First year trainee question (about NATCA)...

oresama420 Newcomer

Hello to all,

I am a new "developmental" at my facility (going on a whopping 3 whole months now...) my question is two fold actually.....

I am on the fence still as to whether I should join NATCA or not. My biggest concern is that I have heard it said that during your first "probationary" year NATCA can not really do anything for your cause should the FAA decide to give you the boot for whatever reason. Is this true? and if so why? In addition, this also happens to be a time when every penny I earn matters the most to me, anyhow thanks in advance for any and all replies. -

noid Curtis E. Carr Jawja

NATCA can still help despite the fact that you are still a probie. That said, there is nothing wrong with waiting until you get your first raise before joining NATCA as "most" understand the deficit of income you are dealing with. They will tell you that you will have to pay a years worth of dues up front if you join outside of your "new hire" window. The truth is that every year or so NATCA has an open season for enrollment where you won't have to pay your years worth of dues at once.

Me personally, if you can afford to join, then join. If you are truly strapped for cash, hold off. You won't be able to vote on anything, but you will still get the benefits of some of NATCA's support.

ST1300_memory Newcomer Quartz Hill, Ca.

Joining NATCA is a personal choice only you can make. The very small financial impact it will make on your paycheck is only one part of the thought process you should consider. NATCA is your exclusive representative in regards to labor issues. They must represent you whether you are a dues paying member or a non-dues paying member. They will tell you that the level of that representation is directly related to whether you pay dues or not, but my experience has been that they will do a good job regardless because that is what the like to do. Win.

MikeATC Retired FAA, NATCA Member Nashville TN

Yes, NATCA does and can represent you during your probationary year, but if the FAA decides to fire you during your probationary year it is a harder battle for NATCA to fight to get your job back.

Being a member of NATCA is like having an insurance policy, when management decides to make an example of you sometime during your career (believe me when I say that very few individuals have not been attacked by a rogue supervisor or manager) then NATCA will stand beside you and fight for your rights. But, if you aren't a member, well good luck, NATCA will process your grievance, but I wouldn't count on a whole lot of help.

Duckman Rookie

I would join NATCA as a trainee the very first day you step in the door. Being a probationary employee, it's very easy for the FAA to terminate you. The more help you have on your side the better, and it really isn't that much money every month.

Once you have been there for awhile, are out of training and on your own, re-evaluate the situation and decide if it's best for you or not. That goes for a lot of things outside of being a union member as well.

oresama420 Newcomer

One more question if I may (sorry I guess I should have already asked this but...) what is the percentage or amount due to join the union? Is this percentage based on your gross or net pay for each pay period? Thanks for the responses thus far. -

Zhaj Rookie

In truth, I'm nearly positive I will be a NATCA member when the time comes cause I'm sure it's the wisest decision and no one judges people poorly that aren't a part of NATCA. But honestly, do I really need another insurance policy? In this world, apparently the answer is always yes.

polo708 Epic Member tower

All I know is that its a percentage of your pay... during your first years I believe it will wind up being something like $60/month. Someone correct me if im wrong.

nevets Rookie

I believe its 1.5% of your taxable income.

ATCinWI Senior Member Illinois

It's 1.5% of your gross income based on the A-scale pay. If you're on the B-scale, you will be reimbursed quarterly via direct deposit for the difference.