NATCA Bookshelf

THE DELEGATE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 6 NAV CANADA: Their Reality vs. Our Status Quo SERVICE TO UNION: Honoring Those Who Go Above and Beyond NATCA members Dawn Johnson (Atlanta Center) and Richard Kennington (Portland, Ore., ATCT) moderated a panel on their experience visiting Canadian facilities last month. Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert, NATCA Special Counsel to the President Eugene Freedman, CATCA's Central Regional Vice President David Doerksen, Toronto ACC Controller Paul Berry, Calgary Tower Controller Todd Gabel, and Buttonville Tower Controller Gordon Howe, joined them. Johnson and Kennington were tasked with learning about the NAV CANADA not-for-profit system and giving their unbiased view to our membership. At Vancouver Tower, Johnson and Kennington were amazed by the incredible technological advancements, including electronic strips that made the operational environment more streamlined and efficient. In talking to Canadian controllers, they learned that the push to this new, private system was controller-led because of poor equipment upkeep and an inability to get new technology into the working environment. "We were really surprised to learn controllers were pushing to get out from under government control," said Johnson. While the updated operational environment was great, both Johnson and Kennington wanted to hear concerns from controllers but found only two problems — the potential for authoritarian management and for users to drive policy — problems which we currently face in the National Airspace System (NAS). Some NATCA members have expressed concerns over moving to a new system similar to NAV CANADA. Gilbert clarified NATCA's stance on any potential reform, reiterating that protecting the workforce is NATCA's primary focus. "We want to influence change that might go through the legislative process and become law," said Gilbert. "We need to be in the room to make sure that no matter what path is taken, we are on it to protect our pay, benefits, and bargaining rights to protect the workforce." She continued, "You name it, we want to make sure all of it is packaged in any proposal that may become law. We continue to be prepared for every possibility." As the NAS continues to risk falling farther behind in technology and capabilities, the need to learn from other countries about what could work in our own system grows increasingly important. The status quo is unacceptable, and NATCA aims to build the best possible system for aviation to thrive for all users. The safety of the NAS remains paramount through any possible changes. Check future editions of the NATCA Insider for in-depth coverage of this important issue. ✪ Today, NATCA will honor several distinguished and extraordinary members whose efforts have truly elevated the Union from good to great. Presented awards will include: John Thornton Award In Recognition of Extraordinary Contributions That Have Significantly Changed the Course of NATCA's History NATCA lost one of its founding fathers in 2013 with the passing of John Thornton. At the 15th Biennial Convention in 2014, NATCA honored Thornton's memory with a special presentation to his widow, Ginny, and the introduction of a new award named for him and inspired by his extraordinary contributions to the birth of our Union. Thornton embodied every great characteristic of a union man. He put his brothers and sisters' interests first. He also made the biggest sacrifice in 1981, as a member of PATCO. Those who were hired to fill the open controller positions faced the same challenges and struggles. It was Thornton who then helped them by leading a new effort to unionize. Dale Wright Award for Distinguished, Professional and Exceptional Career Service to NATCA and the National Airspace System Created in 2012 and named for the NATCA retired member and former Director of Safety and Technology, the Dale Wright Award honors an extraordinary, positive impact made on our ability to call the U.S. National Airspace System the world's safest. This award symbolizes a career devoted to service to NATCA and safety, bettering the Union, its members, the flying public, and the airspace as a whole. Tim Haines Memorial Award of Honor and Distinction At each NATCA convention, union members and employees who have done an exceptional job representing NATCA values are honored with the Tim Haines Memorial Award of Honor and Distinction, otherwise known as the "Timmy Award." This prestigious award was originally named the "Natty Award," first presented by former President John Carr at the 9th Biennial Convention in 2002 and again at both the 10th and 11th Biennial Conventions. The "Natty Award" was changed to the "Timmy Award" during the 12th Biennial Convention in 2008 in honor of Haines, who, with hard work and dogged determination, successfully implemented a reclassification project into NATCA's third contract, the Green Book. Starting as a controller and then facility representative at Pittsburgh Tower (PIT), Haines was elected Eastern Region RVP in 1991. Haines is remembered as a NATCA member who never backed down and displayed staunch dedication to his Union. ✪

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