A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1010678
NATCA NATIONAL OFFICE DEPARTMENTAL UPDATE July 14-27, 2018 LABOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT VOLUNTARY SEPARATION INCENTIVE PAYMENTS (VSIP) AND VOLUNTARY EARLY RETIREMENT AUTHORITY (VERA) On July 30, 2018, the Agency briefed NATCA regarding offering Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP) and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) to a limited group of Agency positions based on staffing and budget requirements. The Agency is authorized to approve up to 399 employees Agency-wide for VSIP/VERA. • VSIP: Commonly referred to as a "buyout," VSIP incentivizes eligible employees to voluntarily retire or resign by offering lump sum payments up to $25,000. • VERA: Commonly referred to as an "early out," VERA allows eligible employees to retire at an earlier age and/or with fewer years of service (i.e., age fifty (50) with at least twenty (20) years of service, or any age with at least twenty-five (25) years of service). Employees who fall under CSRS or CSRS Offset will have their annuities reduced if they retire before reaching age fifty-five (55). Employees who fall under FERS will not have their annuities reduced. BUEs who are eligible for VSIP will receive official notice from Human Resources via email no later than Friday, August 10, 2018. Participation in VSIP/VERA is optional, and BUEs who are not interested in participating can disregard the email. Interested BUEs can submit a Request for Consideration Form and will receive benefits counseling before they must decide whether to submit a formal, binding VSIP/VERA application. The Agency's planned separation date for employees who choose to participate in VSIP/VERA is October 31, 2018. POCs: Eastern RVP Dean Iacopelli, Aircraft Certification National Representative Scott Odle, AIT National Representative Ken Slauson, ARO National Representative Susan Lefler, Space Team Lead Salvador Holguin, Special Counsel to the President Eugene Freedman, Director of Labor Relations Ryan Smith, and Labor Relations Attorney Grant Mulkey BRIEFING REQUESTS On July 23, 2018, NATCA requested a briefing on FAA Order 1720.37A, FAA Print Management. We are currently waiting for a response from the Agency regarding our request. POC: Labor Relations Representative Melinda Kim SURVEYS NATCA recommends participation in the Behavioral Markers Study.