N A T I O N A L A I R T R A F F I C C O N T R O L L E R S A S S O C I A T I O N | W W W . N AT C A . O R G
N i W To d a y
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REFERENCES
Q & A
n Official time saves the FAA and taxpayers' time and money by allowing NATCA representatives and
the FAA to avoid costly arbitrations and other less-efficient means of dispute resolution.
n Official time is necessary for NATCA members to perform their representational duties owed to all
bargaining unit employees, regardless of union membership status.
n Limiting official time at the FAA would lead to extremely inefficient labor relations. Today, NATCA
representatives use official time for these essential functions:
• Participate in labor-management workgroups that collaborate on issues like new technology
implementation, development of new procedures, and increased airspace efficiencies.
• Represent bargaining unit employees in meetings with FAA management.
• Facilitate implementation of new workplace initiatives including training on new technology
and procedures.
• Assist the FAA in communicating important information about workplace matters to employees.
• Negotiate contracts and other collective bargaining agreements that concern employee working
conditions, pay, and benefits.
• Represent employees in grievances and disciplinary actions.
• Represent employees before other federal agencies in administrative proceedings.
n However, NATCA DOES NOT use official time for any of the following prohibited activities:
• Conducting internal union business.
• Recruiting new union members.
• Collecting union dues.
• Conducting union elections.
• Electioneering for union offices.
• Engaging in political activity.
