November 27, 2024 – New England RVP Round-Up
From Kevin Curtiss, NATCA New England Regional Vice President
Hello NATCA New England,
Before I discuss some of the recent things since the last time I’ve talked, I did want to address some of the comments that leadership received in the communications survey. For those members that work in our FCT facilities, you’ve been heard. Our FCT Rep Gordon Green and I have had discussions and we will be planning a call with all of you in the near future. Second, I received a lot of questions about why NATCA didn’t negotiate a new contract with/or during The Biden Administration. The Slate Book Contract is an agreement with NATCA and The FAA, not a presidential administration. Our current CBA doesn’t expire until July of 2026. Without the parties mutual consent to open up negotiations, the agreement is in place until it expires.
So, where does that leave NATCA in regards to a contract, the incoming Presidential Administration, and the challenges we face as a Union? On November 18th, the fully elected NEB met for the first time in person at The National Office. After establishing some communication and formal meeting norms, The NEB received briefings quite similar to those given to NNE members in the past about the effects that Executive Orders previously signed by Donald Trump would have on our members and our organization if they were implemented again. We were briefed that as things currently sit, there is no contract extension offer to NATCA. Lastly, as of the meeting there was no Trump Administration transition team in place for NATCA to reach out to. Just last night on a call, The NEB was briefed that the first steps to establishing a transition team had taken place. NATCA intends to reach out to the team as soon as they have a POC to establish a working relationship with the incoming administration.
On that same call The NEB approved 2025 NATCA Training Academy locations that for the first time in a while puts courses outside of Las Vegas. This will be a huge opportunity for NNE members that may have been dissuaded from attending because of the leave demands associated with travel. These new locations will also save NATCA nearly $100K in expenses. The updated NATCA Training Academy graphic should begin to circulate email and social media soon.
Regionally, I’ve continued to make facility visits and have face to face interactions with members. Those facility visits and or meet and greets while normally spaced out, will start over again early next year. Our legislative leadership will be more informed about how NATCA intends to rely on our political relationships and it’s imperative we give members an opportunity to speak or ask questions in an environment that does not violate the HATCH Act.
The next time I have a chance to address our region, The NEB will have had it’s first two day opportunity to discuss new business and agenda items. Our second ATX event will have come to fruition, and NNE members should have completed schedule, leave, and protected Overtime weekend bidding.
The holiday season will begin soon and I want to take a minute to thank everyone that will provide the flying public the ability to spend time with their families while some of our members have to sacrifice time with their own.
Air Traffic Controllers should be lauded for the sacrifices they make during the holidays. I find it unfortunate that too often FAA Managers don’t make it a point to show appreciation to the workforce. Then again, on many holidays, it seems they’re not even there to do so.
On behalf of Steve Brown ARVP-PWM, Jake Detwiler ARVP-ZBW and all of The New England Leaders and Reps, have a Happy Thanksgiving.
HK
