We are nearly finished training for Datacomm, and the trial runs are becoming more frequent. So far, so good. It’ll be nice to have this all put behind us, and we can get the training department back up to 100% training speed. We’ve got a lot of trainees upstairs, if you get a couple of minutes, go stop by and say hi. :)
All Members Meetings
Chico posted the list of all the meeting dates for the year, it’s on the bulletin board. Once again, they are spread out all over the week, so everyone has the chance to attend. Please try to make at least one this year, and it’s the best place to get input from you, so we are sure to keep this local going in the direction you all want it to.
Events Committee
We are looking to gather a group of people that are interested in planning events for the facility. These are great ways to grow and strengthen our relationships in the facility, which are very important in a high-stress job like this. The next event we need help with is a picnic this summer. NATCA’s “birthday” is in June, we’ll be a whopping 36 years old this year, and it’ll be an excellent opportunity to get families together! If you would like to help, please let us know.
IST Cadre
Please let your area rep know if you’re interested in teaching IST this next round, the cadre training is March 14-15 or 16-17, and the workforce training is April 23rd - May 6th.
From Drew:
Letter of Confirmation of Discussion vs. Letter of Reprimand
I previously briefed you all on Letters of Confirmation of Discussion (LOCOD) and how they are non-disciplinary ways for the Agency to record that they discussed something with you. I.e., Signing in late, violating the 8 or 9-hour rules, and not checking CEDAR. The Agency has taken the stance that Letters of Admonishment are also non-disciplinary (if it says so in the letter). This is incongruous with Article 10 of the CBA. Article 10 Section 12 states that Letters of Confirmation of Discussion shall not be considered disciplinary in nature but may be used to document future disciplinary actions. The contract does NOT state the same for Letters of Admonishment, so it stands to reason that because Letters of Admonishment are covered under Article 10 (Titled Disciplinary/Adverse Actions), Letters of Admonishment would be considered disciplinary in nature.
The Agency has taken the position that Letters of Admonishment are “informal discipline” and, therefore, not technically “discipline.” For obvious reasons, we disagree.
All this is to say that if you are called back to the supes office or asked to sign something, please ask for a rep. If the agency does not see what they are doing as “disciplinary,” then they (in their minds) will not meet the threshold for having to offer you one. So to avoid any confusion at all, always ask for a rep.
We have yet to be able to effect a change to this position because we have not had a case of a Letter of Admonishment that clearly should have been something lesser. If this happens, we will try to make that case to them.
TL;DR: ALWAYS ASK FOR A REP.
In Solidarity,
Amy and Drew