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N A T I O N A L C O N S T I T U T I O N 5 NATIONAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CONSTITUTION Preamble As the working professionals who make up our nation's air traffic control system, we play a critical role in the provision of safe and efficient air transportation in the United States. Deserving recognition for our contributions to modern aviation and desiring a strong voice in matters bearing on our work lives and the safety of the flying public, we have formed the National Air Traffic Controllers Association ("the Association"). The Association will seek to advance the status, professionalism and working conditions of all air traffic controllers and other aviation-safety-related employees through collective bargaining, political action, and other lawful concerted activity. The Association will also dedicate itself to furthering the public's interest in safe and efficient air transportation. We hereby establish this Constitution to govern us in these efforts. Article I: Name and Objectives Section 1. This organization shall be known as the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. Section 2. The objectives of the Association shall be: a. To preserve, promote and improve the working conditions of air traffic controllers and other aviation-safety- related employees; b. To preserve, promote and improve the safety of air traffic within the United States, its territories and possessions; c. To preserve, promote and improve the professionalism and competence of air traffic controllers and other aviation- safety-related employees; d. To preserve, promote and maintain the best interests of the United States of America and particularly her leadership role in the aviation community; and e. To preserve, promote and improve the rights of its members through all lawful means, including collective bargaining, political action, and contributing to such civic and charitable organizations as the National Executive Board deems in the best interests of the Association. Article II: Affiliations The Association may be affiliated, at the discretion of the National Executive Board, with the AFL-CIO on such terms and conditions as are mutually agreeable to the AFL-CIO and the National Executive Board of the Association. The National Executive Board has the authority to pursue and enter into other affiliations as are beneficial to the Association. Article III: Membership Section 1. Any employee employed in a bargaining unit represented by the Association shall be eligible for active membership in the Association. The employment requirement shall be waived because of service to the Association, provided the requirement was met prior to the leave of absence or voluntary termination of employment. Section 2. Only active members, in good standing, shall have the right to vote and hold office. Section 3. A member shall be considered in good standing if: a. The payment of their dues is not more than forty-five (45) days in arrears; and b. Their membership has not been otherwise modified by disciplinary action imposed in accordance with this Constitution. In the event of the death of an active member in good standing, the member's spouse, if also an active member in good standing, will be granted a waiver from the requirement to pay dues in order to maintain active membership in good standing, and will retain the right to vote and hold office. Dues shall be waived for active members in good standing while recalled for active military service. These members shall retain all the rights of membership, including the right to vote and hold office. Section 4. Members not in a duty status but who are in a full pay status (e.g. extended sick leave), or members in a part- time status, shall retain the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of full active membership, including the right to vote and hold office. Members granted a leave of absence where pay and allowances are not provided, other than for service to the Association, shall be entitled to all privileges and benefits of membership, except the right to vote and hold office. These members, upon

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