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We finally have some good news!! It appears as thought S1300 will be coming up for a vote in the Senate next week. If you have not already signed up on our grassroots web site the link is http://www.unionvoice.org/NATCA/join PLEASE participate in this effort. Have your friends and family send letters to their Senators encouraging them to vote yes on S1300.

Thanks to everyone who supported our mini lobby week in DC a couple of weeks ago. Nationally we had close to 100 activists on Capitol Hill and now we are seeing the fruits of their labor. I know it is difficult to get time off the schedule to attend these events and it takes everyone working together to make it happen. So thanks again, if you were in attendance or you worked for someone so they could attend, it’s greatly appreciated.

I started this month in Chicago at our annual Communicating for Safety seminar. This event continues to grow every year and is one of NATCA’s premier events. We had great panel discussions and they are all available for viewing at http://www.natca.org/safetytechnology/cfs-video.msp . One of the big topics of discussion was the recently signed agreement with the FAA on ATSAP (Air Traffic Safety Action Program). A description of the ATSAP MOU can be found at http://web.mac.com/bzilonis/Site/NGL_Blog/Entries/2008/3/30_ATSAP.html . I am very optimistic that this program will be a great benefit to our membership if the agency lives up to their commitments as Hank Krakowski has said they will.

Another great event at this years Communicating for Safety Conference was the Archie League Medal of Safety Awards ceremony. I had the pleasure of introducing and presenting the award to the Northwest Mountain Regional winner Mr. Lee Wheeler from Salt Lake Center. Lee was accompanied by his lovely wife and daughter. It was a great evening and I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize Lee and to meet his family. We have begun the process of searching for nominations for the 2008 Archie League Medal of Safety awards. Any flight assist that has occurred this calendar year is eligible. We prefer an audiotape if possible, but it is not required to have your nomination considered for an award. Allyson Hunt is standing by ready to take your nominations at any time at ahunt@natcadc.org. Please click here for more information about the awards: http://www.NATCA.org/mediacenter/ArchieLeagueJan06Main.msp

On April 7th and 8th I was in Portland for a local meeting. Facility Rep Eric Conrad invited me to attend their local meeting which was very well attended and I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the members from both the Tower and the TRACON. Thanks to all of you in Portland for you hospitality and your continued support.

April 14th I was on the road again, this time to Facility Representative Training in Las Vegas. This was an awesome class with over 80 activists in attendance. The course was condensed from four days to two and Bob Taylor did an outstanding job getting all of the information out in a very short time. Kudos to the attendees as well, they put in two very long days with short breaks and were engaged and energetic throughout! It was inspiring to see all the new young faces there learning and getting motivated to continue fighting the good fight.

I have received quite a few calls about the developmental dues rebates. If you are a Developmental, CPC or CPCIT with a base pay below the ATC 2006 green book pay bands, you should fill out a dues reimbursement form. Here’s the link on NATCA.NET http://www.NATCA.org/members/DuesReimbursement.msp

The May 1st deadline is rapidly approaching for the NATCA Scholarship Program. Here is a reminder about the program:

2008-2009 NATCA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION -

Eligibility:

Dependent children of active, retired or deceased NATCA members

Two years continuous good standing active membership prior to submission

Enrollment in an accredited college or university

Deadline:

Applications must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2008

Applicants wishing to receive confirmation of receipt of their applications should send a self-addressed stamped postcard along with the application

Applications must be sent to NATCA, 1325 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005 Attn: Scholarship Fund

A notification letter will be sent to all applicants announcing their approval or denial of scholarship funds by Monday, June 30, 2008

Award Criteria:

Awards will be based on a lottery system

Applicants must qualify for the lottery by submitting an application as well as an essay. The essay must follow the outlined question and contain no more than 500 words.

The President and Executive Vice President will judge qualifications for the lottery

Essay:

Please submit an essay of no more than 500 words

Please ensure that you send your essay with the completed application; essays sent separately will not be considered

In essay, please describe your career goals and aspirations, and highlight the importance of the union and the labor movement to your family and/or yourself and why you deserve a union scholarship

Essays must be applicants’ own work.

Keep those letters, emails and faxes going to your senator’s offices! Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to work on your behalf it’s an honor. I will talk to you all soon.


Scott