Weekly update April 15

The vacation is over and it’s back to business as usual. As I’m sure you are all aware, absolutely nothing went wrong last week and everything is unicorns and rainbows around here. But in all honesty, thank you to Devin, J-Rod, Drew, Evan, Brooke and Sherri for holding down the fort while Amy and I were off galavanting around with our families. Also welcome back to Drew after the birth of his son. Please congratulate him when you get the chance.

Some of you may have heard that MLAT was a disaster on the night of 4/10-4/11. I have approached Don Hill on the cancelation of the OT that should have been in place that night and the other two nights of the MLAT operations. I explained that when it comes to potential safety issues, management needs to keep the OT in place for the “just-in-case” scenario that the C-Area experienced on that night. I am also seeking compensation for the two employees that were required to work extreme extended periods that night due to the lack of a third body. I know that a year will go by, and management will forget, but I will be quick to remind them of their mistakes next year and do everything I can to ensure the OTs remain in place.

Just a quick reminder on calling in on sick leave. Management needs no reason, nor should they be asking for a reason, when you call in sick. My call goes something like this, “Hi, this is Derek Adams. I need you to show me on sick leave today.” That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. The less you give management to work with or think about, the less they’ll get a wild hair to cause you grief in the future.

Finally, there are a lot of new students up in the training department both from the academy and transferring in. If you have the time, please take a few minutes to swing through and say hello. From the sounds of it, they will be up there for quite some time. It’s a good feeling knowing there is light at the end of the training department tunnel.

Thanks again for this opportunity, I will continue to do my best to be available when you need me. Email, phone, text or just stop me in the hall or swing by the office anytime.

In Solidarity,

Derek Adams

Quick Update

Well, week one is in the books. It’s been a crazy week, but I know I will be able to adjust to this new role. Thank you to those that reached out with words of encouragement and support. With the members behind us, this E-Board is capable of great things.

Amy and I will be out of the facility for the next week on bid leave. Devin has been tasked with facility rep in our absence. Please take it easy on him. Remember, he is the reason we have great internet. Of course, I am available via phone or email anytime. I will be in Hawaii, so please, just mind the time difference.

Just a reminder, the E-Board is still soliciting interest for the Secretary position. Please forward your interest to any member of the E-Board. We will be considering the volunteers over the next week and should have an announcement for the membership early the following week.

Thanks again for this great opportunity. Serving this Local and this Union is a proud honor for me.

In Solidarity

Derek Adams

HELLO ALL

Well, today is officially day one for me as your new FACREP. I know there are still a lot of questions and concerns about the events of the last few weeks and I’m going to attempt to set your mind at ease. By now you’ve all heard that our RVP stepped down for personal reasons. I’ve known Eddie for a long time and I know that he would not take such action without good reason. I wish him and his family the best of luck. This resulted in the NEB approaching Alex about taking over the RVP position. He and I discussed the impact of this decision at length and I told him I would support him in anything he chose to do. Now, here we are. For those of you who do not know me or my background, I will share just a brief bit about myself.

I have been an Air Traffic Controller for almost eighteen years, and have worked at numerous facilities including Air Force, several FCTs, Seattle Tower, Seattle Approach and I have finally settled in here at ZSE. My NATCA background includes Seattle Tower Vice President and FACREP, S46 local Reloaded Committee, ZSE A-Area Rep, Secretary, Vice President and now FACREP. I have made Labor Relations a major part of my time in the FAA because I truly believe in things being done the right way and holding management accountable to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the CBA. I look forward to this new chapter in my NATCA career and I appreciate all of you standing with me and your E-Board to make ZSE a better place to work.

Speaking of E-Board, I am happy to announce that we have selected Amanda Sizemore to serve as your new Vice President effective immediately. Although new to the E-Board this term, Amanda has shown considerable ability to act on your behalf as part of this E-Board. I look forward to working with Amanda and the rest of your E-Board to help resolve your issues and further our profession.

With that, the E-Board is soliciting interest to take on the role of Secretary. If there is anyone who is looking to get more involved in your Local, please let us know. I know Amanda is eager to get them up to speed once an E-Board appointment is made.

Finally, I want to say thank you to everyone for your continued support and interest in your Local. I know it’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks and we have a couple more ahead as we get settled into our new roles, but please know that your E-Board works tirelessly to keep your best interest in mind and make this a great place to work. I want to include my contact information for anyone who doesn’t have it.

Phone: (360) 510-5913

Email: derek.adams.natca@gmail.com

Please reach out to me if you need anything and I will do my best to assist you. I am honored to work for you all and I thank you for the opportunity.

In Solidarity,

Derek Adams

See You Around

Tonight is officially the last night that I will serve as the ZSE Facility Rep. I just wanted to say that I am forever grateful for the opportunity to represent this facility. It was a dream come true. Although I didn’t always make the correct or popular decision, I did try and be consistent and willing to explain myself as best I knew how. The people that I was able to call peers on our E Board are among the most passionate, smart and dedicated I have ever seen. Truly an embarrassment of riches.

Derek is going to take the responsibility of serving you all and protecting your collective rights. Please reach out and get to know him. I trust this man will do a greater job than I. You will soon see what I’ve always seen from him. As far as the rest of the E Board, they have the knowledge and desire to keep this local on an upward trajectory. As management seems poised to turn back the clock, this E Board is ready to protect each and every one of you. Please keep an open line of communication and help them out as much as possible. Never forget we are stronger together. Thank you all for allowing me to serve you and I look forward (and expect) to work with you all again in the future.

-Alex Navarro III

One last chance to learn together. Build a Stronger Local Workshop 3/30/2019

E Board Movement

Good evening. As some of you may or may not have heard, Eddie DeLisle has stepped away from the role of NNM RVP. Effective April 1st I will step into that role. This situation was not ideal for anyone nor was it planned. I learned of it this past Friday when our National President, Paul Rinaldi, called me and asked me to consider the filling the position. After consulting with my family, I decided to accept the job and assume the role.

On 4/1, Derek Adams will take the role of FacRep and I have decided to immediately recuse myself from any final decision making for the local as far as direction or reconstitution of the E Board. I am confident by what I’ve witnessed that the E Board is more than capable to lead.

This was one of the most difficult decisions that I’ve had to make in my life. I love this local. All I ever wanted was to try and make you all proud and serve you all the best way that I could. I will always be grateful for the E Board that I had the honor to work with and the opportunity that you all have afforded me. This is a bittersweet conclusion to my tenure as ZSE FacRep. Please take care of yourselves and this local. I am humbly and eternally grateful.