisdom, experience, knowledge and love of all things NATCA to make us a family once again.

Respectfully,
Paul Rinaldi
Candidate for NATCA President

Arbitration Decision - August 16, 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The opportunity to return to the bargaining table under a fair process was hard-fought by many. Our membership was served well by the process and by our contract team. While our struggle to achieve this negotiated agreement is over, our work has just begun.

I stand with all of you as I was expecting that the Arbitration panel would have acknowledged the loss of pay that each of you has suffered over the past 3 years. While all suffered pay cuts, no one suffered the injustice of the B scalers who were hired under the Green Book pay scales, then forced into the White Book scales. Additionally, all employees affected in their annuities deserve to be compensated for their losses. I take your situations personally and I can promise that this fight is not over. It won’t be as long as I’m your President.

The work rules that you will all be asked to ratify gives us an outstanding foundation upon which to build our future. It is critical that NATCA has a leader who will work with the National Executive Board to move forward by getting back to the basics of what a Union is. We formed this Union to gain respect on the job, obtain better wages and benefits and to be the counterbalance to the unchecked power of our employer as well as have a voice in improving the quality of services. Our fight continues.

The articles that will be sent to the membership for ratification are long overdue improvements in working conditions with strong processes to resolve disputes and negotiate changes in the workplace. The FAA, however, will not change overnight. We have to continue planning for the future in order to achieve the greatest gains for our Union. I intend to hold the Agency responsible for its transgressions when we have a fair grievance process.
I will organize and lead a supportive NEB and the facility representatives to ensure that the agency complies with the terms of the agreements this union's membership ratifies.

I will organize and lead the NATCA national office staff to ensure that all aspects of the new terms are complied with by the agency. I will make the staff available to provide assistance to the field whenever such assistance is necessary.

I will assemble a team of talented members that will begin to prepare for the 2012 contract negotiation to anticipate and be proactive to future challenges from the FAA. We must be prepared for challenges like co-location, cancellation of early retirement, consolidation and others.

I will provide every Facility Representative the tools they need to represent their membership. I will do this by expanding NATCA’s on-line program and making it available for all members. I will ensure that a uniform game plan and the documents and instructions that every Fac-Rep needs is provided. I will ensure that within 30 days of the effective date of this agreement that training is available for every Fac-Rep.

I will begin on my first day in office to prepare for the next negotiations. I will engage the services of a professional accounting firm to assist our Union in preparing for future pay negotiations. We have been provided a good starting point and I will take full advantage of that and we will be prepared to advance the gains we have achieved.

I will establish an ongoing program for members to submit contract interpretation questions. I will work with the NEB and National Office staff to develop a data base of issues beginning immediately. This will be necessary to create an ongoing list of articles and sections that are of concern to the membership. The data base will include routinely violated articles/sections, articles/sections that work well for the membership and those that do not.

When our member's issues are addressed and our voices are heard, our members are happy. Our public image is good and will get better as we hold an Agency that has not been held accountable, accountable. It is going to take perseverance, strength and tenacity on the part of your next President to care more about the membership and its legacy than that of the individual in office. I am that President.

Our future is ready. We need a leader who is prepared for whatever the Agency may throw at us, whether it is a collaborative working environment, or an environment of conflict. I am ready to sit and work with the FAA if they elect to treat us as a partner and a stakeholder. I am ready to move forward to protect the rights of the people I represent. I am also ready to stand-up to the FAA if they elect to continue to treat us as less than a stakeholder or treat us as less of a solution and more of a problem to be removed. I am ready for whatever the Agency decides. I am ready for our future.

Our future is bright because of the work and dedication of each of you. I will work to continue to make it brighter and better and to make NATCA the best Union it can be.

In Solidarity,

Paul Rinaldi

August 7, 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This election is not about the past, it’s about the future. Fewer than 50% of our members voted. Of those, the vote was for a change in leadership by a three to one margin. It has been a long, challenging three years since the imposed work rules have been in place and collectively we are ready for a change.

I have been in the national office during this trying time and I am aware of the changes that need to be made. I know what is working, and what is not, and I am prepared to do the work needed. I will not require any start up time to analyze the situation or develop relationships with those in Washington. What I need is the opportunity to put my 18 consecutive years of NATCA experience to work for you. From my early days as a union activist to these last years in national office, I have developed an unrelenting passion for getting the job done, no matter what it takes.

I take pride in our profession and I am committed to regaining the respect that we as aviation professionals deserve. Your issues come first. Your agenda comes first. Once we have what we need to do the job that the country has entrusted us to do, then and only then will I address the needs of the FAA. It is a tough line to draw, but one that unions have been drawing since their inception. We deserve job security, fair pay and favorable working conditions and our mission as a union is to ensure that we receive them. What my experience has shown me is that you don't get these things simply by asking for them. My tough stance on this has led some to call me arrogant. I believe that what I demonstrate is a commitment to the welfare of our members, a commitment fueled by confidence in our value to the nation.

As your President I will provide leadership, passion and unity to effectively transform our National Executive Board into a team that can and will lead this Union. I will provide this membership with a clear message and clear direction.
Working with the President, the Secretary of Transportation and the new FAA Administrator I will ensure that our issues and concerns receive the attention they deserve. I will hold the Agency accountable to our new contract, and insist upon fairness and respect for our profession. I will work tirelessly to prevent your facility from splitting, closing, or being realigned.

During the past three years we have expended our legislative capital in ensuring that our members are afforded a fair process. Next, we will have to use our skills and experience in Labor Relations to ensure that the FAA doesn’t ignore the contract and continue to disrespect our membership. While the last three years were all about Legislative activism, the next three years will be about gaining what we lost through a solid grievance/arbitration process and good old fashioned Labor Relations.
NATCA needs a President with Labor Relations experience to lead the fight with the FAA. NATCA needs a President who understands the issues that matter most to you. We need a leader who recognizes that every voice matters equally – from the National President to the new academy recruit. I am that President.

Our future challenges will be great. But through teamwork, unity, enthusiasm, and a commitment to the values that we share, together we will make NATCA stronger than it has ever been before. I ask for your help, your energy, and your vote as together we will take our profession and union the next step into the future.

My promise to you is that I will listen and respond to your concerns. I believe in the process of the union, that our power lies within our collective knowledge and experience. No one person holds all of the answers. Since my FACREP days at IAD I have relied on my union brothers and sisters to utilize their own strengths for the betterment of us all. I believe that together we are unstoppable.

In Solidarity,

Paul

July 31, 2009

Brothers and Sisters,

As your Executive Vice President-elect, I am both humbled and honored by the trust which the membership has instilled in me and look forward to serving you proudly.

I would like to thank Patrick Forrey for leading NATCA during this difficult and challenging time and for his dedication to our organization. In addition, I would like to thank Rich Santa for stepping up to serve our union by running for national office. I hope that I will always be able to count on him in the future for his help and counsel.

Elections are never easy, the timing is never right and this one was no different. Nevertheless, as this election comes to an end, a new chapter in NATCA also begins. It is a fresh start and a clean slate filled with many great opportunities.

I look forward to increasing the lines of communication throughout NATCA’s ranks and empowering local leadership and membership to play a larger role in how we operate. I will enhance union education and training programs to help mentor younger members to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to help shape the future of our career and our union. Most importantly, I will work every single day to improve your lives and work environments and give you reasons to be proud of this union. In NATCA’s short 22 year history, we have accomplished a great deal by working together. Our membership and staff are second to none. All of that talent, enthusiasm and expertise will be needed as we tackle the challenges of the future. Through unity, enthusiasm, and a commitment to the values that we share, together we will make NATCA stronger.

Regardless of whom you supported in the EVP election, it is time for us to quickly put it behind us and stand united with the NEB elect as we move forward. Also very important to our membership and Union is the run-off election for President between Paul Rinaldi and Ruth Marlin, as well as the RVP race between Andy Heifner and Kevin Peterson in the Central region. It is important that all that voted in this election and those that did not also cast their ballot for those elections as well. Again, thank you very much for this great opportunity to serve you and thank you for your membership in this great union.

In solidarity,

Trish Gilbert
Executive Vice President-Elect

June 30, 2009

Ballots are now out for the NATCA 2009 election. If you pre-registered then you should have received your email to vote on Tuesday, June 30th. If you did not pre-register, then you will receive a paper ballot in the mail this week. You can then vote on-line with the information and instructions in the ballot or you can mail it back. The most important thing is that you vote.

As we cast our vote, it is time not only to reflect on the past years, but also to look to this election and those that will be elected to ensure we address what is important in our lives. While our membership is quite diverse, we share a passion for our careers. In whatever area we work -- Engineers & Architects, Aerospace Medicine, Aircraft Certification, Airports Division, Automation Support, Financial Services, Drug Abatement, NOTAMs, Regional Legal Division, Regional Logistics & Finance, Support Staff, Traffic Management, Flight Service Station or Air Traffic (FAA, D.O.D. or Contract Tower) we deserve to work for an employer that values its workers and gives merit to the voice of their Union.

For more than a decade it has been our privilege to serve the men and women of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association in one capacity or another. We understand the importance of union activism, front-line involvement and sacrifice for the betterment of our membership.

In 2005, the FAA imposed work rules on 11 of our bargaining units. Then on Labor Day weekend 2006, the FAA imposed their new pay scale and work rules on our controller workforce. As a result, veteran controllers retired in record numbers as soon as they were eligible. New hires resigned for better paying jobs with better hours, working conditions and less stress than what was in store for them as FAA employees.