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THE DELEGATE 6 THURSDAY • OCTOBER 2, 2014 FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONALISM RINALDI, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Professional standards teams at local facilities nationwide are leading the charge to educate their workforces about the consequences of distractions in transportation. This work has led to some innovative ideas. At Chicago Center (ZAU), for example, NATCA FacRep Toby Hauck and Air Traffic Manager Bill Cound have set up a Turn Off, Tune In charging station. Dubbed "The Juice Bar," the station reminds controllers that cell phone usage in the operational environment is distracting and dangerous. "It is incumbent on all of us to keep our profession in high regard," says Hauck. "Turn Off, Tune In is just one of the many ways for controllers to continue to promote our professionalism and pride we have for our job." While attending Communicating for Safety 2013, Charlotte (CLT) FacRep Anthony Schifano was inspired by the multiple charging stations available to attendees. CLT now has stations installed outside the operational areas. "It has really been great," Schifano says. He added that the stations are a subtle yet effective way of reminding employees not to take personal electronic devices into the operations rooms. Other facilities making strides in distractions education include Baltimore Tower (BWI), Spokane Tower and TRACON (GEG), and Los Angeles Center (ZLA). Earlier this year, NATCA and the FAA created "Foundations of Professionalism," an umbrella term encompassing the collaborative programs that enhance and further the goal of the encouraging and maintaining the highest level of professionalism among the workforce. Turn Off, Tune In the NAS that controllers so dely protect, day in and day out. "We have so many challenges and so much uncertainty ahead of us – FAA reauthorization, sequestration," Rinaldi reminded the convention body. "The aviation system is on an unsustainable course. The funding mechanism is broken. What does the Senate look like? The House? The White House in '16? Why sit idle? Why be reactionary? Let's build the road to greatness. It starts today in Minneapolis." The top three issues facing the convention body, Rinaldi stated, are dues restructuring, decreasing convention frequency from two years to three, and participation in conversations regarding alternative funding and striking the word privatization from the NATCA constitution. Regarding the dues restructuring vote, Rinaldi deferred to the panel following his speech to delve into the details, but he urged the delegates to think of the financial health of the Union. "We must stabilize our dues structure," he said. "The question is, what kind of union do you want in the future? Every pocket in this room has been lined and padded because of what this great union has done for you." Dues income affects how the Union represents its membership and the quality of the events and programs it produces, including the nation's premier aviation safety conference, Communicating for Safety, and our biennial Convention. The NEB has submitted an amendment to the convention body to consider moving to a three-year cycle to save money and increase efficiency, as proposed changes to the NATCA Constitution and Bylaws have diminished greatly in the past decade. In terms of the future of the NAS and the political and fiscal uncertainty in Washington, Rinaldi commented, "I don't know where we're going with this restructuring. But I do know that if we have the right people ask the right questions, engage in vigorous debate, we will move from good to great. We can sit on the side and let the show horses be in charge and create our future, but you will have a mess on your hands. Trish and I have said it before, if you're not at the table, you're on the menu." In closing, President Rinaldi thanked the attendees for traveling to Minneapolis to engage in the conversations that shape NATCA, today and in the future. "You are NATCA's supreme body, and you are here to dictate the course our Union charts for years to come. You will speak your mind, have vigorous debate and set the course for the future. Move us from good to great! I'm all in. Are you?" PHIL BARBARELLO, 2014 KRASNER AWARD RECIPIENT "While others may slow down as their career winds down, [Phil] does not. That fire that started burning so many years ago will continue to burn bright till his last breath. That's just who he is. If I took a poll and asked those of you to stand that he's helped, that he's provided counsel, advice, inspiration, motivation, kissed on the lips, bought a drink or has been welcomed with a hearty BRUTHA! So, let's get to it. I'm honored and privileged to present the 2014 Krasner Award to my mentor, my friend and my BRUTHA: Phil Barbarello!" — Dean Iacopelli, N90, Eastern Region ARVP

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