NAATS HEADQUARTERS EMAIL UPDATE

Volume 2, #11

December 7, 2001

As we wait for my meeting with the Administrator on December 17, it is interesting to note the FLRA hearing between the FAA and AFSCME. You will recall that the FAA and AFSCME negotiators reached tentative agreement only to have the Administrator refuse to sign due to OMB objections. AFSCME understandably filed a ULP against the FAA. The FLRA General Counsel agreed with AFSCME and both sides have been waiting for the hearing this week.

The FAA made a settlement offer to AFSCME this week. As you probably guessed it�s the 5.5% over 5 years deal. AFSCME countered with 5.5% over 3 years and a $2,000 signing bonus for all of their bargaining unit members. The FAA refused so they�re proceeding before the administrative law judge now. We�ll keep you briefed on the developments.

I�ve yet to have anyone in the FAA explain to me what�s so magical about this 5.5% over 5-year ceiling. The only factual information we have is that this became the standard when PASS agreed to it on behalf of the technicians they represent. The only exception has been the series 2152�s in FAA HQ represented by AFSCME and, of course, the FAA reneged on that one.

We�re continuing to meet with congressional members and their staff but basically everything is on hold until my meeting with the Administrator. I�m also talking with other senior FAA managers in the interim but obviously the big meeting is on the 17th.

During the next two weeks we will be publishing and mailing the holiday edition of the NAATS Bulletin (glossy) to all members. I�ve requested that the Chief Negotiator, GA Summit Representative and all liaisons/tech reps have articles included. We will also have articles from NM Regional Director Don McLennan and EA Regional Director Donna Holmes.

Wally Pike

The following is from Acting Administrator Ward Simpson: �All Regcos/Facreps are being mailed 2002 day planners, NAATS lanyards and ID holders. They are to please distribute them to the members of their facilities.�