Legislative Updates

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao addressed NATCA in Washington (NiW) attendees on Monday, May 22. During her remarks, she shared her vision for the future of the National Airspace System (NAS).

On Jan. 31, 2017, Secretary Chao was confirmed as the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Chao previously served as the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2001-2009. She is the first American woman of Asian descent to be appointed to a President’s Cabinet and the longest-tenured Secretary of Labor since World War II.

In her opening remarks, Chao described air traffic controllers as the true experts of the NAS, encouraging attendees to share their vast knowledge with Congress.

“You are the backbone of the system,” Chao said. “You manage the most complex airspace system in the world and your reputation as the best in the world is undisputed. So let me begin by thanking you for your dedication and professionalism in keeping our skies safe.”

Chao remarked that the current increase in air traffic coincides with many new technologies and modernization efforts. By 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates that the NAS will have to support one billion passengers each year. Chao believes that without change, the current system will not be able to keep pace with that traffic. She said that in order to move into the future, NAS stakeholders must embrace innovation and new technology, including equipment and organizational issues.

She also discussed NextGen and modernizing the NAS, as well as the complex challenges facing the integration of new technologies like unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Chao explained that upgrading the system has the potential to create a more comprehensive, sustainable approach to operations, oversight, and safety.

NATCA President Paul Rinaldi and Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert presented Mike Ingrao with NATCA’s Tim Haines Memorial Award of Honor and Distinction on May 22. Ingrao has fought aggressively, consistently, and passionately on behalf of the nation’s transportation workers. He helped develop NATCA’s Boots on the Ground program and worked as its program manager from 2008 through last year’s elections.

“I’ve been around the labor movement for 40 years, and I’ve never seen the level of legislative activism that NATCA has,” Ingrao said. “To see 500 people here today at this event is unprecedented in the labor movement. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s the only way to stay involved.”

NATCA President Paul Rinaldi and Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert used the occasion of the Union’s 30th anniversary this year to take a record number of NATCA in Washington attendees on Monday, May 22, through an event-opening presentation of where NATCA has traveled, where it is now, and where it needs to go.

Their remarks, before more than 500 NATCA members representing each Congressional district, come at a critical intersection of issues affecting Union members. That includes air traffic control funding and possible Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reform, proposed cuts to federal employee benefits, modernization and infrastructure, and the continued decline in the already critically low level of certified professional controllers on the job nationwide.

Rinaldi emphasized the collective strength of the Union and its increasing legislative activism as the keys to achieving the goals of the organization. He implored attendees to continue fighting harder than ever to tackle whatever issue is in front of them.

NATCA President Paul Rinaldi and Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert address NATCAvists during NiW 2017.

NATCA in Washington (NiW) 2017 was historic, attracting more than 500 attendees representing all of their brothers and sisters in meetings with Senators and members of Congress on Capitol Hill. Congressional meetings are the highlight of the event, but attendees also listened to congressional speeches, were addressed by NATCA President Paul Rinaldi and Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert, honored dedicated activists for the Union, and expanded their skill sets by attending classes.