Good Afternoon ZSE,
We want to take a moment to thank you for your patience as we navigate the confusion surrounding the federal workforce email mandate. We know the uncertainty, frustration, and concern it has caused, and we want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to get answers and advocate for you.
Let’s be clear, this was never about simply collecting responses. OPM’s latest guidance stated that replying to the email is voluntary. However, we work for the DOT, and the DOT Secretary has now issued a requirement. That proves this situation was never about a legitimate data collection effort, it was about creating chaos, turning us against each other, and weakening the union. This is the playbook: spread fear, create division, and distract us from what really matters. But we won’t fall for it.
NATCA has not appeased the author of the original email, and FAA employees do not take orders from someone outside the government. The only directive that mattered came from the DOT Secretary, and as soon as that official guidance was issued today, NATCA responded. Today. A tweet from an individual outside the government was seen, but it was never official, and it was never a directive. There was no federal mandate until today, and that is what NATCA acted on, nothing else.
If you’re frustrated with the union over this, we ask you to recognize what’s happening. This is an intentional attempt to divide us. But we can either let it work as intended, or we can stand together, fighting for our jobs, benefits, and way of life. No one in this union, including your local leadership, is above this fight. We are all in it together, standing up for our jobs, our benefits, and our profession. Stay sharp, stay focused, and most importantly, stay united. That’s how we win.
For those that are able and interested, there is a Northwest Mountain Region All Members meeting at 3:30pm today, HERE is the link.
In solidarity,
ZSE Eboard