Hey DUers, Air Traffic Controllers need your help

[libnnc]

From: "John Carr" ([e-mail])
>
>
> Good evening ladies and gentlemen this is John Carr, and this message is
>for wide distribution.
>
> As you know all too well, NATCA and the FAA have been engaged in contract
>negotiations since last summer. At the table, these talks have been going
>very well, with agreements being reached much faster than in previous
>years. But unfortunately, it’s now clearer than ever that the FAA
>management is intent on driving these negotiations to impasse as soon as is
>it can reasonably possible – perhaps as soon as the next few weeks.
>
> Their goal is to exploit the law to unilaterally impose a draconian set
>of work rules on NATCA’s members, gutting the principles of fair collective
>bargaining, forcing our air traffic controllers to accept pay cuts and then
>a pay freeze. I don’t have to tell you the negative effects this could
>have on our aviation system and morale.
>
> Fortunately, thanks to the leadership of a group of Senators,
>Congresswomen and Congressmen, NATCA has secured the introduction of two
>bills that would restore fairness and accountability to the negotiating
>process. The bi-partisan “FAA Fair Labor Management Dispute Resolution Act
>of 2006” will ensure the FAA gets back to the negotiating table in earnest
>by providing for binding arbitration instead of FAA imposition.
>
> This is where you come in. We need your help to make sure your Senators
>sign on to this important bill as soon as possible. That’s why we’re asking
>you, your friends and family, your email contacts, and anybody you can call
>to call 1-877 FAIR FAA today. The toll free number will put you directly in
>contact with your Senator’s office and when that happens you should:
>
> Give your name and tell them you are a registered voter in your state;
>Tell them you are concerned about the FAA’s actions and want to ensure
>fairness for America’s air traffic controllers; Tell them you want them to
>support the Obama Bill, Senate 2201
>
> Please, ask your friends, family and neighbors to call this number today.
>It’s vital we send a strong message to Congress that we won’t stand for an
>FAA agenda that will harm the integrity of the National Airspace System.
>
> You can also learn more about this issue from NATCA’s new website:
>www.fairFAA.com.
>
> Bookmark the site, send it to your friends, create the email chain that
>goes ‘round the world, and as ever, thank you for all you do.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Reminder to DUers: Reagan went after the air controllers and ALL

unions have suffered because of it. Union membership is at an abysmal level; wages are down; benefits removed or reduced. And because unions are weaker, all non-union employment has suffered with worse salaries, longer hours, no overtime, etc. A slippery slope.

Air controllers need our support. If they go, the rest of the country goes.

[EFerrari]

2. It that the truth.

:kick:

[libnnc]

3. And it's a safety issue

the Air Traffic controllers are OUR controllers. They work for US, you and me, at least for the time being, until the GOP gets its way and privatizes the system. It's not just about money and benefits, it's about a safe and efficient work environment. With privatization, there is no guarantee that controllers get the scheduled breaks they need to do their jobs correctly, at least 8 hours between shifts, etc.

NATCA is concerned with SAFETY. They need our help.

kick
:kick:

Edit to add, Keep in mind that ATCers are our eyes over the skies. They make sure we get where we're going in a safe, expedient manner. FAA Management are Bush appointed, over-paid paper pushers who try to paint controllers as undeserving of their salaries and benefits.