Brothers and Sisters, 

We informed you on Friday that the President issued three Executive Orders (EOs) that could negatively affect federal employees and their unions. [ Link to Friday message]. When it announced the EOs, the Administration expressed its intention that the orders would: (1) expedite the process for removing employees from federal service in performance-based adverse actions; (2) reduce the use of union official time government-wide; and (3) reduce the time it takes to negotiate collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and to reduce the costs contained within them. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has advised that it will publish guidance advising agency heads how to implement these orders in the near future; however, it did not provide a timetable.

NATCA has thoroughly reviewed and analyzed the EOs. Based upon the law and the language within our collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), we maintain that none of the changes in these EOs will affect our members or our Union for the duration of each CBA. There should be no changes to any of NATCA's agreements with the FAA - local or national - nor any changes in how they are implemented. The same is true for all current practices and procedures between the parties. If you become aware of any attempts by the agency to take action to implement any of these EOs, or make any other changes, please immediately contact your FacRep and Regional Vice President.

NATCA is working diligently to oppose not just these attacks on federal employees, but similar attacks on federal retirement programs. We know that times like these, when there are multiple attacks on federal employees, can be distracting. While we continue to work to address the challenges presented by these EOs, it is important that we all remain focused on maintaining the safety and efficiency of our National Airspace System.

We will continue to keep you updated as events unfold. 

In Solidarity, 

Paul Rinaldi, NATCA President 

Trish Gilbert, NATCA Executive Vice President