NAATS HEADQUARTERS EMAIL UPDATE

Volume 3, #67

March 7, 2003

This week Leahy and Kennedy signed on S.338. I�ve assured Senator Lautenberg�s staff that we�re working hard to get other co-sponsors. After meeting with their staffs it sounds like Murray and Rockefeller will join.

I�m also working with Congressman Oberstar�s staff on legislation he will offer either this week or next. It�s not a companion bill to S.338 and is different in that it�s not limiting in funding but it does protect us from contracting out. The exact language is still being developed; once it�s finalized and offered we will post it on our website.

We are continuing to address A76 in other forums, including discussions with senior FAA managers on realizing efficiencies using alternatives to A76. We are also using professional help in stopping A76 on Capitol Hill. We�ll continue to make every effort in every possible forum in addressing this issue.

We�ve contacted the Federal Labor Relations Authority regarding the two ULPs we filed on pay. The FLRA says that they are processing the complaints and if and when they need any further information from us they will let us know. One of those "don�t call us, we�ll call you" type of responses.

Please note -- one Director has informed me that some of the members in his region have a problem when they read the status of the pay impasse. For those who don�t want to know the latest -- read no further.

FAA Labor Relations has advised that talks with the various unions, including NAATS, will probably start in the next month. They advise that they regret the continuing delays but are unable to move the process any faster.

No one is more frustrated about this than I am but a reality check here is in order. Other than filing ULPs, which we�ve done, there�s not a lot unions can do about this but wait. No one in this Congress, on either side of the aisle, wants to hear about a pay dispute between the FAA and its unions. Even when they do listen they have absolutely no interest in intervening on our behalf. We�re not alone -- other FAA unions have the same problem. The fact that it�s unfair doesn�t change the situation. So the choice is either to keep working the issue or give up. Venting and demanding simplistic, unrealistic approaches may feel good when offered but they don�t take us anywhere toward solving the problem. If there were a magic bullet we would have shot it long ago. We can either work this intelligently or we can retreat into emotionalism and self-pity.

The vast majority of the membership continues to be supportive and patient. Neither the BOD nor I have given up. We�ll continue to work the issue in various forums until something breaks loose. There are always opportunities in challenges if we�re astute enough to take advantage of them.

Wally Pike