NATCA in Washington 2006: Preview
In just one month, NATCA in Washington 2006 will bring NATCA brothers and sisters together in Washington, D.C., to learn, participate and speak on the union’s behalf with their elected representatives about controller staffing shortages, delays of critical modernization projects and overnight tower closures. Next year’s event will be held at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill from Jan. 29 through Feb. 1.
“Next year, the main issue will be the contract,” says NATCA Director of Strategic Planning and Policy Jose Ceballos. “We’ll also focus on the 2007 FAA reauthorization. This could possibly be the most ‘personal’ and important lobby week for NATCA members as it pertains to the contract, and could shape our future for many years to come. We need as many people as possible to come to D.C., and talk to their representatives; we need to show up on Capitol Hill at full strength.”
National Legislative Committee (NLC) Chair Trish Gilbert emphasizes that “without membership support and commitment, NATCA could not continue as a viable entity on Capitol Hill. When NATCA’s membership is mobilized, it can be an impressive force.”
Before meeting with their Representatives, first-time participants will attend a session conducted by Bob McLean, a leading expert on efficient grassroots communication. After a day and a half of speakers and briefings, NATCA members will embark upon Capitol Hill, where they will visit over 500 offices and bring the members’ issues to the forefront. “The offices know that constituents are taking the time to fly in to personally ask for the support of their representatives,” notes John Fitzgerald, New England NLC representative. “By doing that, our members change the nature of the issues on which Members of Congress vote. The issues are no longer ideas in the abstract; they are real actions which have real consequences on real people: our members, our families and the flying public.”
Grand Forks Tower Controller Chuck Adams, a regular attendee of NATCA in Washington, emphasizes the importance of the NATCA membership’s presence. “This event is one to mark on our calendars,” he says. “We’re making a difference. Together with our leadership and the rest of the activists, our voice is being heard. I also believe it’s being listened to, and that is the most important part. Familiar faces and a familiar message — SAFETY— are the keys to our success, so I keep coming back for the camaraderie and to continue fostering the relationships I’ve built with our legislators. In fact, I just received a letter from one of our senators stating that he was monitoring our progress with the FAA on our attempts at a new contract.”
Noel Kingston, facility representative at Prescott Air Traffic Control Tower, has been attending NATCA in Washington since 1999. “The main thing that I have noticed is how much bigger and better the event gets every year.”
NATCA members interested in attending next year’s event should sign up today at www.natca.org and click on the NIW 2006 logo.
“There is a buzz on the Hill when we get into town, and most staffers know it’s NATCA’s week,” says Jimmy Ray Garrett, Eastern Region NLC representative. “Our event attracts high ranking leadership from both sides of the aisle. It is a first class event.”
