Sure, let's negotiate with an unfavorable administration. You think you're pissed now?
At this point I feel this is more of a scare tactic, sure there is a degree of logic behind (of which I understand) but at what point is NATCA going to fight for us? We have to ask for pay increases (and other things, remember paid parental leave anyone?) sometimes and it will never be perfectly timed to coincide with the “perfect administration.” From my perspective it seems as if the Union is more in league with the higher ups in the FAA extending the contract so they can “bargain for something else” (referencing the N90 FOIA’s) but what that is we clearly are not privy to know or understand.
The contract as it stands was fine by 2015 standards, but here we are again with record inflation, decreasing morale, decreasing work force, while watching our counterparts receive astronomical raises. Of course I am aware in an economic down turn they will be on the chopping block but morale continues to plummet with more and more people leaving. This is no longer “the best job in the world” and to be honest, as much as I love talking to planes and the sequencing, when a better thing rolls around I plan to punch out. It is disheartening to say the least because I’d kill for an overseas assignment, but even the FV pay scale (core compensation) receives higher raises than us at this point (granted our pay scale goes higher).
Quality of life is another key aspect that the union has completely thrown to the side just appease the higher-ups in the agency. We need to be evaluating better shift schedules (rattler anyone?) and perhaps a 32 hour work week. While I hold no illusions on a 32 hour work week being even remotely approved during my career it is something to evaluate in order to help our brothers and sisters in the future generations. Increasing the cost of overtime (double time anyone?) to better compensate for the memories one would lose out on by “doing the right thing” for the operation and the facility. The list goes on and on.
Of course the elephant in the room is NCEPT. Most of us know the history and the Union push behind it, but now we have enough data collected to see that it clearly is not working. A segment of the work force will never get their shot at a level 10+ because of this policy. With a nod towards the old ways (which were not working either) we have sacrificed movement for “staffing” thus encouraging people to bid staff/FLM slots. Sure it works for the agency but what about the membership?
Finally, let us talk politics. One only has to look at the Biden Endorsement thread to realise that NATCA profits more off scaring people and dividing the membership more than anything. So and so is looking to cut our pay, quick support us because we “know what is best for you.” Pissing on my back and telling me it is raining does not endear me to support you. Regardless of political views, NATCA should be striving to secure for us the best deal and working conditions no matter who is in office, instead we are kicking the proverbial can down the road refusing to deal with issues that should and could be fixed in the hear and now. Once this generation of the NEB retires, who will carry the torch? Who will actually focus on the issues as they stand as opposed for a golden parachute to dodge traffic while making 250k a year? The line has to be drawn here, this far and no further, but hey that requires balls. All praise to John “The Bull” Carr.
