A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/719223
LABOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT FAA SETTLES UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE CHARGE AT ZLA On Aug. 16, 2016, the FAA agreed to settle an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge filed by NATCA with the Feder al Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), stemming from an incident at Los Angeles Center (ZLA). On Oct. 21, 2015, the FAA's Investigations and Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) Division conducted an interview with ZLA Facility Representative Nate Pair, regarding an investigation into alleged improper conduct by a former ZLA Air Traffic Manager (ATM). Before and during the interview, Mr. Pair requested union representation several times, but was denied and was forced to participate against his will by th e ATM or else be subject to discipline. As a result of the settlement agreement, the FAA was required to post a Notice to All Employees at ZLA regarding the incident. The settlement agreement also directed the FAA to place a copy of the Notice in th e ZLA R ead - and - Initial Binder. In short, the Notice states that the FAA WILL NOT: (1) discipline Mr. Pair as a result of the interview; (2) require any BUE to take part in an interview or examination, whether as a subject or a witness, without union representatio n in accordance with the statute; and (3) interfere, restrain, or coerce employees in the exerc ise of their statutory rights. The Notice was posted at the facility and in the Read - and - Initial Binder on Friday, Aug. 19, and is required to be maintained for sixty (60) consecutive days. POCs: Director of Labor Relations Ryan Smith, Special Counsel to the President Eugene Freedman, Assistant Director of Labor Relations Erina Hammond, and NATCA Policy Counsel Greg Shoemaker. LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT (LCM) PROGRAM – REMOTE INSTALLATION On Aug. 11, 2016, the Agency briefed NATCA on the Life Cycle Management (LCM) progr am to replace older computers. In fiscal year 2017, the AIT organization will launch a pilot program to remotely install computers as part of the esta blished computer refresh LCM program. Currently, AIT sends a technician to the employee's site to unbox and install the new computer for the employee. With the remote installation method, a new computer is fully imaged offsite and shipped directly to the e mployee for self - installatio n. For the initial phase of the pilot program, the Agency plans to perform a small - scale remote installa tion starting in October 2016. The initial remote installation will be done on a volunteer basis from a list of employees th e FAA has identified as having older computers ready for an upgrade under the LCM program. NATCA is working with the Agency on th e implementation of the pilot. POCs: Labor Representative Melinda Kim and AFN National Representative Ken Slauson . BRIEFING RE QUESTS On August 22, 2016, NATCA requested a briefing on AIT T emporary Employee Relocations. We are currently waiting for a response from t he Agency regarding our request. POCs: Assistant Director of Labor Relations Nicole Vitale and Labor Rela tions Coordi nator Kendal Manson.