National Air Traffic Controllers Association

NATCA wishes you and your loved ones a happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving week is always a busy one for aviation safety professionals, and this year is no exception. Our Union is grateful to represent the people who ensure millions of Americans can travel safely through the National Airspace System (NAS) to celebrate the holiday with their families. Thank you especially to those working today for sacrificing time with their loved ones. Have a safe and happy holiday!

NATCA Benefits is pleased to announce its partnership with Beacon Realty, offering members coordinated support for all real estate needs during relocation. Beacon Relocation’s services provide seamless management whether members are moving locally or across the country, along with the advantage of up to a 20% Realtor? discount through their network of Approved Realtor? Partners. This exclusive benefit simplifies the moving process by connecting members with vetted professionals, making each step easier and more cost-effective. To explore potential savings and services, visit beaconrelocation.com and complete their online questionnaire. https://lnkd.in/eDFrRv86

When you buy union-made products, you're supporting good jobs in America’s communities, jobs that provide living wages and benefits, safe working conditions, and dignity and respect for work. Look for these quality products, produced by union members, when preparing for your Thanksgiving feast.

Every year, NATCA offers a scholarship program for spouses, children, stepchildren, and legally adopted children of active, retired, and deceased members in good standing for at least two consecutive years. This scholarship is for full-time attendance at accredited colleges and universities within the United States and its territories for an undergraduate degree program. This year’s prompt asked candidates to examine why labor unions are experiencing a resurgence and what implications this has for the future. Isabella Calabro, child of Keith Calabro (New York Center, ZNY) is among this year’s 20 scholarship winners. Read the essay that Isabella submitted on our website. https://lnkd.in/eBA7nmue

The National Aeronautics Association (NAA) recently named former NATCA Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert as one of its 2024 Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Stateswomen of Aviation. Gilbert and the other awardees were honored in a ceremony on Nov. 6 in Washington, D.C. In the program, NAA described Trish Gilbert as “an aviation trailblazer in safety and labor advocacy, who has shaped global aviation policies while championing the advancement of women in the industry.” A number of NATCA’s leadership, other members, and staff attended the ceremony to honor Gilbert and celebrate her great accomplishment.

During Communicating For Safety, NATCA announced that our Union was honoring U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington with our James Oberstar Sentinel of Safety Award. On Nov. 13, NATCA President Nick Daniels met with Sen. Cantwell on Capitol Hill to present her with the award in person. This award is the highest honor that our Union bestows on individuals who are outside our organization. NATCA created the Sentinel of Safety Award as a way to honor aviation leaders outside NATCA who have displayed outstanding achievement in the advancement of aviation safety. At our Biennial Convention in 2014, in Minneapolis, NATCA proudly renamed the award to honor Congressman Jim Oberstar, who was a tireless advocate for aviation, air traffic control, and NATCA during his tenure in Congress and as the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Sen. Cantwell has represented Washington state in the U.S. Senate since 2001 and currently serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Throughout her tenure, she has been a staunch advocate for aviation safety, playing a pivotal role in the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. PHOTO (left to right): NATCA President Nick Daniels and Senator Maria Cantwell (Wash.)

NATCA completed another successful Secretary Treasurer Training (STT) class from Oct. 9-10, in Las Vegas. Led by instructors Dontae Siders (Dallas Love ATCT, DAL) and Chris Keyes (Washington Center, ZDC), the training brought together members from across the country to enhance their skills in managing local operations, including taking minutes, handling vouchers, and navigating election procedures. Participants, including Ashley Hall (Indianapolis Center, ZID), found the training invaluable. "I learned so much and look forward to taking my new knowledge back to my Local and utilizing it in my role," Hall said. The event underscored NATCA’s commitment to empowering its members with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their roles. Learn more about NATCA Academy training and upcoming offerings: https://natca.org/academy

You’ve put in the hard work to build a life you’re proud of, but are you protecting it? NATCA has negotiated Unum long-term disability insurance to safeguard your income in case of illness or injury. This exclusive benefit offers peace of mind, ensuring your financial foundation stays strong: “Signing up for Unum was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I initially signed up as a trainee and forgot about it. After I became CPC and underwent a few surgeries on my dominant hand and was disqualified for over a year. I missed out on differentials like Sunday pay, night pay, and overtime. Initially, I didn’t think about filing a claim since I was still working in an administrative role. However, during a visit to CFS, I stopped by the Unum booth, and their representative informed me that I could still file a claim due to my reduced income. Unum came in and saved me and my family tremendously during this challenging time, providing peace of mind. Their support was invaluable. I highly recommend signing up with Unum! It could be your saving grace.” – Kio Maysonet (Fort Worth Center, ZFW) Secure your future and protect what matters most. Enroll now at natcadisability.com.

NATCA was proud to be an exhibitor and sponsor for ATCA Connect 2024. This conference provided an opportunity for NATCA staff and leadership, including President Nick Daniels, to network with government leaders and industry stakeholders, ensuring our Union’s voice is heard. Former NATCA Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert also served as a panelist alongside fellow labor leader, ALPA President Jason Ambrosi where they shared their expertise of tackling aviation safety issues. To close out the event, NATCA representatives attended ATCA’s annual Glen A. Gilbert Award banquet, honoring this year’s recipient Airlines for America President and CEO Nicholas Calio. Photo 1 (left to right): National PMO Rep. Dan Hamilton, President Nick Daniels, Meeting Planning and Events Representative Mindy Soranno, National Strategy Rep. Mark Ostronic at NATCA’s booth at the ATCA Connect Conference Photo 2 (left to right): Nick Daniels, NWP RVP Joel Ortiz, Jamaal Haltom, Dan Hamilton and his wife, Phil Hargarten, Mark Ostronic, Dawn Johnson, Chrissy Padgett, Dean Iacopelli at ATCA’s Glen A. Gilbert Award Dinner

The 40th Annual IFATCA Americas Regional Meeting in Trinidad set a new attendance record, bringing together 18 Member Associations and key leaders in air traffic management. NATCA representatives led essential discussions on mental health, disaster preparedness, and technical advancements. Highlights included peer support initiatives, disaster readiness strategies, and a Volunteer of the Year award for NATCA’s Jaymi Steinberg (Washington Center, ZDC), Chair of IFATCA’s Technical and Operations Committee (TOC). IFATCA Executive Vice President Americas Trish Gilbert called the event “an incredible opportunity for collaboration.” Read the full story here. https://lnkd.in/e8tNMvhk