A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/843966
NATCA NATIONAL OFFICE DEPARTMENTAL WEEK IN REVIEW June 17 - 23 , 2017 LABOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT NATCA SUBMITS OPPOSITION BRIEF IN MILITARY/DOD CONTROLLERS' PAY CASE On April 19, 2017, NATCA received a favorable decision from Arbitrator Kathy Eisenmenger in a grievance case interpreting the language of Article 108, Section 4.C of the Red Book, whereby incoming military or DoD controllers with "52 consecutive weeks experience as a certified air traffic controller" are due pay at the lowest Developmental pa y level when they join their facilities, rather than Academy Graduate level pay, as an acknowledgement of the experience they bring to the FAA. The Agency appealed the decision by filing Exceptions with the Federal Labor Relations Authority. NATCA filed its legal response to the Agency's appeal, our Opposition brief, on June 23, 2017. We now await the FLRA's decision. POCs: Labor Relations Director Ryan Smith, Assistant Director of Labor Relations Erina Hammond, and Scot Morrison . HRPM ER - 4.1 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT On June 20, 2017, the Agency briefed NATCA regarding revisions to HRPM ER - 4.1 Standards of Conduct. Among other things, the revisions: (1) update formatting; (2) provide a list of applicable authorities governing the standards of conduct for FA A employees; (3) remove and replace references to operational deviation and error; and (4) clarify the prohibition on marijuana use by Federal employees regardless of state/DC law. During the briefing, NATCA asked the Agency to address several of the revi sions relating to various provisions, including (1) defining the ethical and financial disclosure requirements applicable to certain employees and their family members; (2) explaining the meaning of employees maintaining high standards of honesty, integrit y, and impartiality; (3) giving examples of violations of law or policy that have the "possibility or appearance" of impacting on the employee's position; and (4) clarifying the Agency's standard for employees to have access to classified information. The Agency agreed to reexamine these revisions and respond to NATCA with additional information. NATCA will evaluate that information after it is provided. POCs: Director of Labor Relations Ryan Smith, Labor Relations Attorney Grant Mulkey, and Phil Barbare llo . MICROSOFT OFFICE 2016 UPGRADE On June 21, 2017, the Agency briefed NATCA regarding an upgrade to Microsoft Office that will occur during summer 2017. Currently, workstations throughout the Agency are running various versions of Microsoft Office, incl uding Office 2010 Pro, Office 2010 Standard, Office 2013, and Office 2016. The upgrade will standardize the Agency's