Vol. 11-8 September Part 1

September 1997, Volume 11, Issue 8

NATCA gains over $100,000 in new PAC revenue and more than 500 additional members

Judging from the 526 NATCA members who signed up as new Political Action Committee contributors, the $107,911.44 fresh dollars pouring in per year, the resourcefulness and determination of Jacksonville Controller Joe Trainor who single handedly recruited 63 PAC members and the resolve of Southern Region controllers who enlisted 173 new members and almost doubled contributionsin the region, NATCA's "pack for the PAC" campaign was a success.

"Our PAC increases were impressive," said NATCA President Barry Krasner. "But, just because there is no longer a heavily publicized structured campaign, or no prizes to be won, that does not mean controllers should forget about the PAC. We need to continue to convince others to join if they haven't already, or if they have, to increase contributions."

NATCA's "pack for the PAC" campaign, which ran from Sept. 15, 1996, to Aug. 1, 1997, was grounded in Krasner's philosophy, "If you think you can't afford to, you can't afford not to!" Controllers were urged to pledge a relatively small amount of money every two weeksthe equivalent of cash spent on common merchandise, such as packages of gum, cigarettes, beer, crackers and popcorn. In return, rewards will be evident in the form of job security, funding for advanced equipment and technology, increased staffing, better scheduling and more equitable pay and benefits. "Because of the increase in PAC money, NATCA will be able to extend our reach in Congress further than ever before," said Krasner.

Trainor is one controller who firmly believes in the power of the PAC. "Tangible benefits for air traffic controllers can only be achieved through legislative efforts. Congressnot the FAAholds the key to these benefits," he said. "Whether we receive a true 20-year retirement, increased pay and compensation, adequate staffing, updated equipment, funding for a second career program, or the end to contracting out, congressional legislation is the answer. The NATCA PAC fund drives our efforts on Capitol Hill."

While Trainor emerged as the member who signed up the most new PAC contributors, Anchorage Center Controller Doug Thompson holds the title for giving the highest dollar amount per pay period $105 (see pages 6-10 for additional PAC winners). But, what region is number one in terms of overall success? Undoubtedly, this honor is bestowed upon the Southern Region. It gained 173 new PAC members and almost doubled its contributions.

"The tremendous success of Southern Region PAC efforts is due to the commitment from legislative repre-sentatives, fac reps and legislative points of contact," said Southern Region Legislative Committee Chair Alan Clendenin. "The dedication of all these groups and their willingness to work together is why we received such enthusiasm and generosity from the membership." And it wasn't just the big facilities who carried the region. "All facilities were involved from the small Fort Lauderdale to larger towers such as Miami and Pensacola and the 204 member Jacksonville Center.

Although the Eastern Region began NATCA's "pack for the PAC" campaign in the top spot with 574 PAC members and monthly contributions of $1,854, this seat on the throne was short-lived. When the drive ended, the Southern Region emerged as the PAC powerhouse, easily beating the east's figure of 71 new members.

"The phenomenal success of our PAC drive has demonstrated that members, fac reps and other NATCA leaders are realizing the importance of legislative activism," said NATCA Legislative Committee Chair Ruth Marlin.

Trainor agrees, crediting increases to the membership's realization of the PAC's necessity and its inevitable return on investment. "I want to thank each and every contributor for their support and strongly urge those who don't give to the PAC to please offer any amount: It will help secure a better future for you and your families," he said.

Don't underestimate effectiveness of local, regional leaders

Dear friends and members:

The first ballot is over and we're in the runoff stage for the three remaining elections. Now that I'm leaving office, more people than ever are sharing their ideas about the direction NATCA should take. This interests me, because some of these folks haven't talked to me in yearscertainly, many months.

In these conversations, I'm also intrigued by the suggestions. Many of them are excellent, and I agree with them wholeheartedly. The thing is: A lot are best dealt with at regional and local levels.

True, there are many battles for us to fight on your behalf. Many are with policy makers in Washington members of Congress, White House advisors and the president, FAA bureaucrats and appointed heads. Decisions made at the highest levels affect every region, facility and memberalthough it often takes forever for policy to translate into practice. The two elected leaders who serve at the national office are the "face" of the membership in political and official Washington. In this capacity, our work differs from that of the facility representative or regional vice president.

The national office is your vehicle to transport your ideas, issues and perspective to the appropriate destination. That may well be members on the aviation subcommittees, bean counters at the General Accounting Office, impartial arbitrators and judges or any number of others. We look to you to supply the fuel for our trip.

You can tell us where to go, and what to do when we get there. (Believe me, some of you already have!). A good place to start is in your own facility. A column in this publication alludes to the apathy perceived, at least, to be nationwide.

Having been active, very active, in union work for the entire 10 years of our history, I have some difficulty understanding a could-care-less attitude. No matter who you are, you will find issues of every day, practical relevance to your life working their way through this organization. It is vital that you pay attention, otherwise you and NATCA could crash.

We can do just so much at the national level. You can help us by staying in contact with your regional vice presidents. They're there to support you. They're the NATCA policy makers who must ultimately be held accountable to you. They communicate with each other, national office staff, agency officials and other NATCA members on a regular basis. It's up to you to make certain they represent your views when making the rounds.

Remember, you can get the most done at the local level. I encourage you to consider making some changes if you are not involved in somethingno matter how great or small. In the long run, it will help us at the national office. After all, we work for you and put your best interests forward. We're most effective when your views filter up from the locals and RVPs.

 In solidarity,

 Barry Krasner, president

PATCO teaches controller about apathy

Randy Kath, Indianapolis Center vice president

I was fired from Minneapolis Center on Aug. 3, 1981, for going on strike with PATCO. I had been employed with the Federal Aviation Administration for two and a half years and was working one radar sector. As a lowly trainee, I was a union member, yet not very active. I went to meetings but kept my mouth shut. After all, what did I know? I was told to be there for the head countso I went. Fourteen months later, by the grace of God, I got my job back.

Things weren't all that bad for the first few years after the strike. Over time though, a division between labor and management emerged. Oddly enough, it began when management stopped working traffic. Eventually, things became so bad we attempted to start a union. The first effort failed, but the second one succeeded. This brings us to where we are today.

Many people were surprised I was involved in the new union, considering I was fired in 1981. I learned many valuable lessons during the PATCO strike though, the most important being that apathy destroys. It destroys unions, relationships and families. In my opinion, it was what led to PATCO's demise.

By 1981, PATCO members suffered from severe indifference. PATCO had only 10 percent involvement in its operation. The other 90 percent were too busy to bother with the union. Those who did not participate wanted the few who did to deal with all the issues. "You guys just do what you feel is right," was the answer to most questions. Eventually, those involved stopped asking for input and started telling the membership what they would do. If anyone complained, they received a brow beating of, "Where were you when all the work was being done?" The membership accepted it either out of guilt, shame or ignorance.

Unfortunately, I feel NATCA is dangerously close to this point. I do not think we are headed in the direction of a strike, but the level of apathy could prohibit this union from truly representing members' interests.

I have been the vice president at Indianapolis Center for 15 months. The apathy I see is astounding. There is low turnout for almost all events. We've held briefings with our regional vice president, NATCA lobbyist and regional vice president candidates. Only 15 to 20 people showed up.

It's not only meetings. How many facility representatives are faced with approaching the same people time after time because no one else will volunteer? How often do we just end up doing it ourselves? How often do members complain without offering to dedicate the time and energy themselves? I have talked to people from all over the country about this and they have the same problem. It is a nationwide issue.

It appears there is a misunderstanding out there as to what it means to be a union member. It is more than just paying your bi-weekly dues. We have a responsibility to one another to remain active in our union. It is the diversity of the membership that keeps us directed. It's time to get up and get involved. Talk to your non-member friends and help them become active.

It is time to realize there is no free lunch and no free ride. One way or another we are going to pay for it. Just remember, a union is a check and balance system for management. Active participation is the check and balance system within the union.

Reclassification thank you

The following letter was recently written to NATCA Reclassification Committee Chair Tim Haines.

Dear Tim Haines:

We would like to recognize your effort in putting together the reclassification of the air traffic control system. This is a very hard job: We appreciate the efforts of you and your staff. More specifically, thank you for putting in the extra time and effort in re-evaluating our facility. Thank you again for all you hard work. Be assured you can count on our continued support.

Cindy Mahafkey

Charleston Tower fac rep

Congressional member orders STARS investigation

It seems an investment of $3.5 million in a project that turned out to be a flop would teach those involved in the fiasco to learn from mistakes. This is not the case with the Federal Aviation Administration. It picked up right where it left off with the failed Advanced Automation System by making the same errors with the Standard Terminal Automation System. Millions of dollars and many wasted months later, Congress is beginning to take actionbecause of valuable information provided by NATCA.

NATCA STARS Representative Rick White and Lobbyist Ken Montoya, met with congressional members in August including: Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va.; Rep. William Lipinski, D-Ill.; Sen. Wendell Ford, D-Ken.; Sen. Ernest Hollings, D-S.C.; Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J.; Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska; and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. "Congressional members were extremely responsive to our concerns and promised to take action," said Montoya. "They refuse to allow the FAA to continue steering STARS down its present course of disaster."

Chairman of the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, Rep. Frank Wolf, didn't waste time fulfilling his promise. After NATCA informed Wolf that the STARS system is so fundamentally flawed that it may not be operationally suitable for deployment and of the FAA's neglect of human factors issues, Wolf took action. He immediately ordered an inspector general investigation into STARS.

"I find it incredible to believe the FAA may not have learned one of the fundamental lessons of the AAS debaclethat air traffic controllers must be involved in automation design and human factors issues," said Wolf.

He questioned White and Montoya concerning integrated product teams which were supposed to involve controllers in the design of systems used by the work force. NATCA's response was simple: 'It hasn't been done.' "We've been trying to work with the FAA but they refused to listen," said Montoya. "We had no choice but to approach Congress."

NATCA's next step is to brief Inspector General Kenneth Mead and his staff on STARS. "We cannot allow escalating costs and ignorance of human factors issues to continue," said Montoya. "It is our hope that when the inspector general's report is published in October, it takes these important issues into consideration and prompts the FAA to institute change."

Membership casts yes vote for MEBA disaffiliation

"NATCA is on its way to direct affiliation with the AFL-CIO," said NATCA President Barry Krasner after union members voted overwhelmingly in favor of disaffiliation with the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association.

Just over 6,000 votes were returned: 5,984 in favor, 60 opposed, 30 ballots were termed void. "I'm pleased the membership showed such abundant support to break away from MEBA," said Krasner.

"This is a very important step for this union and I think it will serve us very well in the future," said Krasner. "Thank you all for voting and for your overwhelming support."

FAA takes steps to provide controllers with overdue tool

Along overdue piece of equipment is one step closer to implementation. The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to award Lockheed Martin Federal Systems, Inc. a contract to upgrade the Automated Radar Terminal System color console. The finished product should be delivered nine months after the contract is officially awarded.

"The color displays show the same information as the one controllers use now. It will just be easier to read," said Ben Phelps, NATCA's safety coordinator. "This isn't new technologyother countries have been using this for years. I don't know what took the FAA so long."

Even though the new equipment costs more per unit than what controllers now use, maintenance of the old units is extremely expensive. In the long run, it is more cost effective to replace, rather than refurbish them.

According to ATC Market Report, the new display will be compatible with the ARTS IIIA and ARTS IIIE A6.05 systems. Lockheed Martin will be required to integrate the ARTS IIIE A6.05 software with the upgraded color monitor, produce source code for all developed software and a user/operator manual.