January 1st, 2025 New England Bi-Monthly Regional Update
From Kevin Curtiss, NATCA New England Regional RVP
When I held The NNE town hall on December 26th, I knew two things would happen. The first, is that I would have little more to offer to members who were angry, hurt, frustrated and felt betrayed than my ear. Every single person on the town hall just like every single member that called, emailed or texted was justified to feel whatever they felt. The second thing I knew would happen is that the question would be asked; “Why should I stay in the union?” In all sincerity, I didn’t know how to answer until it was asked, but the answer rolled off with ease. “For your locals. Your local reps need to be supported”.
I don’t need to give this region a recap of the events that closed out 2024 in our Union. New England leadership is in it’s seventh straight year of regularly communicating and listening to it’s members. What I do need to give this region are some details surrounding how fiercely aligned your facility and area reps are in the wake of current events.
Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. your FACREPs get on a call with NNE Leadership. The Tuesday morning after the egregious pay email they were there ready to bring New England’s sentiment straight to their RVP. Not one FACREP pulled any punches on how they and their members felt about their union trying to pass off our pay and benefits as being sufficient. They represented you.
In this coming year, they will continue to. New England FACEREPs were the first to complete BWS negotiations in the fall and I can assure you will need the support of their members as they stand up to the inevitable callousness and incompetence coming as The FAA fumbles through it’s new fatigue mitigation requirements.
Of all the years to decide to stop being a member, I can’t think of a year they need your support more. Convention is this spring. I’ve heard tales of in Convention years that RVPs would get their reps in line before convening. At San Francisco, New England reps and delegates will instead be forming the lines to speak at the microphones during Convention. Give them the support heading into this spring to move this union forward.
I’ve been in the room where The Agency tries to play the members in the operation against it’s local reps. They crave a fractured bargaining unit. Please don’t just hand that over to them.
Just as I knew the question that was going to be asked on that town hall, I know the questions being asked of me right now. I’ve read every bit of communication from our members and I’m almost finished responding to each of them.
Since the morning after that email, to when I was notified The President had extended The Slate Book and during every call The NEB has had since, I’ve not stopped relaying how New England feels. I’ve doubled down that New England members are in fact educated. When asked, “Are you all really a bunch of maniacs that just want your pay negotiated?” I replied “96% of us are.”
During these meetings something has been said on more than one occasion. And that is, you can be two things.
I can be there for my members. President Daniels knows that and he knows the members want to hear from him. He has assured me he will give New England it’s opportunity.
He also knows that I love to fight. The only thing I’d love more than to fight The Agency is to put all I have into getting members paid more and improving our work environment.
I have the privilege of having one of the most gifted minds when it comes to data and numbers I’ve ever met lead alongside me as ARVP. Jake Detwiler and I have had more than a binge series worth time of discussions over creative ways to increase pay. When the president brings those opportunities to increase our pay to The Board, I want New England’s presence in those conversations.
Steve, Jake and I did not anticipate 2025 to look like this in early December when were were discussing where we were as a Region and where we wanted to go. This RVP message has changed more times than I can count due to events surrounding our Union. It is two weeks later than originally planned. I thought I’d recap, have our end of year awards video and speak to upcoming events and plans.
So while this update will not have a recap, the awards video is going to be postponed one more time, I’m still going talk to where we are going.
In 2025, your NNE Leadership will still visit with facilities and talk to members. We will still equip our FACREPs with the tools to hold The Agency accountable in regards to weekends protected from overtime and staffing. We will still have camaraderie events with members in places that we can socialize. We will still push for better mental health conditions for our members. We will still engage our young workforce and create the next round of leaders.
For every member reading this update, I hope you still will be reading them well after January.
Happy New Year,
HK
The time is running out to propose an amendment or resolution to NATCA’s Constitution! The deadline for submitting proposed amendments and resolutions for the 2025 Convention is 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
If you are interested in submitting an amendment or have any questions, please contact our NNE Constitution Rep Tim Roig at [email protected].
Amendments and resolutions should be submitted to NATCA’s Executive Vice President at [email protected].
Click here to learn more about the process for submitting amendments and resolutions.
As a NATCA member, you are never alone. NATCA CISM is available 24/7 at 202-505-2476 and when you call, you will speak with a NATCA member who who knows the stressors of your job and about balancing life outside of work. You can also contact our regional CISM coordinator Jennifer Dickinson directly at 603-731-8635.
EAP is also available by calling 800-234-1327 or visiting www.magellanascend.com. For more information about EAP, visit https://www.natca.org/2022/02/23/eap-update-benefits-of-the-worklife-solutions-program/
AMAS is also a benefit NATCA members can contact with questions regarding your medical. You can call them at 720-857-6117 or visit their website at https://www.aviationmedicine.com/consult-an-amas-physician/natca-air-traffic-controllers-association-natca/
If you are in crisis, please reach out for help immediately by calling or texting 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We are here for you. You are not alone.
Announcements and Upcoming Events
The next NATCA in Washington will be held March 24-26, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C. If you are interested in attending, please complete the following questionnaire no later than February 6: https://www.natca.org/natca-in-washington-registration/. Members of the National Legislative Committee (NLC) will confirm interested members’ attendance on or before February 17, 2025.
Please note that your attendance is not guaranteed until it is confirmed by your regional NLC rep. (Please do not make any flight arrangements until you receive a confirmation from your Regional NLC member on attendance. Additionally, transportation expenses are NOT reimbursed by NATCA National. Please check with your FacRep before you complete any airfare purchase to determine what expense reimbursements, if any, will be provided by your local.)
If you have any questions, please contact New England Legislative Chair Jamie Green at [email protected]. For more information about the event, visit https://www.natca.org/events/niw/.
NATCA 101 is an engaging and interactive learning course designed to give members a solid foundation in understanding NATCA’s mission and operations.
Building a basic understanding of our Union and then enhancing it with personal involvement are crucial steps toward a stronger local, a more influential national Union, and a better future for your family.
Join the NATCA Reloaded Committee for this month’s course on Wednesday, January 15 at 1:00pm ET.
Sign up on the NATCA Portal.
Are you planning to attend NATCA’s 20th Biennial Convention? Register today and plan to be at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco from May 9-11, 2025, with the opening ceremony taking place on the evening of May 8. Early registrants will get the best prices on all Convention events.
Click here to register for the Convention and buy tickets for evening events.
Purchase tickets before March 10, 2025, for lowest event ticket pricing! Please do not register NATCA members as guests. NATCA members must be registered as separate attendees to receive the proper credentialing.
Room reservations can be made directly during the Convention registration process. The cutoff date and time to book your room is April 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. PDT or when our Union’s room block is sold out.
For additional information and updates, visit www.natca.org/events/convention
