In This Issue:
Remembering AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
NATCA President Speaks at NHCFAE Conference
Honoring the Sacrifice of PATCO Members 40 Years After the Strike
NATCA Members Participate in EAA AirVenture
NCF and NATCA National Office Deliver 100 Backpacks for Community of Hope
Upcoming NATCA 101 Virtual Learning Opportunity
OSHA Webinar: Water Intrusion and Mold Growth in Your Facility
National Office Staff Employee Spotlight:
Eugene Freedman
IT Tech Tip: New Live Chat Support Functionality on NATCA Website
Member Benefit Spotlight:
Southern Insurance Group
NATCA Store Item of the Month: Beverage Glass
Union Members Feature:
Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
Operation Traffic Counts Across the U.S.
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Remembering AFL-CIO
President Richard Trumka
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, who passed away suddenly last week, invigorated the labor movement and working people across the country with his passion. He fought for all union members with vigor and stood arm-in-arm with them every single day. NATCA members got a first-hand view of that passion on many occasions, most notably at two of NATCA’s past four biennial conventions.

At the 17th Biennial Convention in Philadelphia in 2018, Trumka delivered a fiery, uplifting, and inspiring keynote address. Trumka told the convention body, "Solidarity is sort of like love. You can’t measure it. You have to feel it." He continued, “I want every single worker in America to feel the power, the pride, the love that comes with being part of a Union. You’re never alone in a fight. You have a brother and sister that are going to stand with you no matter what." View his full 2018 speech here.
After his 2018 NATCA Convention speech, Trumka posted this on Twitter: "We owe so much to our air traffic controllers. I'm so proud and honored to be here at the @NATCA convention. You are American heroes."

Trumka previously spoke to the 14th Biennial Convention body in 2012 in Denver. View his full 2012 speech here.
NATCA President Paul Rinaldi
Speaks at NHCFAE Conference
The National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NHCFAE) recently held its annual training conference. NATCA President Paul Rinaldi was a speaker on the Labor Management panel, highlighting the pandemic and the workforce, ideal staffing in air traffic control facilities, and how to cultivate a diverse, professional workforce.
 
Rinaldi discussed ongoing concerns for members and lessons learned during the pandemic. He stressed the importance of the level three cleanings that have been implemented in facilities to clean in between crew changes. He noted the cleanings began and were made possible due to the ongoing collaboration between NATCA and the FAA, and how the routine has helped reduce the number of ATC-0 shutdowns.
 
Regarding staffing, panel members were asked, “if you could get staffing to your ideal levels, what would you want the FAA to do?” Rinaldi replied, “We want real-time, science-based modeling on what an air traffic controller shift looks like. We have a lot of people in training and the pandemic set us back. Our career is not conducive to social distancing, especially in training.” He stated that if the aviation system is going to be modernized, the FAA will need certified professional controllers (CPCs) to work on it. “We will need a steady pipeline of controllers coming through the FAA Academy at all times. We just need to know how many CPCs we should have in the aviation system, and the science behind it."
 
In closing, Rinaldi and the panel members considered the importance of diversity in the workforce. “The more diverse input you have, the better results you have,” said Rinaldi. He talked about the creation of the Union Synergy Committee to focus on inclusion for NATCA members. He also praised NATCA Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert for work on several boards, fostering diversity for the future of aviation. Said Rinaldi, “The lack of diversity in our field is still a problem, but it’s a societal problem, and we have to get into the schools, work on the STEM programs, and educate kids on how exciting and rewarding aviation jobs can be.”
Honoring the Sacrifice of PATCO Members
40 Years After the Strike
On Aug. 3, 1981, the men and women of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) were fighting for a safer work environment, reliable equipment, adequate staffing levels, and fair work and pay rules. They began a strike for their dearly loved profession, and 11,000 of them were fired as they stood up for what was right. NATCA continues to honor their resolve and dedication.

PATCO controllers made a great personal sacrifice in standing together. We recognize the members’ extraordinary level of commitment and their collective goals to each other. Those of us who came after them still reap the benefits of their sacrifice: NATCA’s original members organized to continue PATCO members’ fight for better working conditions and dedication to the safety and integrity of the National Airspace System. After 40 years, we continue to thank you and remember your sacrifice, PATCO members. 
NATCA National Office staff member, En Route Technology Representative Mark Prestrude was a PATCO controller that was fired and rehired in 1997. Prestrude is retiring next month from his role on NATCA's staff. We thank him for his continued service to our Union!  

“Without NATCA, very few PATCO controllers would ever have had the opportunity to get their dream job back," said Prestrude. "The most rewarding part of being a member of NATCA’s staff is to work for the membership of an organization that gave me the chance to complete a great career in the FAA.” 
Members Participate in EAA AirVenture
Since it started nearly 60 years ago, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh has become the world's largest and greatest aviation celebration and air show. In late July, a team of NATCA members once again volunteered their time at this event to represent the very best of our profession to the general aviation (GA) community. In all, NATCA members participated in 24 presentations, pilot briefings, and workshops to advance outreach to pilots. AirVenture attendees attended NATCA sessions, ranging from "Communicating with Confidence and Clarity" to "How to Make the Most of Flying VFR," and even "A Day in the Life of a Controller." NATCA members also participated in EAA Radio interviews about GA trends through the global pandemic and the importance of GA pilots staying in communication with air traffic control. Because of the continuing pandemic, NATCA participants took care to protect themselves at this event by wearing masks and social distancing whenever possible.

Special thanks to NATCA members and staff Rushelle Arbogast, Chattanooga ATCT (CHA), Erich Chouinard, Seattle Center (ZSE), John Goebel, Northern California TRACON (NCT), Karoline Gorman, New York Center (ZNY), Dawn Johnson, Atlanta Center (ZTL), Christian Karns, ZTL, Richard Kennington, Portland ATCT (PDX), Evan Munro, Miami Center (ZMA), Bob Obma, Indianapolis Center (ZID), Kerri Phillips, Fort Worth Center (ZFW), Kelly Richardson, NATCA Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Carrie Uphus, St. Paul ATCT (STP), Carlton Wickstrom, Phoenix TRACON (P50), and Tara Zeck, Houston D.W. Hooks ATCT (DWH) for volunteering their time and sharing their air traffic control knowledge with attendees, working to make the NATCA events at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh a success.

See more photos from Oshkosh 2021 here.
NCF and NATCA National Office Deliver 100 Backpacks for Community of Hope
Top left picture: NATCA Terminal Technology Rep Bill Geoghagan. Top right picture, from bottom left, clockwise: NCF volunteers Nitzy Montanez, Jennifer Tyre, Carrie Knox, Matt Knox, Alex Geoghagan, Phillip Gardner, Anika Gardner, and Jessica Haecker. Bottom right picture: NATCA Terminal Technology Rep Bill Geoghagan and NCF volunteer Denise Geoghagan.
As students in some school districts are beginning the new school year, local NATCA members, National Office staff, and NATCA family members worked with the NATCA Charitable Foundation (NCF) to provide school supplies for Community of Hope’s annual back-to-school backpack drive to aid underserved families in Washington, D.C. Thanks to generous charitable and community support, Community of Hope this month will once again give away hundreds of backpacks filled with supplies to school-aged children.
Next NATCA 101 Virtual Learning Opportunity
NATCA 101 provides a foundation of information about the Union for all levels of membership. Members will learn the history of the organization and the work the Union does for its members every day, and be provided with insight into how members can become more involved. Education is the first step toward a stronger local, which leads to a more powerful national Union. A strong Union creates a better future for our members and their families. Click here to register.
OSHA Webinar: Water Intrusion and
Mold Growth in Your Facility
The NATCA Academy is offering a new webinar for members, Water Intrusion and Mold Growth in Your Facility, on Aug. 17 at 1 p.m. EDT. The Occupational Safety and Health articles in each contract negotiated by NATCA, as well as policies such as the Air Traffic Organization's order, JO 3900.76, are good tools to support indoor air quality and control mold growth. JO 3900.76 was jointly developed by NATCA, the FAA, and other stakeholders. This webinar will cover what is required by this order when there are water intrusion issues or subsequent mold growth. Sign up to join the webinar no later than Aug. 16 at 3 p.m. EDT.
National Office Staff Employee
Spotlight: Eugene Freedman
We have an amazing National Office staff that our membership can be very proud of. They work hard every day and are committed to providing our members with the very best service and representation in organized labor. Today, we feature Special Counsel to the President Eugene Freedman. Thank you for all you do, Eugene!
Where are you from, or what places have you lived?
Freedman: I was born in Newark, N.J., grew up in Long Beach, N.Y., and lived in Wheaton, Md., for high school, before going to college in Ithaca, N.Y., and law school in Baltimore. I currently live in Rockville, Md.

Where did you go to school, or what other education do you have? 
Freedman: I graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Industrial and Labor Relations. I graduated from University of Maryland School of Law.

How did you come to work at NATCA?  
Freedman: I was working for another federal sector union. I interviewed for a position with then President John Carr and Executive Vice President Ruth Stilwell. A few days later Ruth called me to offer a completely different position, which I accepted.

Do you have family members who are involved in unions?  
Freedman: My great grandmother was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union in New York City. My grandfather was a 65-year member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) as well as a member of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). My father was a local officer for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), who went on to work for the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) for over 20 years. My mother worked for AFT for 20 years. My brother is a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and is their Western States Political Coordinator. My aunt worked at the FAA employees’ credit union at John F. Kennedy International Airport and was dating a controller at the time of the PATCO strike. As a seven year old, I walked the picket line with her.
 
I was a steward and negotiations team member for my unit of the Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild and elected treasurer and co-lead negotiator for an independent union of staffers at my former employer.

What's the most rewarding part of being a member of NATCA’s staff? What's the most challenging?   
Freedman: The most rewarding part of working for NATCA is negotiating collective bargaining agreements that benefit all of our members. Being on a NATCA contract team is both the most challenging and rewarding professional experience of my career and I’ve had that honor four times so far.

Do you have any hobbies or any other activities you enjoy outside of your work for NATCA? 
Freedman: Baseball is my primary hobby. I’m an Orioles fan, but I follow every American League team as well as their minor league rosters. I switched to playing softball in college, and I also coach my daughter’s fastpitch team. I also write about the intersection of labor relations and baseball. My girls are 13 and 10, so I spend a lot of time at their activities now, including musicals and dance recitals.

Has there been a favorite moment for you while at NATCA?
Freedman: My favorite moment was sitting at the Aero Club of Washington luncheon on my birthday, April 30, 2009, during which newly appointed Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced he was ordering the FAA to return to the bargaining table with NATCA after three years of imposed work rules (IWR). It was the culmination of a three-year fight to reverse the IWR. My adrenaline was so high I was shaking with excitement.
IT Tech Tip: New Live Chat Support
The NATCA Information Technology Committee (ITC) has implemented a live chat support function for NATCA members on the members-only section of the website. For email issues, website questions, or other NATCA support needs, log in and click Support from the top menu or navigate to natca.org/support. The ITC is committed to ensuring you receive timely and helpful support for NATCA related technology.
Member Benefit Spotlight:
Southern Insurance Group
Keeping people safe is what we do as aviation safety professionals. We are there to keep things moving and more importantly, provide help if things go wrong. With a wide array of all types of insurance, the Southern Insurance Group (SIG) is one of NATCA’s longest standing partners, serving the needs of our members since 2002 and providing help if things go wrong. From the UNUM disability insurance that protects your income, to life insurance to replace FEGLI, and all your needs in-between, SIG is there to have the backs of the folks who have the backs of the flying public! Click here for more information.
NATCA Store Item of the Month:
Beverage Glass
Features of this product: The 16 oz. NATCA Beverage Glass is the ultimate drinking buddy! Featuring a sleek and clean shape, this glass is a nod to the classic beverage can design and is a perfect addition to any space. No matter the occasion, this glass fits right in your hand and is great for serving your beverage of choice. This glass includes a black NATCA imprint and is union-made in the USA.

Price: $7.
 
To see the item and how to order: Click here. Select USPS or UPS as your shipping preference on your orders. To check on stock availability or for further assistance, call 800-266-0895 or email [email protected]. 
Union Members Feature:
Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
NATCA continues to highlight our union sisters and brothers who are also essential contributors across our nation's workforce, and also AFL-CIO affiliate unions. Today, we highlight and thank our siblings of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS). The BRS was founded in 1901 as a trade union representing railroad employees working in what was then the new craft of signaling. As railroads increasingly turned to the new technology of signal systems to improve the safety and efficiency of their operations, the BRS expanded and eventually grew into a national organization representing the men and women who install and maintain signal systems for most of the nation's railroads. Read about what BRS is doing to help and support its members in the wake of the global pandemic.
Operation Traffic Counts Across the U.S.
NATCA | www.natca.org