VP Update

Sup everybody,

Just wanted to give you a quick update on what I am working on this week while Amy is on leave.

Grievances

Right now we have grievances in 2 spots, we have Step 2 and PAR. Step 2 is the facility level where we file the grievances to the ATM and make our case here in hopes of explaining to them why the decision that was made was wrong and then they rule on their on ruling and decide whether or not to overturn or mitigate their previous action (spoiler alert: the almost never do)

The step beyond that is PAR or Pre-Arbitration Review. I will be arguing the grievances at this level in person when we hold PAR in early August (likely in LA for some odd reason). The outcome of that will depend on the feeling of a neutral third party, they will issue a decision saying “if this were to go to full arbitration, this is likely how it would go.” Then both parties (Union and Agency) can choose whether or not to accept that or elevate to true arbitration with attorneys and all that.

So, at Step 2 right now is a grievance regarding a controller receiving discipline for painting a pickleball court. I am sure you have all heard of this one and agree that discipline for something like this is pretty absurd. I am hoping we can make that case at Step 2 but if not, we will absolutely take that one to PAR.

At PAR level right now we a few things. First a grievance regarding discipline issued for a conversation that an OM and controller had that didn’t go the way the OM wanted it to. We plan to argue at PAR that grown ups occasionally have tense conversations and that doesn’t always need to result in discipline.

Also at PAR (when I last updated you it was at Step 2) is a grievance where the agency skipped someone for OT by assigning the OT to someone who was ineligible to work the OT. It went like this: call an eligible person, eligible person doesn’t pick up, assign to an ineligible person, the eligible person calls back and gets told no because the agency assigned it to someone who was ineligible. Which, to any logical person, would mean they skipped the eligible person. We will make this argument to a neutral in August.

Another one at PAR is regarding the Agency’s inability to properly respond to a grievance. I have mentioned this one before but just to reiterate, they have a history of just answering just one thing in a grievance containing multiple violations. Since I filed that grievance, the Agency has decided to start reading the entire thing and replying to all of it but they still need to be held accountable for the ones they did not do that with. Looking forward to seeing what a neutral says there.

RATS!

I have received several reports of rats scurrying around our lovely building. This probably has something to do with the unkempt landscaping. Anyone remember when the building used to be taken care of? I ‘member. Anyway, I have filed a UCR (Unsatisfactory Conditions Report) regarding this. Hopefully we get someone to trim the weeds and get the rats to move on (or offer them jobs, we are pretty short staffed).

MOU Season

As I am sure you are all aware, MOU season is fast approaching. I am working on putting together a team to help negotiate the 2026 BWS/AL/OT MOUs. If you have ideas for these MOUs, please be thinking about them and we will begin soliciting for feedback on how to handle those soon.

NEB Meeting

I will be out of the building Monday and Tuesday of next week attending the NEB meeting in Seattle. I have received several responses from you guys on things you would like for me to bring up to them and I intend to do that and report back. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you thing of other things you would like for me to say. Reminder: there is a meet and greet Monday night, June 30, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rhein Haus in Seattle (912 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122). Families are welcome. Flyer here. RSVP HERE!

elections

Angie McMahon will be mailing the notice of elections on Friday 6/27 and the nomination period will open on that day, 6/27 at 12pm and end on 7/11 at 12pm. Nomination forms will be placed on top of the black box outside the ready room. Once filled out, just place the form in the black box. Deadline for accepting is 7/18 at 12pm. Ballots will be mailed August 8th. Ballots are due August 29th. At 12pm on August 29th, the election committee will pull the ballots from the box and count them and send out the results ASAP. This year we will be using a ballot box and ONLY a ballot box. There is no mail in option. That means the only way to vote is to drop your ballot in the black box outside the ready room.

All positions are open for election for 2 year terms. This is your best chance to get involved, don’t wait until you feel “ready” or you never will, just go for it!

Big thanks to everyone who stopped by to hang out and have a burger last Friday at the cookout. I recently saw that ZOA has something similar, except they make breakfast for everyone. Is this something you all would be interested in doing as well? Please let me know if you want to help do that for the facility.

Ok have a great rest of your week everyone, try to enjoy some sun on your RDO!

Drew

Facility Update June 19th

Juneteenth

Today we observe Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience of the Black community. Black workers have shaped every corner of the American labor landscape, often leading the charge for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and economic justice, long before many unions were open to them. Their contributions continue to influence and strengthen the labor movement today. Juneteenth is a time to reflect on that legacy and the work that remains to ensure true equity in our workplaces.

NATCA BBQ

Tomorrow we will be observing NATCA’s birthday with a cookout from 11-4 out front in the grill area. Stop by, grab some lunch, and also help us give Kevin Miller a proper send-off into retirement.

Veterans Pictures

We have gotten a couple of submissions, but please continue sending us your Veteran pictures. I would really like to see next month’s bulletin board full of those throwback pics of the time you spent in the military, along with your loved ones who also served in this country’s military. Please send them in this week so we can get them printed out!

MOU Negotiations

We’re coming up on that time of year again. It’s time to start collecting your ideas for things you’d like to see added or changed in our facility’s MOUs. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me or your area rep know so we can see about addressing this year. We’re supposed to hear about whether we can utilize the 6-hour shift again for 2026 by the end of the month. Once that’s done, we should be able to start formulating plans for next year’s schedules too.

In Solidarity,

Amy

Facility Update June 11th

Focus Month Board

With Independence Day right around the corner, we thought it would be a great time to celebrate you and the folks who have served in your families. We’re putting together a special display for next month’s board and would love to feature some vintage military photos.

Dig into those photo albums and send us your favorite throwbacks, whether they’re of you, a parent, a grandparent, or anyone else who served. Add a quick description if you’d like, and we’ll make sure it gets to Chico. Please reply to this email with your picture attached by June 28th.

NATCA Birthday

Next week, NATCA turns 38 and we’re celebrating with our 2nd Annual BBQ! Join us next Friday, June 20th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the grill area up front.

This year, we’re also celebrating Kevin Miller’s retirement, so be sure to stop by, grab some food and drinks, and help us send him off right.

We hope to see you there!

National Executive Board Meeting

Don’t forget, the NEB meeting is June 30th in Seattle. If you’d like to go, let us know and we’ll set you in the right direction. If you just want to go and visit and get some complimentary dinner, plan on meeting the group up at the Rhein Haus in Seattle from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Bring the fam! RSVP HERE.

NATCA T SHIRT DAY IS ON SUNDAY!

Have a great rest of the week,

Amy

Upcoming NEB Meeting/Meet and Greet

All,

I’ll be attending the upcoming National Executive Board meeting in Seattle on June 30–July 1. This board is made up of all 10 RVPs, our Executive Vice President Mick Devine, and President Nick Daniels. I know there are many concerns that folks would like addressed, but if there’s anything specific you’d like me to bring to the NEB, please let me know.

Also, under SRI-5 of the National Constitution, you have the right to speak directly to the NEB. These meetings rotate through the regions for exactly that reason, so members have a chance to engage with their national leadership. If there’s something you want to ask or say, I strongly encourage you to take that opportunity.

If you’d prefer a more relaxed setting to talk with the NEB or if you just want to come hang out, there’s a meet and greet on Monday night, June 30, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rhein Haus in Seattle (912 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122). Families are welcome. Flyer here. RSVP HERE!

Here is the aforementioned SRI-5 for your reading pleasure:

SRI-5  NEB Meeting Attendance by Members

A period of not less than one hour will be reserved within the agenda of National Executive Board meetings, during which time any member in good standing may address the Board. Such members may address the Board on any topic in order to give an opinion and/or solicit information. Such members will be limited to five minutes, unless time is extended by the Chair.

If more than twelve members wish to speak, the Chair may, at the option of the Chair, allow additional time, allocate specific time to certain topics of common interest, or devise another equitable method to accommodate the members. Scheduling of the member forum period will be as close to mid-day as practicable so as to allow for round-trip travel.

Any members desiring to address the National Executive Board shall inform the National Office at least 24 hours prior to the start of the meeting. At the time notice is given to the National Office, a number indicating the sequence in which the member is to speak will be provided. The topic of the address may be requested if the number of those requesting to speak exceeds 12.

Members are expected to promptly notify the National Office if they cannot attend as requested. Members are entitled, as per Article VI Section 1. of the NATCA Constitution, “...to freely speak on any issue affecting the Association.” However, any grievance concerning the actions of the Association or its officers shall be processed in accordance with Article XIII, Internal Grievances.

This does not in any way inhibit a member from using this forum for soliciting information to determine if an internal grievance is or is not warranted.

Feel free to text/call or email,

Drew

503.593.8178

Just a couple things...

Like the title said, I just have a couple of reminders.

• Tomorrow is NATCA shirt day. Wear your gear and get a chance for a $25 gift card for either The Rock, McLendons, or Bigfoot Java.

• Join NNM legislative Reps Jenny Benjamin and Brittney Armbrust for a one-hour legislative class and legislative update on Tuesday, May 20, at 5 pm MST/ 4 pm PST. This class will be Hatch Act friendly and will cover why we are legislatively active, some of our legislative victories and losses, and why relationships matter. Link HERE. We know most of our battles are won and lost on Capitol Hill, it’s best to stay informed and stay involved.

Have a great rest of the week!

Amy