Accordingly, NAATS requests that the FAA raise the salaries of all Flight Service personnel in its bargaining unit by 13.2 percent as follows: 4.2 percent, effective 10/1/99; 4.9 percent, effective 10/1/00; and 4.1 percent, effective 10/1/01.

As a consequence, the FAA would re-establish parity among all Air Traffic Controllers previously classified GS-12 by (a) beginning at the earliest opportunity to pay Flight Service personnel an additional 13.2 percent, and (b) thereafter calculating and, within 180 days from the date of execution, awarding backpay to make them whole for earnings they would have received had they been paid the foregoing incremental increases on their respective effective dates, but not including accrued interest.

Further, inasmuch as the parties have agreed to execute a contract that will have a term of five (5) years going forward, NAATS requests that the FAA, during the term of its agreement with NAATS, extend to all Flight Service personnel any future wage increases it may agree in future negotiations with NATCA to pay other Air Traffic Controllers who were formerly classified GS-12 -- namely, an average of any increase(s) the FAA may agree to raise the ATC 6-9 pay bands.

During the term of the FAA/NAATS' agreement, should the FAA desire to do so, the parties will jointly design a study to more accurately assess the comparability of the Flight Service position with other Air Traffic positions. Further, the parties will meet at least annually and make every reasonable effort to find ways of improving productivity and curtailing costs.