Budget resolution does not include cuts to federal retirements; brothers and sisters in Caribbean begin to return to work, but full recovery will take time; AFL-CIO holds convention
Budget Resolution Does Not Include Cuts to Federal Retirements

On Thursday, The House approved the Senate version of the fiscal 2018 budget resolution. Elimination of the Social Security (SSA) annuity supplement, which air traffic controllers receive, was highlighted as an example of reforms to civil service pensions within the House FY 18 budget resolution. This proposal was not included in the Senate budget
proposal, meaning the SS annuity issue was not included in the final Congressional budget proposal. However, understanding that the SSA Annuity issue could still be attacked on other legislative vehicles, NATCA will continue to carefully monitor the committee process and closely track any legislation that could negatively impact our members, including anything that impacts the SS annuity. NATCA continues to work with members of Congress and their staff to address our concerns, with a specific focus on  any changes to federal employee pay and benefits.

Southern Regional Vice President Jim Marinitti's update on the status of our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean.  Read more .

NATCA President Paul Rinaldi, Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert, Region X Vice President Mike MacDonald, Central Regional Vice President Kevin Peterson, National Organizing Committee Chairman John Bratcher, NATCA St. Louis/Lambert ATCT FacRep Allison Schwaegel, Special Counsel to the President Eugene Freedman, Director of Public Affairs Thom Metzger, and Director of Government Affairs Jose Ceballos represented the Union at the convention, where attendees elected their leadership and made decisions about the priorities for the AFL-CIO for the next four years.
You Have a Role

Our NATCAvism poster series continues this week with Part 3: You have a role. Wherever your strengths lie, you can make a difference.

From attending local membership meetings and events, taking training classes, and running for local office, there are a variety of ways to get active in NATCA!

If you haven't already, speak to your local leadership today about how to get involved in NATCA, and play an active role in the future of your career and the National Airspace System.
Social Media Policy MOU

NATCA and the FAA recently signed an agreement regarding NATCA-represented employees' use of social media. The update serves as a reminder for members to always use sound judgement to keep their personal social media use and their job duties separate. Read the full agreement at https://natca.org/index.php/2016-cba-mous.

Register for retirement seminars, the one remaining 2017 NATCA EDGE seminar, and check out the 2018 NATCA Academy schedule; order 2018 pocket calendars; and update your contact information in the member portal to stay connected to Union updates. Read more.

Don't let the death of a loved one or a setback negatively impact your future. WorkLife is here to support you. Read more.
Regional News

NATCA member Jeremiah Luigs-Brown spotted converging traffic and alerted pilots, preventing disaster.  Read more.

At the fastest growing airport in Southern California, a young controller workforce has been doing an exceptional job at keeping up with traffic increases while minimizing workplace distractions. Read more.

NATCA members from Ohio educate members of Congress on issues important to Union.  Read more.

NATCA members from Florida educate members of Congress on issues important to Union. Read more .
NATCA in the News

After a PSA Airlines flight experienced pressurization problems in June that led to a few passengers passing out, air traffic controllers helped the stricken plane make an emergency landing at the uncontrolled airport in Selma, Ala.

As the situation grew more severe, the crew depended on air traffic controllers at Atlanta Center and Montgomery Tower and TRACON (MGM) to guide them to safety.

"It's a very high-pressure situation, and you really try not to think about the worst case scenarios. You try to focus on providing the best service with the best outcome." Read more.

Investigative reporters go behind the scenes of Orlando International Airport, where 114,000 passengers fly every day.

"It's the men and women in the tower that makes sure every flight lands safely and takes off safely."

Featuring NATCA Orlando ATCT VP Samonta Jones and Central Florida TRACON FacRep Randy Merrihew. Read more.

A message from NATCA National Organizing Committee Chairman John Bratcher on the passing of Organizing Committee member Tom Berry. Read more.

"We officially declared IOC on Friday the 13th, at 6:15a.m." says FacRep Bryan Pierce. "So far there are no problems and everything is operating as it should be." Read more.
Members Safe Following Tornado in Hickory, N.C.

From FacRep Roland Alexander: Everyone is fine at HKY (Hickory Federal Contract Tower). I was the only one on duty at the time. The tower had no damage but some of our equipment is still out of service. We have landlines and frequencies, so just waiting for commercial power to be restored to get Fido and Radar back in service. The winds reached 66 mph, but all damage was to the hanger about 200 yards from the tower.
Happy Autumn to NATCA Members and Friends!

NATCA member Matt Trimble, a controller at Columbia Metropolitan ATCT (CAE), shared these photos of the awesome job his wife Krista did carving a pumpkin for the facility.


Former NATCA President John Carr was a guest speaker at the Western Pacific Region (NWP) solidarity event held at The Plank on Oct. 23.  Read more.
Denver Center Nursing Proposal

Does your facility need better amenities for nursing mothers? Read ZDV's thorough and successful proposal here.
2018 NATCA Events
Biennial Convention
Mouth-watering aromas. Locally grown and exotic produce. Amish specialties. Fresh meats, seafood, and poultry. Handmade confections and baked goods straight from the oven.

With more than 30 food vendors, you can find all this and more at the Reading Terminal Market, where #NATCAphilly2018 will host the closing banquet.

Check out the market's website for visitor info, and watch the NATCA convention webpage for more announcements.
NATCA in Washington

NiW 2018 will take place May 21-23 in Washington, D.C. Check out the NATCA Legislative page and the NATCA Insider for more information and updates as they become available.
Communicating For Safety

Communicating For Safety (CFS) has moved to the fall and will take place Oct. 22-24, 2018, at Bally's Las Vegas. For more information, check out the revamped CFS site.

For information on how to nominate your fellow brothers and sisters for the Archie League Medal of Safety Awards, Professionalism Awards, and Region X Commitment to Safety Award, which will be presented at CFS 2018, click here.
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For questions and requests, please contact Sarah Zilonis at szilonis@natcadc.org