February 24th Recap

Good Afternoon ZSE,

We want to take a moment to thank you for your patience as we navigate the confusion surrounding the federal workforce email mandate. We know the uncertainty, frustration, and concern it has caused, and we want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to get answers and advocate for you.

Let’s be clear, this was never about simply collecting responses. OPM’s latest guidance stated that replying to the email is voluntary. However, we work for the DOT, and the DOT Secretary has now issued a requirement. That proves this situation was never about a legitimate data collection effort, it was about creating chaos, turning us against each other, and weakening the union. This is the playbook: spread fear, create division, and distract us from what really matters. But we won’t fall for it.

NATCA has not appeased the author of the original email, and FAA employees do not take orders from someone outside the government. The only directive that mattered came from the DOT Secretary, and as soon as that official guidance was issued today, NATCA responded. Today. A tweet from an individual outside the government was seen, but it was never official, and it was never a directive. There was no federal mandate until today, and that is what NATCA acted on, nothing else.

If you’re frustrated with the union over this, we ask you to recognize what’s happening. This is an intentional attempt to divide us. But we can either let it work as intended, or we can stand together, fighting for our jobs, benefits, and way of life. No one in this union, including your local leadership, is above this fight. We are all in it together, standing up for our jobs, our benefits, and our profession. Stay sharp, stay focused, and most importantly, stay united. That’s how we win.

 For those that are able and interested, there is a Northwest Mountain Region All Members meeting at 3:30pm today, HERE is the link.

In solidarity,
 

ZSE Eboard

Facility Update 2/20

Flight Physicals

The front office has had to start scheduling flight physicals at different locations due to Dr. Choudhary's personal health issues. Dr. Choudhary has always treated us well, and we wish her a speedy recovery.

In the meantime, the front office has started scheduling physicals at different locations and the closest qualified physicians are in Gig Harbor and Bellevue. This is a much further drive for most people and may also include a toll. Management has put instructions on signing up for E2 so that you can be reimbursed for mileage and the toll if applicable. The TEAM message might look like it is required for everyone to sign up, but if you aren’t interested in being reimbursed, then don’t worry about it. If you were previously denied reimbursement for a toll, please let your supe know, that process should be fixed now.

Town Hall Meeting Today

Today at 2pm, there will be another town hall style meeting that the NATCA president will be hosting. The National Office stated in their email yesterday, “will extend the time to compensate for lost opportunities to take and answer questions. We will host these sessions at a minimum of every other month in 2025.” We will be streaming that in the NATCA break room on the 3rd floor of the OSW building if you would like to join us. If you would prefer to join on your own, HERE is the link to register.

NATCA Shirt Raffle Winners

Congratulations to Lisa Marshall, TMU, and Josh Palmer, A Area, for winning February’s NATCA Shirt Raffle. Be sure you wear your shirt next month on Saturday, March 15th for your chance to win a $25 gift card from Bigfoot Java, McLendon’s, or The Rock.

Amy

Facility Update February 11th

Pay Form

We've encountered several pay discrepancies recently, and to streamline the resolution process, the ATM and I have created this form. Printed copies will be available in each area. Please complete the form, sign it, and have a supervisor or OM sign it as well. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. The supervisor or OM will then submit the form to the front office. If you haven’t received a response within a week, follow up with your supervisor and inform your area rep. The form is HERE if you would like to look it over.

Electronic Official Personnel File (eOPF)

I mentioned this at the last All Members Meeting but also wanted to post it here. Recently, there has been much discussion about downloading your eOPF to have your own copy whenever needed. Please ensure you are not violating our security protocols. If necessary, review the eLMS associated with Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

Security

As you probably read in TEAM, we are under a security Corrective Action Plan (CAP). I was not able to gather when the initial inspection was that we “failed.” Most of the things on the list included building maintenance-type stuff that we are not involved in. What we do need to be concerned about is the inspector's return to the facility on February 18-21. While you should always be following the rules, during that time, please ensure that you are wearing your badge correctly and not “piggybacking.”

Labor Relations (LR)

We currently have two active grievances that we can provide updates on at this time. Here is a quick rundown of them:

Tracking OJTI Pay in the Labs (Agency Response Due 2/13):

As you know, sim time is now covered by a national MOU to be paid at 25%. This MOU created for us a need to track the time in the lab. We initially agreed to have the time tracked by using paper -10 logs. While we were still negotiating how to proceed with a more permanent solution, the agency opted to violate the National Cru art MOU by requiring OJTIs and Trainees to “drag and drop” themselves on a computer in the lab. This violates the National MOU because that is a task that can only be done by supes and CICs and as you know, there is no Supe or CIC in the lab. After the grievance was filed, the agency opted to return to the temporary method we agreed upon (-10 logs). We are meeting with the agency next week to decide on a way to track this and are open to your suggestions.

Sector 35 Staff Study (Agency Response Due 2/16):

We have also filed a grievance on the Agency violating the collaborative process outlined in the CBA, FAA Order JO 7210.67B, and past practices regarding Sector 35 Staff study. The issue stems from unilateral changes made to a mutually agreed-upon staff study, falsely stating that NATCA ZSE FacRep agreed to reduce our staffing number by 6. A claim we have not agreed to. Additionally, local management had refused to provide the final version of the study sent forward, violating transparency and good faith bargaining requirements. After the grievance was filed, the Agency at the district level provided the staff study to us. We are working at every angle available to ensure this airspace divestiture is not slowed in any way.

ZSE Elections

This is a local election year and after hearing your feedback, we will change to in-facility voting. This means that when it is time for voting, we will send out ballots in the mail. You will then need to fill it out and submit it in the ballot box located near the mailboxes outside the control room. We are looking for volunteers to be on the election committee, please let your rep know if you are interested.

This Saturday is the 15th, so don’t forget to wear your NATCA shirts!

In Solidarity,

Amy and Drew

Yesterday's Tragic Events

NATCA ZSE, 

 As the initial national shock of the tragedy that occurred at Washington National Airport last night begins to wear off, we would like to reach out to our membership and offer our full support to any of you who may need it. We also would like to offer reminders of assistance, the need for professionalism, and the strength our collective unity can have in times of crisis.  

There is no question last night’s accident between JIA5342 and PAT25 is going to cast more doubt and uncertainty in our profession’s future. In the early morning hours, our elected officials had already called to examine air traffic control, fingers were already being pointed, and there was a public outcry over misinformation that had already circulated in mainstream news outlets. We’ve seen knee-jerk reactions to almost every aviation disaster or near disaster, and this will be no different. We want you all to know that we stand ready to fight against any unfair, unnecessary, or unjust harmful changes that may result in the fallout of this tragedy that could have a negative impact on your livelihood. Even though we are 2,763 miles away from DCA, we are anticipating the Agency’s response even here in Auburn, WA. We don’t know what they will look like, but we hope that the FAA will work with us and not against us to improve the safety of our chunk of the NAS. We are strongest when we are united and prepared, which is what we need now more than ever.  

At the National level, we have heard that President Nick Daniels will be making the rounds on the news media this evening, bringing our voice to the fold now that more is known. CNN will have that interview at 4pm PST.  

We want to send our heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones who lost someone last night. We also want to send our love and support to the DCA controllers facing the unthinkable. We owe the controllers the professional courtesy and the common decency of those who lost their lives, of not Monday morning quarterbacking the current limited information. Most people will have their opinions, but we should show restraint in casting judgment until all the facts have been gathered and sorted through.  

We also urge you to use caution when posting on social media websites about the matter. Even if you think your accounts are airtight or completely anonymous, you can never be certain that a “like and a share” won’t end up before a review or in the national spotlight. If you are faced with a comment request, please direct them to Amy, and she can direct them to the public affairs office of NATCA. 

Finally, we understand that questions and doubts can affect even the most stoic’s mental state in times of uncertainty. You are never alone. The employee assistance program is available 24/7. CISM is available 24/7. Members of your local Eboard are available 24/7. Your NATCA family is there for you. As our profession recovers and strives for a brighter future, you, too, can recover and strive for a brighter future. 

For JIA, PAT, and DCA, 

ZSE NATCA 

All Members Meeting Reminder (2/4 @ 1pm)

This is a reminder about the All Members Meeting we previously announced. Here are the details:

📅 Date: Tuesday, February 4th

⏰ Time: Food at 12:30 PM, Meeting at 1:00 PM

📍 Location: East/West Conference Room

We’re still open to food suggestions! Let us know your preferences, or we’ll stick with Costco pizza.

Meeting Highlights:

• Special Briefing: Joe LaPorte (S46), Disaster Response Committee Member, will provide an update from the DRC.

• Local Constitution Changes: We’ll vote on a proposed amendment to the Local Constitution regarding how Alternate Area Representatives are selected.

What’s the change?

The proposal aligns Alternate Area Rep selection with the BWS bid process, allowing Area Reps to stagger schedules for better coverage. It also provides flexibility for changes during the year if needed.

The full proposed amendment is linked HERE.

Make Your Voice Heard!

These local meetings are one of the best opportunities to share your thoughts, ask questions, and influence decisions that directly affect you and your workplace. Your input is valuable, and your participation strengthens our union.

We look forward to seeing you in the East/West Conference Room!