November 1st, 2025 New England Bi-Monthly Regional Update
RVP Update
From Kevin Curtiss, NATCA New England Region RVP
Brothers and Sisters,
I realize your frustration is growing each day that you continue to work without getting paid. If I was asked, it would be an arduous task to think of any time in my life that I could recollect a group of workers or people that were the best in the world at what they do, and yet treated so poorly.
I want to thank David Westermayer from BOS for taking on the job of being our leaf letting captain. NATCA New England members from BGR, BED, BOS, A90, and ZBW along with furloughed members of Region X sacrificed their one day off this past week educating the flying public about the impacts of the shutdown. David has organized another day of leaf letting for November 6th.
Yesterday, NATCA released a message to pass a clean continuing resolution. The National Executive Board has met every day at 5 pm if not more since five days before the shutdown. The board realized during that meeting it was imperative to pivot and change our message. We understand that this shutdown is not like the one our workforce endured in 2018-2019. The exhaustion of short staffing has been exacerbated. The amount of time we spend supervising the operation has increased. The financial situations of our controllers and their families are under more stress than six and a half years ago. You and your families should not be forced any longer to endure the adverse effects of this shutdown.
That message is not about politics. It is about one thing, and one thing only; demanding that our members be paid for the work they’ve done.
I’ve had more interactions with our workforce in the past thirty one days than I probably have had all year. I want to say to anyone reading that may not have been present for a conversation, visit, or briefing that NATCA has resources that can help you through financial hardships. Our union has on its webpage an entire document that can assist you in your well being. You do not have to go through this alone. I especially can’t stress that enough to our young workforce. You can reply to this email, check our Discord, or contact your FACREP.
HK
ARVP Update
From Steve Brown, NATCA New England Regional ARVP
End the Shutdown. Pay us.
Below is the unedited video I sent into NATCA National when asked what the effects are on me personally when I missed a full paycheck.
Take care of each other and your families. If you need anything, please reach out.
Legislative Update
From Jamie Green, NATCA New England Legislative Chair, PVD
Since the beginning of October, the NLC’s focus has been to end the shutdown. We have had our members advocating on Capitol Hill, participated in labor roundtables and town halls, as well as numerous calls and emails with the members of Congress and their staff.
To help amplify our message, we asked our members, family, and friends to tell congress to end the shutdown through our Voter Voice campaign. Across the country we have sent more than 44,600 messages to Congress telling them the shutdown must end. This has been our most successful email campaign to date, but only 40% of New England’s membership participated in this effort. We can do better and you can still participate. Take less than two minutes and visit www.natca.org/actioncenter to send your messages.
A few days ago we launched our Handwritten Letter campaign. Members of Congress need to hear directly from their constituents. We have found it very impactful to not only share our member’s stories, but to take the time to write them by hand. That personal touch stands out and ensures the members of Congress see the real impacts shutdowns have on our members. Please take a few minutes and write your letters to Congress, this is your opportunity to make your voice heard.
Over the last two weeks, there have been multiple bills introduced in the Senate that would alleviate the financial burdens created by the shutdown on certain groups of federal employees. Including: S. 3012 – The Shutdown Fairness Act, S. 3039 – The True Shutdown Fairness Act, S. 3031 – The Keep America Flying Act, and S. 3043 – The Military and Federal Employee Protection Act.
Our message was clear: NATCA’s top legislative priority is to end the shutdown immediately and our members deserve to be paid for the work they are performing on behalf of the American flying public.
While the shutdown is the primary focus right now, it is not the only issue the NLC is working on. Senator’s Hoeven and Duckworth have drafted Mental Health and Aviation Medication bills, companions to the previously House passed Mental Health bill. These bills would have a positive impact on the health and well being of our membership and we are actively seeking additional cosponsors for these bills. Additionally, we are staying engaged with key Senate Appropriators to have Pay Parity included in this years appropriations bill.
Professional Standards
From Steve Schefcik, NATCA New England Professional Standards District Chair, PWM
As I write this update, we are once again facing day 26 of the government shutdown, and we have officially received our first $0 paycheck. During these challenging times, we need to remember that we are all in this together and need to help one another now more than ever. Maintaining a positive attitude, even during these difficult times, will help keep morale high and eliminate unintentional risk to the NAS inside the operation.
Another important thing to be mindful of is social media and the unintended impacts it can have. Just remember, whatever gets put out there can be taken out of context and/or be taken as the views of our union as a whole and not necessarily your own. There is no question that these are challenging times, but if we stick together and help each other out, I do believe we will come out stronger as a whole on the other side.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Professional Standards or professionalism during government shutdowns, please reach out to me at [email protected]
Shutdown Resources
We understand the financial hardship that the government shutdown has put on all of our members. Below is a comprehensive list of resources available to all those affected by the shutdown.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
TSP loans are available during the shutdown. For current loans, you can suspend loan payments while in non-pay status — no documentation needed. Call 1-877-968-3778.
Banks & Credit Unions
SkyOne Credit Union: Relief loans up to $5,000 available with 0% interest for 90 days. Contact Katia Santos at [email protected]
Coastal1 Credit Union: Interest-free loans available to federal workers 401-722-2212
Navy Federal: Furlough Loan Program available by calling 888-842-6328
USAA: Deferments on loans and credit cards are available
PenFed Credit Union: Skip one month’s payment available to members on qualifying loans
Hanscom FCU: LifeLine Loan up to $5,000 available with 0% interest for 60 days, available to government workers
Congressional FCU: Relief Line of Credit available 800-491-2328
FedChoice: Several options for existing and new members
US Senate FCU: Join an affiliate group, then join the credit union to obtain assistance
Launch Credit Union: Shutdown Loan
U.S. Bank: Waiving late fees and deferring new mortgage payments
Wells Fargo: Multiple shutdown assistance lines on their website
Bank of America: Call the priority assistance line at 844-219-0690
Chase: Special line for federal workers – 888-356-0023
Communication Providers
AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon have flexible payment options, extensions, and late-fee help. Verizon Wireless will allow you to split your bill or move your due date forward 30 days just by calling.
Auto Loans
Toyota & Lexus Financial: Payment deferrals up to 2 months
BMW Financial: Payment deferrals up to 2 months
Hyundai & Kia Finance: 30-day extensions for affected federal employees
Ford, GM, and Mercedes-Benz: Payment deferrals and late fee waivers available
Rent & Mortgage
National Rental Home Council: Deferred rent with no late fees
Union Plus: $300 grants and loan help for union members available by calling 800-472-2005. NATCA members with a personal loan, mortgage, or credit card through Union Plus may be eligible for hardship assistance.
Food Help
Feeding America has 200 food banks and 60,000 pantries nationwide. Plus, check with your local school district. Being furloughed is considered an emergency status, which may allow you to apply for free school meals for your children.
Insurance
Unum: NATCA long-term disability coverage will not lapse if you are unable to pay premiums during the shutdown
MetLife: One-time 30-day grace period. Call 1-800-GET-MET8
Fidelity & Guaranty Life: Waiving the cost of insurance for 30 days
OPM Letters
If you are asked to provide proof of being a government worker affected by the shutdown, your FacRep can provide you with the letter issued by the FAA/DOT.
For more information and resources, please visit NATCA’s Shutdown Resources Page.
