A-76 UPDATE

Kate Breen, A-76 Representative -- [email protected]

PART I -- 1/8/04

With the public announcement being made with the attached draft documentation, I�ve had a few questions/comments come up. I�m going to try to get to them to the best of my ability here.

First let�s talk about the end date/phase-in/transition, the main question is if a contractor wins when will I no longer be a government employee? A couple of issues that need to be pointed out, the projected end date of the competition is March 17, 2005, however the foot note states "Performance Decision may be made at an earlier date if circumstances reasonably permit." That means if ACA can tie this all up by December of 2004 as originally planned they will. The second piece in the Phase-In Period which is the period between performance award and the first day of the transition period, it states "This period shall not exceed six months in duration." There has been a ton of speculation on if the contractor wins when will they employ folks, at this point there are no definite answers, what I can give you is both ends of the spectrum to give you an idea.

Worst Case

The decision is made in December of 2004, a RIF notice is issued on January 1, 2005 for 120 days brings the date of the start of transition to May 1, 2005. Remember the Phase-In Period doesn�t have to be 6 months, it just can�t exceed 6 months.

Best Case

The decision is made in March of 2005, a few appeals tie things up for a month or so, Phase-In takes the full 6 months, you�re looking at November 2005.

That is the best educated guess I can make at this time.

Regarding Retirement

Second issue was in regards to retirement and what happens to your retirement benefits if you don�t make the 20 years at age 50 or 25 years at any age in a covered position. I took this off the following web site www.faa.gov/ahr/life/retire/index.cfm for CSRS employees not meeting the age and service requirements are not eligible for the guaranteed minimum of 50%. I�m sorry, but it�s a little confusing to me at this point on CSRS issues, CSRS folks really need to check with their regional HR folks, to get some actual figures. For FERS employees it�s pretty cut and dried, in a covered position you contribute 1.3% of your salary, a non-covered position only pays .8% of their salary. If you do not reach the 20 years/age 50 or 25 years at any age, you lose the 1.7% of your high 3, it reverts to 1.0% of your high three and all of the extra money you have put in over the years is not refundable. That�s right you lose that extra .5% you have put in over the years. I have no idea where it goes, but it doesn�t go into your pocket!

VERA

Third issue, also to do with retirement was about the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA). I went on the DOD web site to see what history I could find on what has happened in other RIFs/A-76s. I found a list of frequently asked questions that kind of spelled VERA out.

VOLUNTARY EARLY RETRIEMENT AUTHORITY (VERA)

Title 5, United States Code, established the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) to help agencies minimize involuntary separations or demotions resulting from the downsizing or restructuring of their workforce. VERA allows retirement under reduced age and service requirements (age 50 with 20 years of service, any age with 25 years of service). Under CSRS, the retirement annuity is reduced by 2% per year for each year the employee is under age 55. There is no reduction under Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Agencies can use this authority alone or in conjunction with buyout programs, to ease anticipated reorganizations, reductions in force, transfers of function, budget reductions, skill imbalances, and shifts in staffing needs so long as an involuntary separation or downgrade caused by reduction in force (RIF) is avoided.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)

Q: What is VERA?

A: VERA is used to avoid involuntary separations or downgrades when OPM determines that an agency is undergoing a major reduction in force, major reorganization, or major transfer of function, and a significant percentage of the employees serving in the agency will be involuntarily separated or subject to a downgrade.

Q: Who can approve a VERA?

A: If (at the request of an agency) OPM determines that an organization is undergoing a major reduction in force, major reorganization, or major transfer of function, OPM can provide the agency the authority to offer VERA.

Q: What are the basic age and service requirements for VERA?

A: To be eligible for VERA, an employee must be either age 50 with 20 years of service or have 25 years of total creditable service at any age. It is important to note that if an employee who is covered by the Civil Service Retirement System takes a VERA, he or she will face a two percent reduction in annuity per each year he or she is under the age of 55.

Q: If an employee meets the age and service requirements for VERA, are there any other restrictions that would prevent offering VERA?

A: Yes. Temporary and term employees are precluded from receipt of VERA; the individual must have been employed with the agency for 31 days prior to the date the agency requested authority; and the individual may not be in receipt of an involuntary separation notice for misconduct or performance.

Q: Can management offer VERA to an employee who has been issued a RIF separation notice?

A: Within DoD, once an employee is issued a RIF separation notice, that employee is no longer eligible for VERA. VERA is a voluntary action; receipt of a separation notice makes any following action involuntary.
Sound familiar? I always thought that a VERA would mean the agency could add years onto your retirement if you were not eligible to retire yet saving the 1.7% of your high 3. According to this a VERA is what we have right now in an ATC early retirement. I�ll be checking into this further.

I have sent an email to HR to let them know I�m ready to get involved and help in whatever way I can to get information out. Still waiting for reply, I have to go downtown tomorrow for an early meeting, I�ll stop in the office to see if I can�t find out more information.

As the questions come in, I�ll do my best to answer them quickly or take an IOU to get back to you with information.

PART II -- 1/24/04

I�ve got a few things to talk about today, after a communications team meeting last week. First the ACA web site was updated to include the realigned/discontinued activities list, it is located under documents take a look at it and maybe pass it along to the customers that you provide these services to now. Tell them in an effort to make a better flight service we can no longer provide these services! One of the discontinued activities that makes me smile is "Provide seasonal time change information", so after all is said and done and a pilot calls in and asks is it 4 hours or 5 hours difference to GMT, tell him sorry we can�t tell you that anymore. Can this process get any more ludicrous! That�s just one, I could go on but there are more important things to brief you on.

HR Issues

Let�s go to HR issues, first HR is still working on their web site and it may be up and running the beginning to middle of March, stand by. If the contractor takes over either July 1, 2005 or October 1, 2005, it will not be a job abolishment, it will be a displacement of employees. The reason for this is different laws that govern both, I have to do a little more digging to give you specifics. I�ll follow up on that in one of my next updates.

For those of you that have asked, "What happens if a contractor takes over and I only need a day, week, or a month to get my retirement?" Too bad. There is no grace period. If the contractor wins you, will be displaced at the end of the Phase in Period and as a displaced employee you no longer work for the government, therefore you can�t use leave to get to your retirement date. On the other issues buy outs, early outs, waivers for age 31/56, and priority placement in other agencies the answer this week is NO. There will be none of the above -- not to say that it won�t change as we get further down the road. If you are eligible to retire you might want to start thinking about it. Don�t hang around waiting for a buy out that may never come, now I can�t say that I�m 100 percent certain on this, the buyout still is possible, but not very probable. If anything, you may have a better chance of getting a retention bonus.

Far From Settled

This is far from being over and settled, the next steps are for me to continue to work with HR, the BOD is meeting this week and has every intention of putting together a game plan. Mr. Washington will be attending the BOD meeting on Thursday, and I�m sure the BOD will make their feelings known then. Finally, Wally will bring these issues to the top if they cannot be resolved at the appropriate levels. We will continue to fight for your rights, and I�ll keep you posted as things unfold.

Update Your OF612 and Resum�s

Those looking for the FAA to save jobs within the agency in the event a contractor wins, one problem, after the ATO is set up there maybe quite a few surplus jobs in the Regions and FAA HQ so those jobs maybe taken. The priority placement would not take place until the selection is made in either December of 2004 or March of 2005. If you wait until that time you will have up to 6 months to try and get another job in the FAA, mind you it probably won�t be in Air Traffic. The suggestion from HR this week, make sure your OF612 and resumes are up to date and current and check out the jobs web site.

I am very sorry that I�m bringing you bad news again, but it�s important that you know what�s really happening. The long and short of it is the agency is nervous that if they tell people too much, they may leave and that would put an already critical staffing situation over the edge. This is just my opinion here, but what I see happening here is the agency will string folks along to get to the end and then cut employees loose when they�re done with them. Don�t get caught short, watch and listen very closely to what�s going on and make informed decisions.

Conscientious Workforce

This conscientious workforce is absolutely outstanding and you have gone above and beyond the call of duty more times than I can remember with little to no thanks, other than that from the pilots we serve. To even think of treating you all like this is an absolute crime. I know the work you do is critical to the pilots and their passengers, they still deserve the outstanding service they�ve been getting and I know you will continue to do the best you can for the pilot even though morale may be in the toilet right now.

Upcoming Managers� Meeting?

Many of you have heard there might be a managers meeting to talk about the issues surrounding Flight Service, and to date this is a Managers-Only meeting. I�ve been suggesting it should be a manager/FacRep meeting, but it�s been falling on deaf ears, you see there�s a budget problem. Evidently they don�t have to do the right thing for employees when there�s a budget problem. This meeting should be for both management and FacReps to discuss these issues. Hello, anybody home, if you want to show the employees you really do care about them, a good start would be to make this meeting a joint meeting, you can make it happen! Don�t tell us you can�t, you can make it happen, it�s just that you won�t!

On a More Pleasant Note

Recently, I had the pleasure of having lunch with a union sister from the National Treasury Employees Union, Kim Moseley. Her title is Special Assistant to the National President for Competitive Sourcing, she is an attorney and has worked for NTEU for 8 years. She is a very intelligent woman and has a wealth of information to share. We will stay in touch and hopefully help each other any way we can the way unions should.

Part III -- 2/3/04

First let me insert the scope of the RIF order, this is very important for people to remember. There are still a lot of negotiations that need to take place.

6. SCOPE. This order applies to FAA employees. However, if there is a negotiated agreement in effect for bargaining unit employees, the provisions in the negotiated agreement takes precedence provided they are not in conflict with the law and applicable agency procedures.

I sent out a document this week that George Kelley from GFK AFSS put together as a check list for his members. This is meant to simply be a help/guide for people to use. The one thing I didn�t change in it was that it referred to "bumping rights" into Alaska. I�ve included the definitions below out of FAAO 3350.2C (RIF Order) Www.faa.gov/ahr/policy/order/orders/33502c.cfm, basically there will be no bumping into Alaska unless the competitive area is considered nationwide. The initial feel is that the competitive area would be considered to be facility wide, personally I feel that is too short sighted and the agency should make the competitive area at least region wide. As more information unfolds, I�ll pass it along. Thanks again George for your effort!

c. Bumping Right. The right of an employee to be assigned to a position occupied by another employee in a lower tenure group or in a lower tenure subgroup within the released employee's tenure group in another competitive level but in the same competitive area (see paragraph 43c(2) and FPM supplement 351-1, S5-4).

f. Competitive Area. The geographical and/or organizational boundaries in which employees compete (see paragraph 42a).

(This is paragraph 42a.)

a. Competitive Area. Title 5 CFR 351.402 authorizes each agency to establish and define competitive areas. In addition, Departmental Personnel Manual 351-1, 3-2, indicates that when establishing and changing competitive areas, they must be described in and distributed through the agency's directives systems or other official media of communication readily accessible to all employees. The competitive area is specified in terms of organizational unit and geographical location. An agency may not use one competitive area for the first round of competition and a different competitive area for subsequent rounds of competition. Similarly, in any given RIF, no employee can be part of more than one competitive area. In situations where there are overlapping facilities, the facility must be in one competitive area or the other. Those decisions are made prior to conducting the RIF, and employees must be told what the competitive area is.

(1) For FAA purposes, the competitive area for the field (regional) organizations (unless otherwise noted) is defined as the straight-line organization within an employing jurisdiction in its respective commuting area. The remaining regional non-straight-lined organizations that report to the Regional Administrator or Center Director, within the commuting area are in a single competitive area (unless otherwise noted).

(3) Competitive areas must be in effect for at least 90 days prior to a RIF. Only OPM can approve exceptions to the less than 90 days requirement. Such requests must be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management through the Director of Personnel, APN-1. (Reference FPM supplement 351-1, S3-2.) In addition, as specified in paragraph 21b, any change to an existing or the establishment of a new competitive area that will be in effect for at least 90 days prior to the effective date of the RIF can only be approved by the Director of Personnel, APN-1.

g. Competitive Level. Positions at the same grade level and in the same classification series that have similar duties and other requirements and people within it will be in competition with each other for retention standing (see paragraph 42b).

The next thing I wanted to include is the Discontinued Service Retirement, I�ve included the definition below and below that is a question off the ACA website under frequently asked questions. If this is still unclear, let me know and I�ll try to get more specifics for you.

h. Discontinued Service Retirement. An employee who is involuntarily separated from the service (such as a job abolishment) and who has at least 25 years of service (at any age) or who is age 50 with -20 years of service may retire on an immediate annuity. The annuity for this type of retirement is subject to an age reduction if the employee is under the age of 55.

37. What are the retirement options for an employee under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) if his/her job is contracted out, and at what age can he or she retire without a reduction being applied to his or her retirement income?

If RIF procedures are implemented, CSRS and FERS employees affected would be eligible for discontinued service retirement at any age with 25 years service, or at age 50 with 20 years service. Optional retirement requirements are age 55 with 30 years, age 60 with 20 years, or age 62 with 5 years. However, there is a reduction of 2 percent per year for each year under age 55 for early or discontinued service retirement for CSRS employees. This reduction does not apply to FERS employees. Please note that if a FERS employee retires at the minimum retirement age plus 10 years of service option, a five percent (5%) per year reduction in annuity, for each year the employee is under age 62, will apply. In addition, the agency may request early out authority for potentially impacted employees, and if granted, both CSRS and FERS employees would be eligible under the same service and age requirements as for discontinued service retirement. Employees should contact their regional human resource office to discuss specific cases.

Another question that came up was in regards to VRA hires, one facility had two hired and listed as career conditional, and another two listed as permanent. From what I can gather from the HR web site, if the employee had already completed a probationary period, they would be listed as permanent. If someone is still listed as career conditional, you may want to have the regional HR folks check to see if they finished their probation period. See below:

5. Conditions of Employment:

(i) VRA appointees will be required to serve a one-year probationary period unless they have previously competed such a probationary period.

(ii) VRA appointees with less than 15 years of education must receive training or education as a part of their VRA appointment, and a formal training plan must be developed.

A-76 Dates of Interest

   LIAISON UPDATES

ARS Report

Steve Pollok, ATP Liaison -- [email protected]

NOTAM Short Term Solution (NSTS)

The NOTAMS Executive Oversight Committee (EOC) met on December 10 to evaluate the progress of the NOTAM Multi-Domain effort. Bill Dolan and I represented NAATS. During this meeting AUA-400 (project lead) made a presentation were they recommended that the EOC pick the OASIS NOTAM Solution (ONS) program to replace the NSTS as the flight service piece for the program. ATP (Planning & Procedures) responded with their comments and indicated that they had requested ASD (System Architecture & Investment Analysis) to perform an independent assessment of both the NSTS and the ONS systems. ASD indicated that they would be conducting an assessment of the NSTS, at Macon AFSS, on Dec. 16 & 17. They did not have a date for visiting the ONS at Harris Corp. in Melbourne, Fl. They assess how the two systems meet the requirements, as well as cost projections and projected product time schedules. They estimated that they would be able to present their conclusions on Jan. 20. There was additional discussion as to assessment items that needed to be included such as the cost for maintenance, help desks, etc. The outcome was that the EOC agreed to the ASD independent assessment and for ASD to report their findings to the EOC at a meeting scheduled for Jan. 20. The EOC also agreed to the continued use of the NSTS, as well as the terminal and enroute pieces, during the ASD assessment period. It was also stated that Jim Washington, ARS-1 (Air Traffic Organization (ATO) VP for Flight Service) and Linda Schuessler, Air Traffic Service (AAT-2) (ATO VP for Operations) needed to be present for the next EOC meeting so that a decision could be made on which system would be selected for Flight Service.

Integrated Information Display System (IIDS)

This project is at a complete standstill due to the elimination, by congress, of any funding for the program. NAATS will ask the agency if, and how; it intends to honor our MOU on the initial procurement of an IDS program per Section 14 of the OASIS MOU.

Air Traffic Reorganization (ATO)

Not a lot to report in this area. Jim Washington (ATO VP for Flight Service) has been busy attending executive meetings with Russ Chew and the VPs for the other lines of business. There have been a couple of all-hands meetings, which have mostly dealt with just letting people know where we�re headed and to answer some questions and concerns. It is planned that there will be fewer layers between the facility manager and Mr. Washington. The new organization will also be driven by a value to cost relationship. Mr. Washington has stated that the organization must be more efficient, which means reducing costs, which in turn means that we will have to do more with less headquarters staff and contract support. The Execs feel that several people may retire rather than go through the reorganization, but they are also discussing possible incentives to entice people to retire. The most recent meeting (Dec. 19) has moved the unveiling of the Flight Service Organizational Chart from Jan 15 to Jan 25.

FSOSC Report

Jim Meehan and Kevin Carl, Liaisons to FSOSC

[email protected] / [email protected]

ADVANCE NOTIFICATION OF PRESIDENTIAL/VIP TFR�S

Being that the FSOSC is providing quality assurance for all VIP NOTAM proposals, we have been drawing and publishing graphical TFR�s which are then transmitted to FAA (AFSS) sites only using the TODS equipment. Graphical and verbal information normally included in a NOTAM is sent to each AFSS and indicates that it is only a proposal. Upon NOTAM publication, the information is modified to include the NOTAM number, etc. The graphic is then retransmitted to the AFSS sites via TODS, and transmitted to the public via the AOPA website and the other Jeppesen Flite Star customers. We feel this advance notice VIP TFR is valuable information and an excellent briefing tool for our briefers. We have received a lot of positive feedback on this so far.

JEPPESEN 24/7 SUPPORT

During the time period from 12/01/03-01/05/04 Jeppesen has been providing supplemental after-hours support to the FSOSC. Jeppesen will offer a cost proposal to the FAA to continue the after hours support.
The FSOSC made a recommendation to ATP300 to continue with the 24/7 support. Recommendation was also made to be cost free to the FAA. This was done based on the fact that FSOSC has provided training to the Jeppesen NOTAM Specialists at no charge. Our contract with Jeppesen for the Flite Star program ends in June. We feel that Jeppesen will continue to provide TFR graphics to their customers (AOPA, FliteStar) whether FSOSC continues to function or not.

CONNECTIVITY PROBLEMS

During the end of December through early January, Flight Service Stations have been installing the latest version of TODS (9.0) and the 56-day update. This has resulted in numerous calls to the FSOSC because of a Proxy problem. Jeppesen was contacted and they sent the FSOSC a Proxy Configuration Bulletin. We have been faxing the bulletin to any facility that has been experiencing these problems. We certainly hope these problems will cease to exist.

NEW YEAR�S EVE TFR NYC

Prior to New Year�s Eve, the FSOSC worked very closely with the Eastern Region to Quality Control and set up the TFR around NYC. Had the Western Pacific Region coordinated in the same way, the problems with the Las Vegas TFR could have been avoided, and the NOTAM issued correctly in the first place.

Voice Switch Report

Steve Glowacki, ICS Representative -- [email protected]

Continuing to progress with the Concept of Use and Requirements Document efforts for the Voice Switch replacement. There is a proposal to change the name of the program to NAS-Wide Voice Switching or NVS. The previous effort (NAS-Vcom) was an enroute program and the name change will help get rid of any connotations or baggage.

I�ve had a few conversations with some regarding the necessity for the next voice switch replacement to still encompass Flight Service. The comments come from the fact that Harris is paired with the MEO. The assumption being that Harris will provide the VS equipment for Flight Service so why should the FAA continue including Flight Service. All of the assumptions may be true, however, they really have no impact on the FAA�s responsibility to resolve the aging equipment in our facilities. The agency has to proceed with what it knows, not what is speculated. With so many variables, more than one offeror involved with the A-76 process, or the possibility that the A-76 process won�t come to fruition; the FAA would be negligent if they ignored AFSSs.
 

   GAO FINDS DOD CONTRACTORS WITH UNPAID FEDERAL TAXES

FPMI FedNews, February 19, 2004

The General Accounting Office recently released a report showing that more than 27,000 Department of Defense contractors still owe the Internal Revenue Service $3 billion in unpaid taxes as of Sept. 30, 2002.

According to GAO, DoD could have collected at least $100 million in fiscal year 2002 had it and IRS fully utilized levy process authorized by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. As of September 2003, DoD had collected only about $687,000 in part because DoD provides contractor payment information from only one of its 16 payment systems to the Treasury Offset Program with no plans to provide information on the other 15 payment systems to TOP.

In addition, GAO said that IRS was not pursuing DoD contractors due to resource and workload constraints.
GAO recommended that:

• DoD comply with statutory guidance and supporting IRS efforts in collecting unpaid taxes

• IRS improve the effectiveness of collection activities

• The Office of Management and Budget develop options for prohibiting federal contract awards to businesses that abuse the federal tax system

DoD and OMB did not agree with GAO�s matters for congressional considerations that DoD report on its collections through TOP and OMB report on policy options developed and actions taken against contractors that abuse the federal tax system. However, GAO supported its recommendations as well as its suggestions to Congress.

To view the full report, go to http://www.fpmi.com/fedlabor/press.

   AIR TRAFFIC PROCEDURES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Terri Michel, NAATS Representative

ATPAC�s 114th meeting was held at the Northern California TRACON on January 26th and 27th. The facility is new and combines several different types of airspace including some oceanic and soon, some of Oakland Center�s airspace. Aviation details are evident in the architecture on the outside of the building. The operations area is hub and spoke in design and most of the equipment being used is touch screen. Some of the supervisors are testing cordless headsets that are the size of small cell phones. Employees have a large outdoor break are with permanent weatherproof furniture, gas grills, overhead gas heaters and misters around the perimeter. The facility is very nice and our group enjoyed the tour.

We discussed the Air Traffic Organization (ATO). Russell G. Chew is the ATO COO. Second in authority is Peter Challan, Sr. Vice President of the ATO Transition. The plan calls for the ATO Transition to disband on Jan. 10, 2005. There are ten services in the ATO, including Flight Services. James Washington is the Vice President for Flight Services. Three of the services have acting vice presidents as of this meeting. It has recently been decided to title the 4th level of authority as Service Unit Directors.

New Areas of Concern (AOC)

• Discrepancies in FAA Orders 7210.3 and 7400.2E. ATPAC might suggest revisions to both orders to include requirements that instrument approaches at airports with Class C airspace be fully contained in that airspace. This AOC is deferred until April.

• Pilot/Controller Glossary Addition. The term "Comply with Restrictions" has been misunderstood by some pilots and pilot deviations have occurred. The term is used when a controller is vectoring aircraft back onto a SID/DP/STAR. ATPAC will reserve a recommendation until after the Pilot/Controller Handbook Committee meets in February. This AOC is deferred until April.

Action Complete

Entry and Dissemination of Pilot Reports. This AOC was introduced in October of 1999. ATPAC recommended an improvement to the PIREP collection and dissemination system. This subject is currently being addressed in several offices within the FAA. ATPAC considers the action to be complete on this issue.

Current AOCs

The following AOCs are deferred until the April meeting. We hope to have briefings from subject matter experts. Five of the AOCs have document change proposals (dcp) in process.

• Runway Incursions by Taxiing Aircraft

• Instrument Approach Clearances to other than IAF

• Clarification of Intent of "Radar Required" Notes on IAPs

• AIM Para.4-3-15, Gate Holding Due to Departure Delays (dcp)

• Taxi Instructions while Clearing Runway (dcp)

• Cleanup of FARs/AIM (dcp)

• Conflict between FAR31-129(l) and AIM Para.4-3-20 a and b (dcp)

• ICAO Phraseology Change to PANS-ATM

• Assignment of Code 7700 for Weather Avoidance

• Cleanup of AIM Para.4-4-9(d) (dcp)

• Clarification of "Direct" Clearance

NOTAM Distribution

Gary Bobik, ATP320.4 sent a handout to provide an update. He indicates that the executive committee has made no decision on the future of the NOTAM Short Term Solution (NSTS). Some other alternatives are being considered such as Oasis NOTAM Solution (ONS) and EDS/USNOF local NOTAM solution. Decisions should be coming sometime in February.

The next meeting is scheduled for April in Washington, D.C. Contact me with questions or concerns at: [email protected].

   NAATS LETTER TO RAY THOMAN

 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AIR TRAFFIC SPECIALISTS
11303 Amherst Avenue, Suite 4
Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Phone: (301) 933-6228
Fax: (301) 933-3902

February 23, 2004


Mr. Raymond B. Thoman
Deputy Assistant Administrator
For Human Resource Management, AHR-2
800 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20591

Dear Mr. Thoman:

As you are aware, the NAATS/FAA Agreement became effective on February 8, 2004. In that the FAA has made a unilateral decision to delay the processing of our bargaining unit into the new pay plan for an indeterminate time, this letter is to inform you that NAATS fully expects the FAA to make all NAATS bargaining unit members whole when the conversion is made. This retroactive payment must include any interest lost due to this delay as well as an explanation to each bargaining unit member detailing how their retroactive pay was computed.

Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions.

Sincerely,
/S/
Walter W. Pike
President
 

   OPINION: Harris Brings Needed Experience to the MEO

By Jeff Barnes, BNA AFSS, Former NAATS OASIS Representative

As you know it was recently announced in GovExec.com that the MEO has teamed with Harris Corporation in the A-76 competition. Given my knowledge of the people and processes involved I thought you might want to know how I see this. A disclaimer here�this is my opinion based on my experience and knowledge working as the OASIS Rep for NAATS for nearly 5 years. Much of it is speculation. Informed speculation, but speculation none the less. Further, this does not represent anyone�s opinion but my own.

When I began my term as the OASIS Representative for NAATS the relationship between Harris, the FAA, and NAATS was a bit frosty. Harris had fulfilled the requirements of the OASIS contract, however the system delivered to the FAA was revealed to be completely inappropriate to do the job we required in the field. We distrusted the FAA because of our past experience and Harris because of our lack of familiarity with them (this resulted in the initial assumption of Harris as a big faceless and heartless corporation out to put the screws to the FAA).

Over time we developed an excellent working relationship with most of the FAA organizations with fingers in the OASIS program and with the OASIS program people at Harris. Today the relationship we have with the FAA�s requirements team and the program office, and the OASIS program at Harris is unlike any other I am familiar with in the Agency. We recognize and take into account personnel and monetary issues that affect the FAA and Harris. The FAA and Harris understand that we�re not trying to pork up OASIS. The upgrades and fixes we identify are worthwhile and useful, and we prioritize them logically. We have learned about how the program works from the FAA and Harris, while they have learned the what, why, and how of what we do.

When the A-76 became real Harris put some of the people who worked on OASIS to work on their bid effort. From the beginning I knew that the attitude of Harris was that they had to have a win in the A-76. They have made little money off of OASIS and they needed the contract for the equipment to continue into the future where they would really make the money off the contract in the out years. This combined with their knowledge of our jobs through the development of OASIS made them the most dangerous bidder for the A-76 (as long as it isn�t driven by low-balling, which it�s not supposed to be).

Although I know nothing about what the MEO is doing I know that most if not all the major bidders for the A-76 were talking to them. This was easy enough to figure out because they were also talking to NAATS and I sat in on a couple of the meetings. The prevailing attitude presented by the bidders was the importance of the workforce (unsurprising considering who they were talking to). This attitude was shared by Harris. In several conversations they told me that they considered having the support of the workforce was critical to a successful bid, and their knowledge of us put them in a position to secure that better than anyone else.

When I was told that Harris had agreed to sub to the MEO I was ecstatic. Of course no one knows our job like we do, and no one can address the personnel needs like we can. On the technical and equipment side no one can touch Harris when it comes to Flight Service due to their knowledge of what we do. The MEO brings to the table the indispensable workforce, Harris brings proven technology and expertise in contracting. I have seen the offerings of other companies with respect to equipment needed to do our job, and without fail they are built on the same flawed foundation that OASIS was originally built on. They tend to be in the same place developmentally that OASIS was around the time I first joined the program. Harris further benefits from the relationship in getting to supply other equipment such as a voice switch for Flight Service.

When John Tollini and I demonstrated OASIS at the AOPA Expo in Philadelphia in 2003 everyone who saw it was very impressed. Not unexpected with the pilots, but this included industry types, including a person from Lockheed Martin�s A-76 bid team. Because Harris is subbed to the MEO I believe they cannot offer their equipment to other bidders as well. This gives the MEO a major advantage in the area of hardware, being able to use OASIS and Harris voice switching technology as proven components in their bid.

As I stated before Harris also brings with them significant experience in government contract bidding. The MEO is fortunate in working with an A-76 contractor with an exceptional track record for winning A-76 competitions. Further, Harris adds critical expertise to this as the Flight Service A-76 models the normal OMB A-76, but differs from it in that it is actually an acquisition under the FAA�s Acquisition Management System (AMS) by law. Harris has extensive experience working in the AMS and will be a significant contributor to the team.

In developing our relationship with Harris on the OASIS program we have established credibility with them. This has led to very good dialogue between NAATS and Harris and a mutual respect that should serve us well into the future.

Now we add the Air Traffic Organization and the Flight Service Line of Business into the mix. The Vice President of the Flight Service Line of Business is Jim Washington. In the A-76 he has the role of being the Agency Tender Official (ATO). My understanding of his role is that he will present the MEO�s bid to the team responsible for the contract selection. He will be the voice of the MEO and as such is a key piece of the bid. As I know him I feel that we could not have gotten a better selection for Vice President of Flight Services. I�m sure that most of the other folks in NAATS that have worked with him feel that it was an excellent selection also. One thing is certain. I�m sure that Jim has no desire to be the Vice President in charge of monitoring a contract, so his statements that he intends to win the A-76 are logical even without considering his commitment to Flight Service in the ATO.

All this adds up to a good feeling for me about where we stand in the A-76. While it would be dangerous to assume a win, all the pieces are in place to make a win for us as likely as possible. However, it would be an error to think that this will come without changes to the status quo. Even with an MEO win there will be significant changes ahead for us. The most obvious change will be in consolidations. There could very well be other changes as well. I have no idea what avenues the MEO is exploring, but from what I know of the people involved I feel comfortable in saying I believe they will do everything they can to reduce any adverse impact on us, and will benefit us in every way they can in their plan. I also believe that we have an unprecedented opportunity to make ourselves heard in the development of the Flight Service Line of Business with Jim Washington. I hope we take effective advantage of it.
 

   FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS CHANGING DRUG TESTING FOR THEIR WORKERS

FPMI FedNews, January 19, 2004

The federal government is taking drug testing of its employees a step beyond the usual urinary-based tests.

The new drug tests will include scrutiny of workers� hair, saliva and sweat, a shift that could prompt more businesses to revise screening for millions of their own workers, said the NewsObserver.

The planned changes reflect government efforts to be more precise in its drug screening and to prevent workers from cheating on urine tests. Some private employers have already adopted alternative testing methods. Most are waiting on government standards.

Robert Stephenson II, an official with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, told the NewsObserver that alternative testing methods would give employers more certainty about the timing and scope of drug usage than what is possible at this time with only urine sampling.

The new drug policies are expected to take effect in a year for the nation�s 1.6 million federal workers. The agency, known as SAMHSA, sets guidelines and administers the testing.
 

   ARE SMALL AIRPORTS TERROR TARGETS?

Bob Orr, CBS News

WAYNESBORO, Va., Jan. 14, 2004

There are 19,000 general aviation airports in the United States, and most are like Eagle�s Nest, with just a single landing strip. There are no fences, no gates, no security systems and no federal requirements to have them.

(CBS) They are a soaring real estate trend: fly-in communities called air parks.

"Every house has a paved taxiway to the runway," says Lesley Hock, an Eagle�s Nest Air Park realtor.
Amenities include your very own community airstrip, your own personal hanger and the freedom to come and go as you please.

"There�s really no security in regards to living with your airplane," says Hock.

And, as CBS News Correspondent Bob Orr reports, that�s the fear. These general aviation airstrips, like the one in Eagle�s Nest in western Virginia, are an open invitation for terrorists.

"I think it�s a real concern," says airport manager John Trissel. "I think it�s a possibility."

There are 19,000 general aviation airports in the United States, and most are like Eagle�s Nest, with just a single landing strip. There are no fences, no gates, no security systems and no federal requirements to have them.

Since Sept.11, 2001, the government has not ordered Trissel to make any security changes at his airport.

Would-be passengers and luggage are not screened, says Trissel.

"We haven�t really implemented the razor wire, the big tall fences, the security gates," says Trissel.

Trissel says he tries to keep a close watch on the planes and strangers, but former National Transportation and Safety Board managing director Peter Goelz says, that�s not security.

"Homeland Security has to make general aviation and business aviation a priority," says Goelz. "They�ve got to develop a program, and they�re going to have to spend some money on it."

He says terrorists are well aware of these small insecure airports.

"That�s where they learned to fly," says Goelz. "We know the terrorists trained at small aviation systems.

"We know that two of the Sept. 11 terrorists left a plane on the runway at a Florida airport."

Some argue that there�s no need to worry because these are small aircraft. But packed with explosives, small planes could be devastating bombs.

"A small plane taking off from a remote airport is going to be virtually untrackable and will suddenly appear into a restricted area - into a high population area, and there's going to be nothing we can do about it." says Goelz.

After Sept. 11, a student pilot in Florida stole a small plane and crashed it into a Tampa skyscraper. Authorities tracked the flight on radar but were powerless to stop it.

But two years later, there�ve been no mandated security changes.

"We need to make it a real concern and deal with it and try as best we can so that it will never happen," says Trissell.

Until then, vulnerability will be the price for general aviations freedom.
 

   NAATS 2004 NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

April 07 - April 08, 2004

Monte Carlo Resort and Casino
3770 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Reservations Phone: 800-311-8999 or 702-730-7000
Room Rate - $79.00 single/double occupancy
Group Code - XNAATS4  *  One night�s deposit needed
Cancellation -- 48 hours prior to arrival  *  Block of rooms will be released 03/15/04

Board of Directors Meeting -- April 5, - April 6, 2004

Facility Rep Training -- April 6, 2004

Reception -- April 7, 2004

Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines offers up to 10% off most (Southwest does not discount government or promotional fares) fares for air travel to and from the National Meeting, with the convenience of Ticketless Travel! To qualify, call Southwest Airlines Group and Meetings Reservations at 800-433-5368 and reference ID CODE -- G0245. Reservations Sales Agents are available 7:00 a.m. -- 8:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, or 8:30 a.m. -- 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Central Standard Time.

Travel dates are anytime starting March 31, 2004 and ending April 14, 2004.

    FEDERAL EMPLOYEE NEWS

Brought to you by FedWeek.com

Contracting Reform Bill Reintroduced

Meanwhile, a union-backed measure to increase accountability in the contracting-out process has been reintroduced (HR-3462) by Rep. Albert Wynn, D-Md. The measure would require agencies to follow up on issued contracts to determine whether they are saving the amounts that were projected, impose new scrutiny on contractor performance and bars the use of personnel ceilings on the federal employee side of the equation. However, unlike similar bills introduced in prior Congresses, the bill would not freeze existing contracts to determine if they are cost-effective.

TSP to Curtail Loan Program

The Thrift Savings Plan has decided to alter several of its loan policies in order to counter what officials there consider over-use of the program by certain employees who churn through numerous loans and effectively use their retirement savings as a checking account. Effective July 1, the TSP will charge a $50 fee to process each loan application -- currently, the borrower pays no specific charge and the costs are shared by all investors -- and participants will no longer be able to have two "general purpose" loans at the same time -- they still will be able to have one general purpose loan and one residential loan, however. In addition, after paying off a loan, a TSP participant will not be eligible to apply for another one for 60 days.

Loan Usage Up

According to the TSP, participants took out more than 300,000 loans in 2003, a 50 percent increase over 2002, and a fourth of participants paying off a loan take out another within 60 days. About 500,000 participants now have loans, nearly one in six of the 3.2 million participants--more than 500,000 of whom are retired or separated and thus ineligible to take out loans -- and of those with loans, 40 percent have two loans. Altogether, there are more than 900,000 loans outstanding for a total of $5.1 billion. As of year-end 2003, the TSP was holding nearly $129 billion in investments.

New Funds Still Under Consideration

Meanwhile, the TSP continues to explore adding one or two new funds that would combine existing investment options on an automatically adjusted basis. One type of such fund is called the "lifestyle" fund, in which investors choose how aggressive they want to be and the investments are adjusted as returns fluctuate in order to keep that investment posture. Another, called the "life cycle" fund, employs the same principle but also makes the investment mix more conservative over time as the individual approaches retirement. The TSP is considering how one or both of such funds would be structured and would have to issue a contract to a provider; any new fund or funds likely would not be available at least until next year.

TSP Returns Up Strongly Again

All five Thrift Savings Plan funds posted gains in January, with the small and mid-capitalization stock S fund leading with a 3.53 percent monthly gain that brought its 12-month return to 51.33 percent. The common stock (C) and international stock (I) fund rose 1.8 and 1.32 percent, respectively, in January, for 12-month gains of 34.44 and 45.94 percent. The bond (F) and government securities (G) funds gained 0.8 and 0.29 percent in January, respectively, for 12-month returns of 4.84 and 4.06 percent.

Camera Phones Deemed Security Risk

The National Security Agency has warned that cellular telephones with built-in cameras pose a security risk in federal facilities where classified information is kept, according to an Air Force news release. The announcement said such phones are not authorized for use or possession within any Air Force facility processing classified information with written authorization from a designated approval authority. Unapproved camera phones are subject to confiscation for a review of possibly unlawful images, and their owners could face federal charges, it said. While the announcement speaks only to Air Force facilities, security considerations could lead to similar policies being enforced at other agencies as well.
 

 Regional Supplements

ALASKA REGION

CENTRAL REGION

EASTERN REGION

Ron Consalvo, Acting Director and Deb Shea, Acting Coordinator

Eastern Region: State of the Union

Donna Holmes, Director/MEO Rep.

A Year of Uncertainty Looms Ahead for our Bargaining Unit

What are our options? The members in the Eastern region as well as across the country are asking many questions.

Here is how I see it...

• The FAA has publicly announced an A-76 study.

• Contract Award Date is March 17, 2005

• The PWS is somewhat comprehensive: It does not state how they have to Provide a Pilot Weather Briefing however it states an Operational Employee shall have a Bachelors Degree or 3 years like AFSS experience. The MEO will be submitting comments. Please forward any you may have to Dave or I prior to Jan 19th.

• The phase-in period is 180 days. If a contractor wins they are suppose to have their workforce in place on that date. That means signed and certified employees. No longer government employees. If the MEO wins any RIFS or Buy-outs (if needed and approved) should be completed .

• The transition period is to be no longer than 36 months. ( This is the time period most consolidation and closures would occur. )

• HR issues- The MEO as well as Kate and Bill are working with the Agency to get the information out as quick as possible. Many of the items are negotiable under the new contract. These items just to name a few include: Buyouts, Relocation Allowance, Competitive Bumping areas and Cross-training options. Take a look at the Employee Handbook for basic rules regarding RIF�s and Job Abolishment. Right now it appears that if the MEO wins we would follow RIF rules. If a contractor wins it would be a job abolishment.

Here are some things you can do:

1. Continue Congressional Pressure -- At the present time the FAA Administrator has put out a moratorium on contracting out Air Traffic Control. No, this didn�t stop her announcing the study. She repeatedly states that she will not award a bid in fiscal year 2004. Could this moratorium be extended another year--maybe more? Its election year, keep the pressure on.

Ensure every FBO and Pilot in your Flight Plan area is aware that our jobs might be done by a Private Contractor. Let them know that the PWS does not state what method Pilot Briefings have to be done. Could a contractor bid a complete web based service? It�s a possibility. Have them contact their Congressional reps

Stress the possibility of Flight Service Stations closing. Is this equal or better service, as stated in Public Law? If enough pressure is put on the Administrator she may have to mandate certain stations remain open. This would help alleviate the possibility of a Contractor low bidding with 2 Superstations.

2. Support the MEO- we are the ones working for you, the employee. We are here fighting to reengineer flight service to save each and everyone�s controller retirement. No, not just the ones near retirement but also the ones that still have 19 years to go! Our experienced workforce is our Greatest Asset.

Your Director will be sending out a retirement survey at the beginning of February. We need accurate and complete data as soon as possible.

3. Enforce the Contract- The New Contract is better than most people realize. We just need to ensure it is enforced!

We have negotiated articles on

• Retirement Benefits- If you are within 6 years of retirement eligibility you shall be given First opportunity to participate in a seminar. This shall be made available annually.

• Severance Pay

• Facility Closings and Part Timing

• Reduction in Force

• Working Hours: Staffing permitting, employees shall not be required to spend more than 2 consecutive hours performing operational duties. For facilities that staffing does not permit breaks in accordance with the article the Regional Director shall meet with the Division Manager to develop a plan to alleviate the problem.

• Official Records- Ensure you have a full review

• Contracting Out

• Career Transition Program for displaced and Surplus employees to pursue career transition activities.

Mid Term Negotiations- Personnel policies, practices and working conditions. Make sure you are notified of any and all changes and that they are negotiated. THAT IS YOUR RIGHT!!

4. Support NAATS- Without Solidarity, We lose! I listen to comments at the BOD meetings as well as daily from the NAATS yahoo site. What is the Union doing for us?

• Wally is fighting daily for us Congressionally on the hill.

• Kate never lets up. She fights A-76 on a daily basis!

• Bill and Scott are working toward negotiating the best deals possible for our Union.

• Mark, Jerry and Oscar are working with the PWS to ensure its completeness.

• Dave and I are working with the MEO to develop the most competitive bid possible.

The BOD is meeting with Jim Washington at the January meeting to discuss the critical issues facing our bargaining unit prior to award announcement.

And most important Every Member that is out there not only Paying Union dues but also fighting congressionally and Politically to Save OUR Jobs.

That�s right, SAVE OUR JOBS. Its up to each and every one of us to do our Part. So next time you ask what�s our Union doing for us, don�t forget to ask yourself what you have done to help the Union.

This is an Election Year both politically and within NAATS. It�s the time to decide if your representatives locally, regionally and nationally are representing you the member�s interest. If their not, ask why? Learn who the other candidates are and their qualifications. These are the individuals that will be leading you through whatever changes may occur over the next 3 years.

In closing, in this year of uncertainty we have to continue to Fight.

With Solidarity, we can and will succeed.

GREAT LAKES REGION

NEW ENGLAND REGION

NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN REGION

DENVER AFSS NEWS
John Dibble, FacRep

SOUTHERN REGION

GAINESVILLE AFSS NEWS

By Phil Capo, GNV AFSS

NEW ARRIVALS

Having lost over 25 percent of our BUEs over the past three years, with a concurrent 39 percent increase in traffic, it was welcomed news to learn that Gainesville would be receiving two new (to us) warm bodies.

Todd Rotenberry arrived in December from STL AFSS and has already checked out. Angela O'Neal arrived in January from DRI AFSS and is nearing check out on her first two positions. Realizing that there are no new-hires coming on board, and that there are personnel shortages everywhere, we feel privileged to have received these two.

LESS TRAFFIC

We are still dealing with the 25 percent loss of personnel. However, the good news is that traffic has dropped off this past year.

SCHEDULE STILL IN THE WORKS

I know this comes as a shock to some, but we are still working to get a new watch schedule in place for 2004. Our thanks to the STL, BNA and RDU AFSSs, which sent us scheduling and staffing info.

SOUTHWEST REGION

January Update

Well, the holidays are over and now back to work. Things have been very slow, at the regional level, during the Christmas/New Years period. We have a few grievances to work at 3rd level and that will be done in early February.

Staffing Critical

Staffing has become a critical issue at DRI and SJT with no light at the end of the tunnel. The FAA canceled the January 4th class, at the academy, and will probably cancel more. No one, at the regional or national level, will admit it, but I am afraid that the FAA intends to stop hiring for flight service until the A-76 issue is settled. This problem is not at the regional level. Our region has numerous applicants, with medical and security clearances approved, ready to go to the academy. HQ will not let the region hire them. In the meantime, we have a group of instructors in OKC getting paid to do nothing while our facilities are becoming more and more critically staffed. I will keep you advised of any developments in this area.

New Contract Training Seminar

NAATS FacReps attended training on the new contract, in December. Two of our reps, Ed at MLC and Sal at FTW, were unable to attend but will be trained ASAP. The new contract has a few new twists such OJT and CIC pay and a shorter time frame on grievances but, as a rule, is very similar to the red book.

While in Las Vegas for contract training, the new ATO VP for Flight Service, Jim Washington, visited and answered questions. Mr. Washington gave a short talk and then fielded questions, and listened to us bitch and complain, for about 2 hours. Some of us were pretty rough on him but he handled himself like a gentleman and a professional and only danced around a very few questions. To summarize his appearance; I think that he is very confident that we will win the A-76 competition. I believe that he will do everything that he can, to support the people who actually do the work in flight service. I believe that he will work with, and listen to, NAATS and that he recognizes the wisdom of those actions. I think that he will attempt to streamline flight service by "cutting the fat" at the national, and sometimes, regional levels.

Mr. Washington understands that you, the FPLs, do the work and everyone above the first line supervisor level should only exist to support you. Now whether or not he has the power to rebuild flight service using those priorities remains to be seen. He has agreed to attend our next NAATS BoD meeting, in January, and also our members� convention, in April so we will know more later in the spring about how that battle is going.
Facility Visits & BoD Meeting

I am in the process of visiting 6 of the 7 regional facilities. Thanks to the FacReps at CXO, DRI, MLC, JBR, FTW, and SJT for setting up union meetings so that I can visit with as many people as possible.

I will attend a BoD meeting the last week of January and will go back to D.C. the last week of February for a PWS meeting.

Public Announcement Made

Speaking of PWS, the public announcement came out the Friday before Christmas. Isn't Joann Kansier�s timing just perfect. This was the first draft and everyone will get to make comments about what should be changed. So far, ACA has ignored almost all of the important suggestions that we have given them but we will continue to fight to try to force them to write an accurate and complete PWS statement. One of the most frustrating things, so far, is their insistence on omitting any reference to the 7110.10. Almost every other order and directive that we routinely use is mentioned in the PWS except the 7110.10. This has been an ongoing battle within the PWS team and we were assured that the 7110.10 would be referenced. Well, it�s NOT in the PWS draft that I read so it appears that we have been lied to, once again.

On a more positive note, we did convince Ms. Blakey to extend the contract award date until March of �05. This may not seem significant but it is. Every extra day gives us more time to defeat A-76, congressionally. Also, what if Mr. Bush does not win in November? That extra time will prove to be critical in stopping the contract award.

In Closing

All of you should have received the $1000 in your paycheck. If you have not, please tell your AO or supervisor.

Thanks to Jim, Oscar, and all the folks at SJT for their hospitality at the SJT AFSS Christmas party. We had a great time.

I hope to see everyone at a union meeting, in your area, in the near future.

February Update

Several things are going on in relation to the new contract and the related conversion to Core Comp.

So far, "Dubya" has refused to sign the executive order that would give the green light for the rest of our raise. The FAA has determined that they will not convert us to Core Comp until they can include the rest of the raise that the President is dragging his feet about. So expect a 4-6 week delay after the E. O. is signed. The FAA has said that all will be retroactive and that everyone "will be made whole." We'll see what happens.

Credit Hours

Still no surrender, by the FAA, on the credit hour issue. Grievances have been filed and I think that this is how the issue will be settled. The FAA knows that they are wrong but refuse to honor their commitments. I believe that this is a result of the Russell Chew regime imposing their money saving ideas on Air Traffic. Tower and Center are also seeing some huge roadblocks being thrown up in their ability to earn unlimited credit hours. Our staffing is such, in Flight Service, that they can either get right on credit hours, pay overtime, or suffer a loss of service to the public. I suspect that the pilot will end up suffering because of the poor decisions of our leaders.

Staffing

Speaking of staffing, while we are much better off than other regions, as a whole, we do have two facilities that are critically staffed. DRI is down about 7 or 8 people and SJT is doing almost as bad. We have two slots in the late March class. One will go to SJT and the other to ABQ. Both came from the NATCA BU. We have several people that are cleared to go to the academy but they will have to be hired from outside the agency and there is a moratorium on outside hiring. I have asked Jim Washington, several times, if we will hire this year and, though he has yet to give a straight answer, the answer is ultimately: NO. I will continue to work this issue at the national level but I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. With A-76 pending, I believe that the FAA will have us working at an extremely shorthanded level for years to come. Again, the pilots will be the ones to suffer and you know how much the people in D.C. really care about the pilots that we service.

Congress & the ATO

We start working, in Congress, to kill or delay A-76, in March. We have the same support that we had last year and expect to fight the same strong fight on the Hill. Stay tuned for details in the coming months.

The new ATO shuffle is imminent. I will be dealing with people at the Central Regional office, in Kansas City, after April 1. That is an appropriate date for this whole ATO operation. I do not know the impact to the BU yet, but I feel that we will see a huge reduction in regional office support and involvement in facility issues. It remains to be seen if this will have a positive or negative impact. We'll know more later on.

Staying in Touch

The FacReps and I held a regional telcon around the first of February. I will continue to use this method to communicate and will try to talk, as a group, every 6 weeks, or so. These telcons give us a chance to see what the other facilities in the region are doing and to compare notes on how the various facilities handle problems.

I have attended union meetings at JBR, DRI, FTW, MLC, and SJT in the last month. I missed CXO because I didn't get a weather briefing before trying to travel but I will get there for the next meeting. I will be in ABQ as soon as Dennis sets up a meeting time. These trips are simply to keep the members informed of what is going on, nationally and regionally. Most questions concern A-76. I will continue to visit facilities every 3-6 months to keep everyone informed about the future of their jobs. Right now, there is very little good news but you can expect changes as we work our way through this process. I believe that each of you should have the opportunity to know as much, as I do, about A-76. The best way for me to convey that information is through face to face talks where you can ask questions and get straight answers. None of this will make up for the reprehensible way that the FAA is treating our BU but at least you will know what I know about the issues.

The Battle Isn�t Over

A word of advice about A-76; this battle is far from being over. We are in for a long fight so try not to let A-76 dominate your daily lives, to the extent possible, and try not to get paranoid about every rumor that circulates. I deal with A-76 every day, and from personal experience, I can tell you that you have to step back and take a deep breath and think about something pleasant, occasionally. If you don't, you'll go mad.

Personal Notes

Scott Nolan, at DRI, is having some heart problems. Get well soon.

On the positive side, Oscar Hinojosa's son, W.D., has been accepted to medical school, starting this fall. Congratulations to the Hinojosa family.

Hang in there and call me if you have a question.

Mark Jaffe

JONESBORO AFSS NEWS

Linda Sterling, JBR AFSS

WELCOME ABOARD

Congratulations and welcome aboard to new NAATS members James Glick and Beverly "Dee" Koffron. We�re pleased you signed on.
 

WESTERN-PACIFIC REGION

Mike Stafford, Director and Mike Puffer, Coordinator

THE FAA ATO -- OR HOW NOT TO RUN A PROFITABLE BUSINESS

By Mike Stafford, AWP RegDir

I recently listened to our new VP for Flight Service under the ATO, Jim Washington, explain the outline of how our new "business" structure in Flight Service will work. This piqued my interest. How -- I asked myself, can you run a profitable "business" within the confines of the Government structure? Well, you obviously need a hard working, productive group of employees (i.e. us) who do more with less, and still provide the best product available. Yes, that sure sounds like what we have been doing for years in the Flight Service option. That covers the worker end of it.

Now, how about Management? To run a productive, profitable business it is imperative that you have a well trained Management force, with experience and education in the theory and tenets of sound business management. Any arguments on that statement -- no, I didn�t think so. Herein lies the problem though -- how many of our Managers (at any level) have degrees in Business Management, or practical experience in running a profitable, well-run business? None, you say? Well, let�s be charitable and say there are some out there who meet this qualification, though I would bet you could count them on one hand. At the level that really counts, the AFSS Manager level, again, there may be a few. Unfortunately, what we mostly have at the AFSS level is a Management workforce largely comprised of people promoted through cronyism, box checking, and butt kissing -- not business or even management ability. What to do with our Management workforce, those "babes in the woods" of the cutthroat business world? If this were the "real" world, we would be talking about a total reorganization of FAA Management, from the top down. Consolidation would be an obvious key, with the replacement/reorganization of the untrained, inexperienced, business uneducated Managers closely following. In other words, pink slips all around. Has the business experience level of our AFSS Mangers been surveyed and studied before making this leap into the scary world of a profit making business? I know of no such study. In fact, we in Flight Service are undergoing an A76 study to modernize and make our work force more efficient (yeah right). Have you heard anything about a corresponding management study? I haven�t. Kind of strange isn�t it? The FAA will spend tens of millions to run an A76 study on us -- your basic worker bees, yet what is the plan for Management -- the people who will run the organization? I know - how about a couple of the FAA�s infamous "Management Conferences", where everyone sits around for a few daze in some nice hotel, listening to a "data-dump" in a semi-conscious stupor. This will be followed be a "training tape" -- you know, your basic "How to Run a Lemonade Stand 101". Thirty minutes of listening to some talking head educate you on the intricacies of how to run a profitable business. Oh yes, and maybe a couple of telcons just to top it all off. Yep, that�s what passes for education in the FAA. Case closed, problem solved, sign your training record and let�s move on.

This would be humorous if it weren�t so damn tragic. On February 1st I begin my retirement after nearly 36 years of Government service. I would be lying if I said I will miss the FAA. Who I will miss are all the great people I have worked with over the years. Flight Service, and this Union have some of the most dedicated, knowledgeable employees I have ever known. Right now they are being treated like dirt by their employer - and it breaks my heart to see it. One of the few Government functions that really works -- ATC Flight Service, is being dismantled piece by piece by a group of bureaucratic morons at the direction of an Administration that doesn�t give a damn about flying safety or the welfare of its dedicated employees. However it turns out, it will be a sad day when this A76 is all over -- both for the flying public, and especially for our ATC Flight Service Specialists. Adios to all my friends in Flight Service -- I hope everyone makes it out of this A-76 unscathed. See you on the other side.

COORDINATOR�S UPDATE

By Mike Puffer, AWP RegCo

The last month has been busy. In early December, Mike Stafford and I met with John Clancy for 4 hours for the yearly meeting. The next week I had finals, and then it was off to LAS for contract training.

Mike Stafford Retiring

The first part of this month has been spent working with Mike Stafford, as he prepares to retire in February. He will be sorely missed. The Union will be losing a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has been my mentor. He urged me to run for the FacRep at SAN to take his place. Mike is the epitome of a union brother. He was loyal to the cause and spent the majority of his time with the FAA as a FacRep or Regional Director. Mike enjoy retirement, you have earned it. Thank you for your sacrifice on behalf of the Union.

"Ski" Retiring

Also retiring at the beginning of January was Valentine Pisarski "SKI," the FacRep at RNO. Good Luck in retirement.

Acting Director

I will be acting Regional Director until the results of the special election are announced on March 19, 2004. During that time, I plan to work at getting answers to HR questions related to the A-76 study, address the normal HR issues, and new contract issues. If I can assist anyone in anyway, call me or email me.

New FacReps

I would like to welcome two new FacReps to the Western Pacific region, Dave Ellsworth, taking over at RNO, and Barbara Bradshaw taking over at SAN AFSS.

A-76 Telecon

I had the pleasure frustration of sitting through a telecon today. Questions about the A-76 were submitted in advance to the region, and even though over 90% of our questions were HR related, no one from HR was there. To top things off, Mr. Cirillo from ATP who was supposed answer our questions, shifted the responsibility to the MEO team, and did not remain on the line. Another fine example of lack of leadership.

One thing mentioned in the telcon was that if a contractor wins, within 180 days from the contract award date, they will have to have employees hired and a roster submitted to the FAA. On the 181st day, they will take over operations. Here is where solidarity comes in. If no one takes a job with a contractor there is no way they can get people through the academy and facility rated in 180 days.

Contractors Visiting Facilities

One other note, at contract training we heard that contractors were coming into the facility and asking how we do our jobs... this is proprietary information (not to mention illegal). If a �pilot" seems more interested in how we do our job than receiving a briefing politely state, "I would love to get into specifics on how I do my job, but due to the study to contract us out, I am prohibited from discussing proprietary information."

Good Service Even More Important

Customer service is more important now. We need to grow more customers. We are here to provide a service. One of the controllers at SAN recently got her private pilot� license, she was on a cross-country trip and called to get a briefing. After telling the controller her route, the controller gave her AIRMETS that weren�t long her inland route, Further more she was given the VNR statement three times, even though she informed the controller on the line that it was VMC at the airport, and was briefed current and forecasted weather was VFR. We are paid to tailor our briefings, and use good judgment, not to force feed information to pilots.

Please Be Patient

In closing, I ask that everyone have patience with the BOD, while we try to get information from the FAA concerning Human Resource issues. We are working hard to get that information. You have a minimum of 20 months to prepare for the upcoming changes. Set goals for things you need to accomplish, i.e. write your congressman, start a contribution to the PAC, get a non dues payer to join, cajole management into becoming associate members, pay off credit card debt, go back to school, etc. Until next month, take care.

SAN DIEGO AFSS NEWS

Mike Puffer, SAN AFSS FacRep

TRANSITION

Barbara Bradshaw will be taking over FacRep duties at SAN effective February 2nd. We have been covering issues facing the facility in preparation for the transition.

GOODBYES

Carolyn Stokley retired December 31st. Good Luck in retirement.

ON BOB THOMPSON�S PASSING

The facility said good-bye to former manager Robert Thompson on January 8th. Bob passed away on December 31st after battling cancer for the last two years. Bob loved flight service; he always enjoyed Mondays (because he got to come back to work) and hated Fridays (because he didn�t get to come into work for 2 days). Thank you HHR and RAL for taking our calls so we could attend the services.

VOLUNTEERS

Milagre Paulo has volunteered to be the Union�s CRU-X rep at SAN. We still need two individuals to take over OSHECOMM and A-76 rep duties.

MORE RETIREMENTS COMING

In addition to Mike and Carolyn, we stand to lose two more people to retirement by the end of the March, bringing our staffing for the schedule to 22.

HAWTHORNE AFSS NEWS

Eli Morrissy, HHR AFSS

New Schedule & Prime Time Leave

We�ve completely transitioned to the new schedule and everyone seems settled in to their new lines. Prime Time Leave selection continues to slog on. It�s on the way back up the Seniority List, about midway through the second round. Hopefully, there will be fewer instances of individuals having to take ex-tended time to make their selection during the remaining rounds.

Smith in a Holding Pattern

Apparently the Marine Corps is so happy with Mark Smith�s (MS) performance, they don�t want to let him go off active duty. Word has it he may be released back to HHR by May. We�ll see.
Speaking of Military Leave

Kevin Bender (KB) received short notice orders to report to aviation training at Ft. Rucker, AL right after the first of the year. He�s learning to fly King Airs and after he completes school, we�ll probably only have him for a short time before he gets deployed overseas. Major bummer for us, but we wish Kevin the best of luck.
CFC Participation

Kudos to everyone who gave in to the persuasion and enticements ("CFC Popcorn" "CFC Candy") of HHR�s CFC contact person Ned Kramer. HHR had 85% participation in the Combined Federal Cam-paign for 2003-2004. Just from our facility, we managed to raise over $10,000 for CFC charities. I am proud to work with such generous folks.

Letter to President Bush

Thanks to a contact made through the Safety Counselor Program, Mike Hiett (MH) made an important political contact that may help us get our message on the importance to Flight Service to our nation�s aviation safety and security. Dr. Cleeves is both an MD and a lawyer who served as a U.S. Ambassador during the Regan Administration. He�s also a pilot and active with FSDO�s Safety Counselor Program. He is a great supporter of Flight Service and will see to it that a letter composed on our behalf will be handed to President Bush personally (minus the filtering of staff aides) during an upcoming meeting between the President and Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, who sits on the House Aviation Subcommittee.

Mike is seeking input from all Flight Service personnel why Flight Service is valuable -- not only to safety, but to the American economy. He needs suggestions on ways to make Flight Service an even better value for American taxpayers. You can either post your ideas on the NAATS Yahoo site or give them to Mike directly. Just remember time is of the essence.
Personal Note

Thanks for the prayers and expressions of support during the recent illness of my parents out in Illinois. My mother�s ankle is mending nicely and she�s back at home. My dad�s health is still frail, but I think it made both him and my brother feel better when I came out there to lend a hand. I want to especially thank the swing watch folks who had to work even more shorthanded than usual.

AWP Director Special Election

As you have heard, Mike Stafford retired from the FAA, leaving a vacancy in the office of Regional Director. Mike Puffer was appointed as Regional Coordinator, therefore he cannot automatically step into the Director�s post. As a result, per the NAATS Constitution, a special election has been called for. There are 2 candidates running -- Mike Puffer and myself. The campaign material for both candidates and ballots will be arriving at your homes soon, if it�s not already there.

The ONLY thing I ask of each and every NAATS member at HHR is that they take the time to vote -- in this election and the upcoming NAATS Election in October. It�s your union. You pay the dues. Don�t leave your choice to someone else.
 

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Nothing that is inflammatory or scurrilous, libelous, attacks members by name or which contains words or phrases that are in poor taste and likely to be unnecessarily offensive, should be printed in the NAATS News or Regional Supplements. Individual(s) views expressed in the newsletter do not necessarily reflect the position of the Union.