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.

1993: NATCA’s First Lobby Week
Background: NATCA’s first national legislative week began on Sept. 20, 1993. At the time, more than 250 members participated in the inaugural “Lobby Week.” The Union launched the program to raise legislative awareness and provide an opportunity for members to meet their congressional representatives.

Notable Issues: NATCA members descended on Capitol Hill in support of H.R. 2663, also known as The Air Traffic Controller Incentive and Retention Act, which included premium pay for working Saturdays and boosted the controller operational differential from 5 to 15 percent. As a result of our members’ legislative activism, the number of co-sponsors for the legislation increased from 10 to 41.

While the bill was ultimately not enacted, it was a promising first effort by NATCA to influence the legislative process and began a yearly tradition of activism on Capitol Hill.

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As NATCA began to spread its wings after its June 19, 1987, certification, the founding members of the union continued to face issues from the Reagan Administration. While PATCO had been decertified, the issues that plagued the workforce remained. One problem was related to punitive actions against the workforce.

Steve Bell arrived at NATCA headquarters as President in August 1988. At the time, the Union was lobbying Congress on an issue that had fueled the initial organizing effort: the Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act of 1988 (FELRTCA). A bill by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., would immediately substitute the government for federal employees as the defendant in civil lawsuits.