We have been working all week on this email, adding to it as things came up. But we got a major bombshell dropped on us at 11am this morning and so I’ll put the new info first and then leave the rest of the email below that.
Slate Book Amended
We had a last-minute telcon for the FacReps this morning, where it was announced that the NATCA and the FAA agreed to amend the current contract's end date to August 2029. The National office sent out an email to the entire membership right after the call ended with all the details. This included a slide show of everything we talked about and links to the 3 townhall meetings that are scheduled to give the membership the full briefing. The are scheduled for Dec 21 at 9am, Dec 22 at 7am, and Dec 23 at noon. We highly recommend that you attend one of these briefings. Each briefing will have a Q&A portion at the end with the ability to put your question in the chat if you prefer. Please do not hesitate to ask questions. HERE is the link to the national email in case you can’t find it in your inbox
Government Shutdown
NATCA National sent out an email today (HERE if you can’t find it in your inbox) outlining a lot more of the details but I will just leave the Cliff’s Notes version here:
First and foremost, the contract is not suspended just because the government is shut down. Your rights remain the same.
If this turns out to be a long term shut down, all employees will receive a regular paycheck for the period (PP-26) covering Dec. 1, 2024, through Dec. 14, 2024, on Dec. 24, 2024. The current pay period (PP-01) runs from Dec. 15, 2024, through Dec. 28, 2024. Paychecks for that pay period will be paid on Jan. 7, 2025. If the shutdown is not concluded by approximately Dec. 31, 2024 (the deadline for payroll changes), it is likely that federal employees will receive a partial paycheck for PP-01.
The Government shutdown FAQ is HERE.
It’s important to remember that any discussion about a coordinated absence—even as a joke—is a serious matter and could lead to termination. This is not something to take lightly, and we must all approach it with the professionalism that defines us as Air Traffic Controllers. I know you’ll continue to focus on keeping the NAS safe, as you always do. We excel under pressure and rise to meet challenges, and I have no doubt we’ll get through this together, as we always have.
Post Bid Survey
So far, we’ve received only 19 responses to this survey. Please take minutes to complete it so we can accurately represent the membership’s wants. The link is HERE. Responses are due by January 5th.
All Members Meeting
I know you all have been itching to find out when the next all members meeting is and it’s officially set! We will be meeting on 2/4 at 1pm. The food will arrive at 12:30 and the meeting will be at 1. We are open to suggestions on the food, please let us know what you would like or we will just get Costco Pizza.
At this meeting, we will receive a briefing from Disaster Response Committee Member Joe LaPorte (S46).
We will also be voting on proposed changes to our Local Constitution. The proposed change is linked HERE. The short version is that we are proposing a change to how Alternate Area Reps are selected. We want to line it up with the BWS bid (as opposed to running the full 2 year term with the Area Rep) so that Area Reps can attempt to have someone on the other side of the schedule should they so choose. The change would also give them the ability to switch Area Reps during the year if they need to for whatever reason. This was just an oversight in the original change we need to correct.
T Shirt Drawing Winners
Congrats to Zach Deubler (D Area) and Alex Mathers (C Area) for winning this month’s drawing! Your next chance will be on the 15th of next month, which falls on a Wednesday.
National Constitution Amendments
NATCA’s 20th Biennial Convention is coming up, May 9-11, 2025, in San Francisco. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of this union. You don’t need to figure out all the official sounding language, Drew is our local constitutional expert and can help you form your idea into a presentable form. These are due by January 9th so please get in touch with him soon if you have anything you’d like to submit.
I know this was another long email and if you made it this far, thank you. I will keep putting out information as I get it as it pertains to the shut down.
Have a great holiday season,
Amy and Drew