This Month in NATCA/Labor History
Friday, April 13, 2012

THIS MONTH IN NATCA HISTORY:

April 5, 1993 — NATCA headquarters moves: The union relocates from Suite 845 at MEBA headquarters, 444 N. Capitol St., to its own leased offices in Suite 701 at 1150 17th St. NW, both in Washington, D.C.

April 15, 1980 — PATCO contract preparations: The union distributes an “educational package” to its members that outlines how to establish communication networks and committees on security, welfare, and picketing. Information also includes advice on financial preparations in case of lost wages during a job action, and how union locals can arrange bond and other legal services. Many in the FAA consider this a strike plan.

April 15, 1994 — Equipment modernization: The Air Traffic Control System Command Center begins operations at a new facility in Herndon, Va. Size and technological constraints prompt the move from FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C.

April 29, 1985 — ALPA considers organizing controllers: The Air Line Pilots Association announces the possibility of organizing controllers. ALPA and AFGE discuss the proposition throughout the summer, but in late August ALPA’s Master Executive Council votes against the move.

 During the fall, John Thornton and Howie Barte seek interest from other unions, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the American Federation of Teachers, the Communications Workers of America, the Teamsters, and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, which had organized PATCO.

April 26, 2000 — NATCA organizing: The FLRA certifies NATCA as the exclusive bargaining representative for 274 FAA regional office employees in the Logistics, Finance, and Computer Support divisions.

THIS MONTH IN LABOR HISTORY:

1858: A group of "puddlers" -- craftsmen who manipulated pig iron to create steel -- met in a Pittsburgh bar and formed the Iron City Forge of the Sons of Vulcan. It was the strongest union in the U.S. in the 1870s, later merging with two other unions to form what was to be the forerunner of the United Steel Workers.

1900: Birth of Florence Reece, active in Harlan County, Ky. coal strikes and author of famed labor song “Which Side Are You On?”

1909: The Union Label and Service Trades Department is founded by the American Federation of Labor. Its mission: promote the products and services of union members.

1977: United Shoe Workers of America merge with Amalgamated Clothing & Textile Workers Union.

2004: Steelworkers approve a settlement with Oregon Steel Mills, Inc. and its CF&I Steel subsidiary, ending the longest labor dispute in the USWA’s history and resulting in more than $100 million in back pay for workers.