Join the union?

Trovan Rookie SLC, UT

So, my question is if I should join the union or not? What are the benefits of doing so? Will everyone hate me if I don't?

I kind of hate unions, due to them being obsolete promoters of laziness and self-entitlement.

I'm currently in OKC, so I have a little time to decide.

And before I get blasted for my take on unions, I am speaking from experience. Maybe the NATCA is different. Maybe...

noid Curtis E. Carr Jawja

Whether to join or not is entirely up to you. Will people hate you for it? Who knows. When I was working at A80 I wasn't in the union, but that was because I needed every dollar to support my family. I was friends with the vice-pres and he understood, so it's all on the type of people you work for. There's bound to be someone that doesn't like it.

Every year or so they have an open season for enrollment where you don't have to pay all the past dues or whatever the requirement is.

Even if you don't join the union, you are still part of the bargaining unit. It's just up to you whether you feel like supporting their efforts for a better work environment.

Me personally, I'm for the union. True, they aren't as powerful as they once were, but it's still a voice from the floor, not management. Lobbying isn't free...

illogical Junior Member orlando

i would, through training if nothing else. youd hate to have an ojti thats been paying his dues for yrs to begrudge you for not

Tommy10 Senior Member Rockledge, FL

how much are the dues?

sooneratc Rookie

I believe 1% of your base salary under the GREEN book...not sure what that would come to under the current imposed salary bands. I'm definitely not a fan of unions, but it's probably worth joining in the current environment.

BoomerSooner77 I am rubber, you're glue. Plano, TX

I would recommend joining until your at least checked out, and then decide.

Rosstafari Daaaang. /X

When I was visiting a Center a couple months ago, I asked the lady (a non-union non-ATCS) giving me a tour what she thought the benefits were of being in the union.

She paused for a minute, and went, "Well, here, they have a couple of XBox 360's in the break room."

Anyway, here are some of the specific benefits offered by NATCA as listed on their website. It's not all of them, of course -- you'll note that the XBoxes... XBoxen... whatever... are not listed.

Remember that joining in the Academy is free, as I recall.

noid Curtis E. Carr Jawja

Unless it's changed since early 2008, you are not part of the bargaining unit until you arrive at your facility, so it would be free to join while at the academy because you are not being represented. There is nothing the union can do for you individually while in OKC.

MCOatcer Newcomer Orlando

You are being represented by the union while at the academy. You are not paying dues yet though. Your senority date is also your FAA start date for atc at the academy, not the day you show up at your facility.

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

yes, join the union. solidarity. no matter what anyone says, the amount u pay and the benefits of being in the union do NOT match up. i basically paid $40/month to use the computers in the union office. is computer/internet access on my breaks worth $40?? or course not. but, i wanted to be afforded the oppurtunity to bitch. and i think if ur not a part of the union ur bitching goes on deaf ears. not that being in the union means your complaints will be rectified, cuz honestly it will not. the union has little power right now under the white book.