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8/15/9
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Happy Birthday NATCA posted 6/19
by Trish
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today, we celebrate NATCA’s 22nd birthday. Throughout NATCA's 22 year
history, our union activism has proved its worth. Our founding officers
knew that as government employees, we needed lobbyists, grassroots
activism, and a strong Political Action Committee (PAC) to build the
Congressional relationships that are essential to making our voices
heard.
We were able to stop legislation that would have cut our pay in every
Congress from 1992-1995. In 1996, we were able to kill legislation that
would have taken away our right to have a union. And in 2003, our
legislative efforts successfully prevented the privatization of many
more towers across the country. We are also the first federal sector
union to successfully lobby for the right to negotiate pay for our
members.
However, despite our previous successes, we were not ready for the
'Perfect Storm' that hit our Union and its members in 2006. It all
culminated with an anti-labor administration, a Republican controlled
Congress that allowed and praised anti-worker initiatives and
legislation, and pro-management political appointees in the courts and
on boards vital to worker's rights resolutions. Within months of taking
office, President Bush began dismantling the successful relationship
that existed between NATCA and the FAA. He revoked EO12871, which
mandated the creation of labor-management partnerships. Working under
the umbrella of EO12871, NATCA and the FAA successfully engaged as full
partners. Together we identified problems and crafted solutions to
better serve the agency's users and its mission. We facilitated training
of agency employees in consensual methods of dispute resolution. We
worked collaboratively on the design, construction, and deployment of
all new safety systems and pieces of air traffic equipment. By all
accounts, EO12871 provided the framework for a very successful
partnership.
That the administration and the FAA quickly realized that in order to
move forward with their plans to privatize the air traffic control
system, they would need to remove their biggest obstacle – NATCA. Union
busting has been a dirty business in this country ever since Unions were
conceived. There are more than seven thousand attorneys and consultants
across the country making their living busting unions. The war on
organized labor is a billion dollar industry. Before the FAA imposed its
work and pay rules on the controller bargaining unit, they imposed its
will on our Brothers and Sisters in 11 other bargaining units. The FAA
further played their part in the despicable industry of union busting
when they hired their Union Buster as NATCA and the FAA entered into the
air traffic controller bargaining unit contract negotiations in 2005.
The FAA launched an aggressive union-busting campaign, employing
techniques and tactics to discredit, not only our Union, but also our
professions to the flying public, industry groups, the media and
Congress. When we started contract negotiations the FAA went to the
media and to Capitol Hill and distorted or outright lied about
everything from our salaries, to staffing, to the safety of the system.
While we have returned to the bargaining table on our controller
contract we must remain diligent and work to change Title 49 this
Congress as NATCA moves forward to negotiate contracts for the
multi-units, FSS and Staff Specialists. Now more than ever, we must
stand together and not stop short of the finish line but rather ensure
we make the next 22 years of NATCA better than the last 22 years.
Our activism, resolve and collective spirit are stronger than they have
ever been. The FAA's efforts to demoralize the very employees who make
our nation's air traffic control system the safest in the world is
unconscionable and their hostile and unjust actions are coming to an
end. We have a White House that will once again demand accountability
and fairness in the FAA, restore collaboration with their employees, and
recognize that a strong, fully-staffed and respected workforce is
essential to ensuring the safety of the traveling public. We have to
fulfill our duty as members of this Union and on this momentous day, we
ask each and every one of you to roll up your sleeves and work with us
to move this organization forward.
Paul Rinaldi, Candidate NATCA President
Trish Gilbert, Candidate NATCA Executive Vice President
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6/30/9
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Leadership
posted 6/18 by Trish
Strong leadership will make all the difference
in moving our organization forward in the next three years. The greatest
barrier to effective leadership is the desire to control others. Good
leaders know that more is accomplished by empowering others then by
commanding them. They divide the workload and create new teams. NATCA
leaders need more than just experience and credibility. They need to
motivate, inspire, empower and support every activist in their efforts
to accomplish the organization's mission. We are the leaders that NATCA
needs for our successful future!
Leadership will make the difference!
We need leaders that will:
. Instill pride and confidence in our union.
. Inspire and excite the membership, with an optimistic, positive and
enthusiastic message.
. Communicate a clear vision for our future to the membership so that
everybody is on the same page at every level.
. Empower the NEB, FACREPS, committees and membership.
. Understand the membership's needs and concerns and will clearly
communicate with and relate to members on a personal level.
. Mentor the new generation of members to develop strong future union
leaders.
. Convince members to focus on group goals above self interest.
Our Collective Spirit is Their Enemy!
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Unionism and Unity "U" + "I" = "We"
posted 6/13 by Trish
In order to build and maintain a cohesive and united
front, Unity, Solidarity, and Teamwork are essential. This is especially
true as it relates to NATCA. No one person can or should undertake a
task or issue without the requisite assistance and teamwork. The old
adage, “two heads are better than one,” rings very true in regard to
Unions. The words Union and Unity both contain the letters “U” (You) and
“I” (I). Together “U” and “I” equals “We.” That, my sisters and brothers
is what Unions are all about. That is what OUR Union should be about.
Unfortunately, we believe that over the course of the last few years, we
have lost sight of that fact.
Over the course of our short twenty-two year history, we have been very
successful in accomplishing a great many things, too numerous to mention
here, for the betterment of our collective lives and families. You would
be extremely hard-pressed to find any one of those accomplishments that
resulted in the work of only one person, from beginning to end. Quite
the contrary, all of our great accomplishments were the result of the
very hard work by a team of dedicated NATCAvists and National office
employees, many of whom, worked behind the scenes, putting words to
paper and conducting the requisite research that ultimately led to those
successful accomplishments. Although an accomplishment may culminate
with one person “at the table” or “signing on the dotted line,” we must
always remember that we are a Union and as such, the successful
completion of any accomplishment was a collective effort on behalf of
our membership.
We, as an organization, are extremely fortunate to have a very long list
of dedicated field activists as well as an excellent, extremely capable,
and very hard-working National office staff. Both groups, work above and
beyond their call to put in the time and effort in order to allow our
great organization to be so successful. We must always remember that we
are a UnIon and ALL of our accomplishments are a collective effort.
After all, a Union is all about its membership, for if there is no
membership, there is no Union.
We firmly believe that our organization must change the “I” and return
to the “We.” Once again, Union and Unity equal You and I together. We
are all on the same team and when we work together, there is no limit to
what we can achieve! We can accomplish more collectively than we can
individually.
Our collective spirit is their enemy!
In Solidarity always;
Paul Rinaldi
Executive Vice President
Candidate for President
Trish Gilbert
National Legislative Committee Chair
Candidate for Executive Vice President
Paul with NATCA Members raising PAC dollars
Educating Our Members
posted 6/10 by Trish
Attending this year’s NATCA in Washington were
first time participants born in 1947 and 1987. Proof positive that it is
never too late nor too soon to get involved in your Union. An educated,
committed, proud and supportive membership is essential to the success
of our union whether it be at the contract table or through political or
legislative victories. Education is key to building a stronger union.
As leaders we must increase the numbers of members that really join our
union. Members that identify with and feel a responsibility to making
our organization grow. By training and educating our membership on the
Labor movement, NATCA’s history, legislative and political activism we
will retain members that actively participate in our initiatives,
understand our goals and endeavor to make our Union stronger.
Educating our members helps to achieve NATCA’s goals as well as their
individual goals. Well educated members and activists increase the
knowledge and skills at every level, in every facility and in all our
bargaining units. Just as important, it helps to instill a sense of team
work in our organization. By educating our membership and building a
positive perception and feeling about the organization, you and I become
a stronger UnIon and your elected leaders are able to make better
decisions and solve problems because they understand and carry out the
organization’s policies based on the needs and wants of the collective.
In solidarity,
Paul Rinaldi - Executive Vice President
Candidate for NATCA President
and
Trish Gilbert - National Legislative Committee Chair
Candidate for NATCA Executive Vice President
1000 Days
posted 5/30 by Trish
Dear NATCA member:
Today marks 1000 days of the FAA imposed work and pay rules on the Air
Traffic Controller Bargaining Unit on Labor Day 2006. At this time
we also
remember our Brothers and Sisters in the multi-units and their
imposition in
2005 and the effect it has had on their quality of life as well.
Together, through
our collective efforts, keeping our faith and staying strong during
these times
of adversity, we have rejected the FAA's will and fought back to right
their
wrongs.
We did not sit idly by and take the path of least resistance. We worked
to
bring about new leadership in the White House and Congress through our
legislative efforts We strengthened our Political Action Committee
(PAC),
we held the line against an oppressive employer that does not value
workers,
and we made short-term sacrifices for our long-term well-being. Together
we
withstood the forces that sought to divide us, and we are stronger and
more
united for it.
We must now restore the respect we deserve for the contributions we make
to
the National Airspace System (NAS). Our focus is on improving
morale, pay
and working conditions, and on regaining a seat at the table to have a
say in
our working conditions and new technology. With hard work,
the right leadership,
and perseverance, our futures will shine brighter. It has been our
profound
honor to work alongside you and for you.
Together, we can accomplish great things.
In solidarity,
Paul Rinaldi - Executive Vice President
Candidate for NATCA President
and
Trish Gilbert - National Legislative Committee Chair
Candidate for NATCA Executive Vice President
Contract Negotiations
posted 5/1 by Trish
Dear NATCA member:
Today we pause to reflect on returning to the bargaining table to
undo the harm of the FAA imposed work and pay rules of Labor Day
2006.
Through our collective efforts, we have achieved this monumental
task. By working together, keeping our faith and staying strong
during these times of adversity, we have rejected the FAA's will as
our own and taken our destiny into our own hands.
We did not sit idly by and take the path of least resistance. We
worked to bring about new leadership in the White House and
Congress through our legislative efforts, we strengthened our
Political Action Committee (PAC), we held the line against
accepting the white book as a legitimate contract, and we made
short-term sacrifices for our long-term well-being. Together we
withstood the forces that sought to divide us, and we are stronger
and more united for it.
This is but the first step and we cannot afford to let up our
efforts. Returning to the bargaining table is a pivotal moment in
restoring respect for the contributions we make to the National
Airspace System (NAS), improving morale, pay and working
conditions, and regaining a seat at the table to have a say in our
working conditions and new technology.
This is a start in the right direction but by no means is it the
end. With hard work, the right leadership, and perseverance, our
futures will shine brighter. It has been our profound honor to
work alongside you to bring about this change in the direction of
the FAA. This first step belongs to all of us.
Together, we can accomplish great things.
In solidarity,
Paul Rinaldi - Executive Vice President
Candidate for NATCA President
and
Trish Gilbert - National Legislative Committee Chair
Candidate for NATCA Executive Vice President
Question from the NATCA BBS
posted 3/31 by Paul
Paul,
In your elect Paul flyers it is littered with a Puzzle with
the words Integrity, Common Sense, Leadership, Strength, Focus,
Character, Vision, Accountability, Experience and Commitment.
Please in your own words give us an example of how each of these words
describe you?
Mike Gilliam
Michael,
Sorry, I have not gotten back to you sooner, but I have been very busy
working as your Executive Vice President. The work of the members comes
first and the campaign is always a distant second. With that being said,
Commitment * Experience * Common Sense * Strength * Integrity *
Focus * Leadership * Accountability * Vision * Tenacity
I have been involved in NATCA almost immediately upon hiring into the
FAA in 1991. I have committed 17 years of my life to
working for our union and membership and have not taken a break from who
I am: a union member and a union leader who serves the best and the
brightest members in the world. Over these years, I have put the
collective interest of NATCA above individual needs, including my own. I
have the experience of serving our Union and our
members as Vice President and FACREP at IAD, ARVP to the Eastern Region,
Arbitration Advocate, Eastern Region Third Level team lead, Air Safety
Investigator and currently as EVP. I have extensive legislative and
media experiences. Not one of the other candidates can
match my accomplishments and my experience.
While working every day to promote and benefit our union over the
last 17 years, I have always taken a common sense
approach to issues to benefit our members and our profession. My
strength comes from the work ethic instilled by my father who
came to this country from Italy when he 16 years old. He worked two,
sometimes three jobs at a time to provide for his family. Following his
example, I have put in many 20 hour days for NATCA over the years.
Nobody has or ever will out work me.
I have shown the integrity to stand up for NATCA and do
the right thing no matter how much heat I bring upon myself. This coming
election is a good example of this since the easy thing for me to do
would be to run for executive vice president again. Most say I would
have run unopposed. I know the two candidates running for EVP would not
have run against me. However, I saw that NATCA needed a different type
of leader to bring us back to our rightful place and that I was the best
person to take on that role. NATCA deserves a leader who will stay
focused on the tasks at hand: for NATCA members to be
treated fairly and with respect at work and to be paid properly as the
highly trained, highly skilled professionals we are.
My leadership style is different than the others
running. I will empower, educate and motivate our members with a clear
message and direction on every level. This will ensure our FACREPs,
activists and members are on the same page across the country. I have
been instrumental in creating a cohesive team at our national office and
with our standing committees, FACREPs, activists and NEB members.
Evidence of that is the number of endorsements I have received from
these individuals, many of which are posted on our website
www.team4thefuture.com.
In every position I have held over the last 17 years I have been
accountable to the membership and the organization. I
had many responsibilities in the opening of the Potomac Consolidated
Terminal Radar Approach Control facility, which brought control of the
terminal airspace for the entire Washington, D.C. area together under
one roof. Our members depended greatly on my ability to negotiate the
best transition for them. As EVP, I have fiduciary responsibilities over
NATCA’s finances and am accountable to our membership
and the Department of Labor for every dollar spent out of our treasury.
My vision has brought us many things, such as the Boots
on the Ground program which plugged in 27 NATCA retirees to the AFL-CIO
Labor 2008 program in battleground states to help get a labor friendly
candidate in the White House and also finally to bring some status and
influence to NATCA amongst the broader labor movement. I pushed this
program to get first Pat’s buy-in then the buy-in of the NEB and it
proved to be the success that I had envisioned. I have
been focused on the message of union busting and spent
countless days away from the office and my family travelling the country
spreading the word about the FAA’s union busting activities. A less
determined person would not have the tenacity and commitment
to see this fight through to the end and would have folded his tent and
gone home at the half way point. I will stay focused on
our goals, and will not chase every rumor the FAA throws out to get us
off message and off task. I will not back down from the FAA. I have the
tenacity to hold the unaccountable, accountable. This I
commit to every NATCA member.
It is my Commitment, Experience, Common Sense, Strength,
Integrity, Focus, Leadership, Accountability, Vision and Tenacity
that makes me the right choice to lead this great organization for the
next three years.
Always in solidarity,
Paul
Candidate for NATCA President
Questions from the NATCA BBS
posted 3/28 by Trish
Question #1:
What are your five (5) biggest accomplishments for NATCA?
I have been involved in NATCA for more than 15 years, in good
times and in bad and in many different roles. As you can see every item
I list is plural because all accomplishments are a team effort and
should never be credited to one person.
As ZHU Facrep 1994-2000 - We increased local membership by more
than 30% during a time before reclassification where many joined our
union after they received a pay raise. We negotiated the first
comprehensive and liberal leave order for our local which was then used
as a template for many other facilities. We negotiated a deferred
adjudication program, sanctioned by the N.O. as a test facility, which
allowed our membership the option of choosing this program or the
grievance process when discipline was imminent. We successfully involved
many NATCA members in the implementation and training of both VSCS and
DSR. We also obtained numerous time-off awards for the facility, not
just for DSR and VSCS, but also for many other projects and programs.
As Vice President and President of the NATCA Charitable
Foundation 1998-2009 - Developed and continue today a strong Christmas
program for families in the Houston area. Also organized NATCA members
(approximately 20), raised funds and built an addition to the home of an
Elderly (72) woman (previously a screened family from the Xmas program)
that took custody of her grand nephews, ages 10 and 11. In Houston, we
held numerous fundraising golf tournaments for flood and hurricane
victims in the area. The tournament was named after John Huber and Rich
Richardson both active members of the ZHU before their untimely deaths.
While I was Vice President and President of the organization, the true
credit for the success of the NATCA Charitable Foundation is Cathy
Meachum who volunteers full time for the Charity to give back to the
underserved in the communities and do it in the name of our great Union.
Article 8/9 negotiating team 1998-1999 - We negotiated an Early Neutral
Evaluation process in order to resolve more grievances at 3rd level.
This processe resolved many issues in a timely manner and saved the
Union money because we were not forced to arbitrate everything not
resolved.
As National Organizing Committee Chair 1996-1999 - We worked
with locals across the country in improving their ATC membership
numbers. We used a variety of techniques depending on the size of the
local, part of the country and current membership ratio. We spent
countless hours of leave visiting Contract Towers across the country
encouraging them to vote for NATCA Representation. We played a key role
in organizing the Engineers/Architects into NATCA. I left the committee
just prior to the organization of TMU.
As SW Chair NLC 2000-2005 - We increased PAC membership in the SW region
by more than 30%. We implemented one-on-one legislative training for new
committee members. We developed and honed the make-up of the SW region
committee and instituted bi-annual meetings in order to better
facilitate roles of the committee, encourage greater participation,
share ideas/goals/knowledge of members of the committee and strengthen
our commitment to each other and the membership.
As NLC Chair 2005-Present - I became the chair during the 2005
contract negotiations. We increased legislative activism from
approximately 60-70 nationwide to more than 300 that are responsible for
coordination with Congressional offices. This number does not include
activists that attend NIW and work on campaigns. That number is
significantly higher. We instituted Rolling and Mini Lobby weeks in
order to have our strongest voice on the Hill, our activists. Prior to
becoming chair, our activists only visited their members of Congress in
DC during NIW. As a committee, we have advocated weekly, if not daily,
communication between NATCA and the members of Congress they are
responsible for via meetings in DC, at home, email, facility visits and
phone calls.
In 2006, we were able to bring the LaTourette bill (changed
Title 49 and stop the imposition of the pay and work rules) to the floor
for a vote. We fell a couple of votes short of a super-majority of
passing that legislation. Had it passed the House then the Senate would
have been our next obstacle. That would have been difficult , if not
impossible, because the Bush administration had already issued a veto
threat on the bill and twisted arms to change some of the House members
that were with us to vote against us. While we were not successful in
that vote, many activists worked very hard to make it happen. I am proud
to have been a part of the group that got us to that point.
In 2007, as the new Congress and fairly new NEB took office our
activists did not miss a beat and continued to educate our Members of
Congress about the lack of a Contract and the impact it was having on
the workforce and the system. We were able to get the language we needed
in the House Bill (return to the table, return to the green book, with
back pay and a fix to Title 49). Without 60 votes in the Senate, we
could not end debate and avoid a filibuster so our bill along with many
others never made it through the Senate.
Our legislative activists were able to stop the split of PHL and MIA and
postpone MEM. While we have had huge Congressional support in stopping
the FAA from their realignment efforts with facilities and services the
FAA has moved forward on some and ignored the will of Congress. We
continue to try any and all methods to be involved in this process
including but not limited to the passage of HR915.
Our committee was instrumental in stopping the confirmation of Bobby
Sturgell and were key players in providing information and questions to
members of Congress for their many Hearings on our issues in the last
two Congresses.
I testified in July of 2007 before the Aviation Subcommittee on the
condition of the Facilities in the FAA. Due to that testimony and the
work of many, more funds have been appropriated to improve or replace
dilapidated facilities.
We have increased the NATCA PAC to 4.3 million dollars an
election cycle and the PAB has distributed the funds from our PAC in a
more strategic, effective and efficient manner then it had in the past.
In 2009, We again have a bill in the House that fixes not only our
contract dispute but also has language in it to address realignment of
facilities and service, staffing standards and provisions for our
involvement in modernization of the ATC system.
Question #2:
What are the five (5) most important NEB decisions that you have agreed
with and how you expressed this agreement?
1. Boots on the Ground- This NEB plugged retired NATCA members
into the Labor 2008 program in battleground states across the country to
help elect a democrat to the White House. Since our retirees were
plugged in early, and because they are type-A and extremely talented
individuals, in most places they ended up not just being a part of the
program but actually running the program. The NLC worked closely with
Mike Ingrao to make this program the success that it was for NATCA. Not
only were we successful in getting a Democrat in the White House but we
were able to improve NATCA’s influence and recognition in the broader
labor movement.
2. National Office Hires- There has been some exceptional hires
by this Executive Board. I work closest with the Communications and
Government Affairs departments. Everyday I am impressed more and more
with their work ethic, commitment to fixing our issues and the passion
in which they perform for us.
3. NATCA Reloaded- With the hiring of several thousand into the
controller workforce in the last three years the need to educate our
newest members about NATCA, the labor movement and the importance of a
democratic voice in the workplace is tantamount to the success of NATCA
and the integrity of the profession. This program is still in its
infancy, has a long way to go, but has started with a good foundation
and a great committee.
4. FACREP training outside of DC- Since some of the NATCA
Academy training has moved out of DC there has been two or three times
as much participation as it was getting when it was in DC. Moving some
classes out of DC has saved money, increased class sizes and made the
travel and time more convenient for our members west of the Mississippi.
5. Implementation of a software systems that will finally start
to get NATCA usable data without having to poll the facility
representatives (who are already busier than they have ever been) on
their facility staffing, retirements and trainees. While there is still
much to do in this arena, we have come a long way from having multiple
databases that did not communicate with each other thus providing
inaccurate information to those of us that need information for Hill
visits, PR campaigns, press, grievances and lawsuits.
Question #3:
What are the five (5) most important NEB decisions that you have
disagreed with and how have you expressed this disagreement?
1. It is typical that when Congress has a low approval rating most
voters still support and have high approval for their Congressman. That
seems to be the same sentiment about the current NEB. As an entity there
is some dissatisfaction but most support and think their RVP is doing a
great job. The RVPs are working extremely hard for the membership under
extremely difficult times. Stronger leadership in the number one
position will improve the cohesiveness of the Board and better enable
the RVPs to send a unified message to the facility representatives and
the membership. The direction provided to our FacReps, activists and
members should be clear and concise. Our members should never have to
wonder about NATCA's position on an issue nor in which direction our
Union is heading. I have expressed my sentiment to many members of the
NEB in supporting a strong leader for President of NATCA.
2. When this NEB took office I forwarded many BBS posts that I
thought they should know about and address as I have been a BBS
participant for years. Some addressed the posts directly to the poster
and some handled the issues in other ways. As representative of this
Union, with a finite amount of time in a day to do their jobs, some felt
other duties were a higher priority than trying to keep up with the many
posts on the bbs. My RVP, who works very hard for the membership does
not post to the BBS but his list serve to the SW region facility
representatives and members covers a huge amount of information. I like
the "Ask NEB/N.O." thread we have now on the BBS but would like to see
the entire system become a more viable source of communication and
information.
3. FLSA Lawsuit- When I initially heard about NATCA pursuing
the FLSA lawsuit I had concerns and issues that I took to some of the
members of the NEB. After hearing their rational and reason for pursuing
the case I agreed with their decision. I initially did not. I would have
liked to have my information about the case beforehand rather than after
the fact. Pre-decisional involvement on many of our initiatives I
believe is important for the members to have buy-in. I am sure many, if
not all; the RVPS got input or explained the case to our FacReps via
telcons.
4. NEB meeting/telcons- As a member and activist I would like
to get information from NEB meetings and telcons in a timelier manner as
some of the initiatives involve work to be done by the NLC (as well as
other committees and national office staff). One example was the NEB’s
resolution on the Employee Free Choice Act. I took my concern and
example to Paul and since then there is better coordination with actions
of the NEB to the member activists and national office staff that need
to make the initiatives happen.
5. Retirees- As per SRM-5 Retired NATCA Active Volunteers
(9/02, 9/08), letters have recently been sent to retired members
soliciting volunteers for this program to start the process in making
this resolution a solid program that will benefit the Union and our
professions. I would have liked to see this program in place and working
prior to the Miami convention. NATCA has known that we would see many of
our active members retire from 2006-2010 and could have been better
prepared on how best to capitalize on this talent mostly lost when they
retire. The current NEB has not only started the process for RNAV but
also utilized many retired members in the AFL-CIO Labor 2008 program
referred to as the Boots on the Ground program. I believe the previous
NEB could have easily launched the program in the 2003-2006 time frames.
Question #4:
What are the five (5) most important things that you will change, and
how you will do so, after being elected?
Our Union’s strength and energy depend on the commitment and loyalty of
the membership. An educated, committed, proud and supportive membership
is essential to the success of our union whether it be at the contract
table or through political or legislative victories. We need to not only
improve membership involvement in the FAA ATC bargaining unit but must
do better at including, educating and communicating with our
representatives and members in the Contract Towers, 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 bargaining units.
1. Communication- We must understand that the ways in which our
membership receives the information from their union must change as our
membership changes. What worked even 4 years ago may not work with all
our members now. Technology gives us many more options and opportunities
to not only disseminate information but also to receive valued input
from the membership. We have the ability to webcast to the membership
NIW and CFS but should and will go even further with frequent webcasts
from the NEB, National Office Staff, Committee Chairs and Project Leads.
Receiving information from the members and the facility leaders is just
as important. Face to face contact with the membership is the best way
to hear their concerns and answer their questions. As the chair of the
National Legislative committee, in the last year and a half & on my days
off or on annual leave, I have attended membership meetings in Dallas,
Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Seattle, Sacramento, Albuquerque,
Kansas City, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, Memphis and
Minneapolis and have spent time at many of the Oklahoma City meet and
greets. As your EVP, I will continue to visit facilities and attend
membership meetings frequently in order to stay connected with the
membership. I have and always will be an active participant on the NATCA
BBS and want to see it further evolve into a more viable source of
information.
2. Education and Training- While we will always have members
that just want to pay their dues and no more, as leaders we must strive
to increase our numbers of members that really JOIN our union. Members
that identify with it and feel a responsibility in making it grow. By
training and educating our membership on the Labor movement, NATCA’s
history, legislative and political activism, leadership as well as the
training we already conduct will change a good portion of our membership
from a “What has my union done for me lately?” to members that actively
participant in our initiatives and understand our goals and endeavor to
make our Union stronger. We also need to work even harder for our local
FacReps with mentoring in their regions, tools and technology readily
available to them, frequent and comprehensive telcons and webcasts. Our
newest Reps will need extensive training on Interest Based Bargaining
and other negotiations techniques as these skills have not been honed
because of the war the FAA has waged on our Union. I just recently
attended the Eastern/Southwest region membership meeting in New Orleans
(3/10-12) and was very impressed with the agenda and most importantly
the extremely comprehensive thumb drive, full of information, they
provided to the attendees. I personally have used that thumb drive a
number of times in the last week.
3. Leadership- Effective leaders motivate, encourage activism,
and communicate with their membership. Leading in that manner garners
maximum support and buy-in from the membership. That is the type of
leader that I am and will continue to be as the hundreds of legislative
activists from across the country, as well as the members at ZHU I
served for as Facrep, will attest to and many have via endorsement.
Those that truly believe in this Union and its causes will provide
constructive criticisms of its leaders but will also roll up their
sleeves and do everything in they can to improve the lives of our
members. For me, that role has been as Chair of the legislative
committee during a very critical and frustrating time for our membership
and our leadership. A leader stays focused regardless of internal
politics and gives the membership 100%. I voted for John Carr in the
last election but did not walk away when my candidate did not win but
rather continued to give of my time, money and leave to reverse the harm
the FAA had viciously bestowed upon our membership. My commitment will
always be to our membership, and regardless of the outcome of the 2009
NATCA elections, I will continue to work as hard for this Union and its
members as I have always done.
4. Membership involvement- While we have many new faces at NIW,
CFS, facility rep. training and regional meetings we need to continue to
improve on new and innovative ways to get our members involved. Whether
it is podcasts, facebook, tweeter, face-to-face meet and greets or any
number of other ways and venues the next leaders must continue to
utilize and capitalize on the ideas of the many members of our diverse
membership.
5. While a level playing field will allow us to pursue
resolution of many of our workplace issues we must continue to increase
our presence on Capitol Hill and also with the public via media outlets,
community programs and aviation summits just to name a few.
Question #5:
What is your vision for NATCA five (5) years from now?
Our members are counting on our leaders to have a clear vision of where
we are going to be in five years. In five years, I envision:
- Legislation in place that will prevent anti-worker
initiatives from affecting our membership and workplace
- Resolving disputes/grievances at the lowest level
- Involvement across the board on implementation and
development of new technology and any initiatives to realign
facilities/services
- Negotiated agreements at all levels that serve the
membership well and/or enhance the safety of the system
- The Media, Congress, Administration, Public, Aviation
Industry and Labor groups all seek NATCA’s input and counsel all
issues affecting the National Airspace System, Government Employees
and our membership
- NATCA membership and PAC membership in the high 90s
- Solidarity, union involvement and commitment at an all
time high
- Have a full staffed, well-rested, appropriately paid and
happy workforce
For my vision to become reality, many things need to happen
while we have a Democrat in the White House and the Congress with
majorities in place where we can see real change.
We should continue to take our message to the Hill and pursue a
legislative fix to Title 49 (back to the table, back to the green book
if not already taking place via WH directive or the FAA Bill is signed
into law), address realignment processes, staffing standards and
collaboration on modernization projects via the FAA bill. A Title 49 fix
in this Congress is not only important to our ATC bargaining but also to
the other bargaining units we represent. While the multi-units did
eventually ratify a contract after the FAA imposed on them they still
live and work under an imposed pay scale. There are dozens of other
legislative fixes we must and need to pursue in the years to come. We
must codify into law “inherently governmental” language and the union’s
ability to negotiate permissive subjects. We must legislatively address
the designee program, , good-time for staff specialists, retention of
PHX 20 hires, AWS, true 20 year retirement and seek appropriated funds
for the second career program.
We must build on our relationship with the new administration
(WH, DOT and FAA) to resolve workplace issues at the lowest possible
level – this will take the FAA changing their culture of not valuing
their workforce. In order for them to do that, they will need to move
some of the roadblocks in FAA management if there is going to be any
hope of NATCA and the FAA to work in collaboration in resolving
workplace issues, bringing about labor peace, implementing solid
policies and moving forward with their NEXGEN.
At the Contract Table… we need to negotiate an agreement that
the membership can ratify but will also stabilize the workforce.
Stabilize the workforce by instituting a pay that will not only bring
the B-scale employees to an A-scale wage but also one that will keep our
veteran controllers on the job to train our new workforce. Stabilization
of the workforce is key in maintaining the integrity of the system
otherwise an inexperienced and short-staffed workforce will remain and
be detrimental to the safety of the system.
We must get our members, the Subject Matter Experts, back
involved with the development and implementation of new and current
technologies to the field and the system. The system needs our
involvement and our membership deserves it.
When all these things happen, along with many more initiatives and
resolution of many outstanding workplace issues, our Union will thrive
and the Agency will not only be a better place to work but the system
can again be referred to as "the gold-standard in aviation safety and
efficiency".
Trish Gilbert, Candidate NATCA EVP
Excerpts from Paul and Trish from the
New Orleans
Candidate Forum
held on March 10, 2009
posted 3/17
Letter below sent to Facreps this week asking them to post this
flyer
posted 2/23
Dear NATCA Facility Representative,
This summer’s National Executive Board elections mark a crucial time for
NATCA. We believe this year’s elections not only will determine our
immediate future but also will set the stage for our union to strengthen
and prosper in the long term.
In the spirit of the democratic process, we are asking you to
prominently post on your NATCA board our flyer as well as any others you
may receive. As we prepare for the coming years it is critical that we
afford our members the opportunity to become familiar with the
candidates, their accomplishments and their vision for the future of
NATCA. An informed and educated vote will help ensure our members make
known the direction they wish NATCA to take on their behalf.
We will be visiting as many facilities as possible during the campaign
so that we can hear directly from our members their questions, concerns
and suggestions. In the meantime your facility can find out more about
our vision and goals on our campaign website,
http://www.team4thefuture.com.
We are deeply honored to represent the NATCA membership in our current
positions and seek the offices of NATCA President and Executive Vice
President with a sincere desire to continue to serve our members.
Together, we can accomplish great things.
In solidarity,
Paul Rinaldi - Executive Vice President
Candidate for NATCA President
Trish Gilbert - National Legislative Committee Chair
Candidate NATCA Executive Vice President .
Click to view flyer
Why Are We Running As A Team?
posted 2/15
During our short 21 year history,
NATCA has had opportunities, during times of labor peace, to insulate
our Union and our members from a hostile, anti-worker employer. Too
often we have failed to take advantage of those openings. Over the last
couple of years, those missed opportunities have been glaringly apparent
as our membership has felt the wrath of an employer turned adversary.
As we look forward and assess the future of our professions and our
Union, it is very clear the next 2-4 years will, once again, bring us
the chance to capture those missed opportunities. We will have the
ability to create, shape and influence our future like never before.
Our future is now and we must seize our opportunity. Your NATCA
leadership must demand that every effort be focused on restoring our
proud professions to their rightful places.
In order to maximize this opportunity, we believe we must elect a
leadership team that shares common principles and philosophical beliefs.
A leadership team that has a common understanding, attitude and approach
to dealing with the FAA, the media, the Congress, the flying public,
industry leaders and, most importantly, our members. We believe that
NATCA’s President and Executive Vice President should be just this kind
of team.
The top two officers of our union should be interchangeable in meetings
with the FAA, with our members, with Congress, and with the media. Our
message should be identical and our delivery indistinguishable. The
direction we provide to our facreps, activists and members should be
clear and concise. Our members should never have to wonder about NATCA's
position on an issue nor in which direction our Union is heading.
We believe this is an extraordinary time in our Union's history that
calls for an unusual, but essential, approach to our national elections.
That is why we have decided to run for President and Executive Vice
President as a team. We have been thoroughly involved in every step of
NATCA’s political and legislative processes and strategy. We will be
able to hit the ground running without skipping a beat and that will be
paramount to our Union's success.
During the past 27 months, we have worked together every day to ensure
the components of our legislative and political processes were operating
effectively, efficiently and accurately. Our work ethic, commitment, and
experience are unparalleled. Our tenacity, knowledge, and leadership
skills are interchangeable. We have developed a tremendous amount of
respect, trust and belief in our abilities as a team. Together we can
accomplish anything!
Brothers and sisters, our future is now, the time is now.
Strengthening Our Union
posted 2/15
This election will provide NATCA members the
opportunity to elect leaders who will ensure a secure future. We are
confident in our depth as a team and are seeking office as running
mates, unified in our commitment to the membership.
- We will strengthen our Union by working with the FAA and
new DOT Secretary and Administration in dealing with long unresolved
issues. Our strong and active membership was instrumental
in electing more labor friendly candidates into Congress and now
President Barack Obama’s administration is poised to give Unions
their voice back; however, that just puts us back on level ground.
Collaboration is key, but we will not back down from fighting for
what we deserve.
- We will strengthen our Union by insisting on member
involvement in all areas which impact our professions and the
National Airspace System, to include but not be limited to:
~Development and implementation of technology, policies and
procedures
- ~Realignment of facilities and services
- We will strengthen our Union by continuing to increase
our influence in the broader labor movement. We will work
to develop the depth of our relationships with industry leaders and
their organizations, including affiliations with local Central Labor
Councils or State Federations when it is beneficial. We need to play
offense instead of defense in future elections, and to prepare for
that we will work to increase our own PAC. The “Boots on the Ground”
program which infused 27 retired NATCA members into battle ground
states for the 2008 elections was just the first step. More will be
required of everyone, and we are prepared to lead the way.
- We will strengthen our Union by educating our members.
Not only will we facilitate participation in current courses like
Facility Representative, Arbitration, Worker’s Compensation and OSHA
training, but we will also develop and test a comprehensive
legislative and leadership course. Advanced training will assist our
local Union leaders in motivating their membership to get involved,
leading to a true ownership into the future of our profession and
Union.
- We will strengthen our Union by staying active
politically and legislatively to ensure that that any future
anti-worker administration is not able to disrupt our workforce
again.
“ A tree is only as strong as its roots”. Our membership is our
organization’s root structure.
Air Traffic Controller Columns
Spring 2009 Air Traffic Controllers Column -
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2008 NIW Special Edition Column -
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Fall 2008 Air Traffic Controllers Column -
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Summer 2008 Air Traffic Controllers Column -
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Spring 2008 Air Traffic Controllers Column -
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Summer 2007 Air Traffic Controllers Column -
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