NATCA Bookshelf

ISSUE Official time at the FAA gives employees paid time to resolve disputes, negotiate changes in working conditions, and to collaborate on workgroups that implement new procedures, such as NextGen. These types of meetings and collaboration save the FAA and taxpayers money by allowing the parties to avoid costly arbitrations and other less-efficient means of dispute resolution. However, there is a misperception by some members of Congress that official time is an abused program and that eliminating official time would save the government money. Inevitably, each year we see legislation, or amendments to legislation, that would eliminate the use of official time for government employees, including those at the FAA. MESSAGE Official time is necessary for NATCA members. It is an especially important tool now, as our nation's air traffic control system is being modernized. The elimination of official time would prevent NATCA members from working with the FAA on procedures that are vital to the success of NextGen, and would hinder collaboration and progress of these and other important initiatives. BACKGROUND By law, Congress established official time to ensure that all workers receive fair representation. Yet every year a bill or amendment is introduced to limit or abolish official time. In fact, in the past three years, we have had two recorded, defeated votes on the issue. These victories were a direct result of NATCA's efforts to educate members of Congress and their staffs at the local and national levels. Official time MAY be used to: • 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. Official time CANNOT be used to: • Conduct internal union business. • Recruit new union members. • Collect union dues. • Conduct union elections. • Campaign for union offices. • Engage in political activity. FULL BACKGROUND 31

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