Continued from part 1 ...
I am able to sit on the Political Committee—one of the most powerful committees within the AFL—because of our willingness to get involved, and your generosity and foresight in contributing to the NATCA PAC. NATCA is on the cutting edge of the Labor 2008 campaign with 25 full time members posted in battle ground states to ensure we win in November. Our Boots on the Ground gang started early and is making a huge impact on the campaign. We are recognized as a Union taking an active role in the American labor movement, and we reap the benefits of the collective spirit of the entire Federation. I will strive to continually raise the bar on our activism and stature within the AFL-CIO to be a contributing factor in shaping Labor’s agenda and strengthen Organized Labor’s support for NATCA.
As we continually work the Congress for help with our issue, the FAA Authorization extension was passed out of Congress this week; the President is expected to sign it before it expires on June 30th. When the extension process began, the House proffered a version that called for a 90-day duration with our language (HR 2881) attached. The Senate leadership said they would be unable to pass an extension that included any amendments, with the possible exception of the highway trust fund amendment, and one that was at least 6-months in duration. In the end, the extension was passed without any amendments for 90-days. This leaves the door open for the possibility of FAA Reauthorization coming back up before Congress adjourns at the end of September.
Over the next couple of weeks, our national leadership and staff along with our legislative activists will be working to gain support for HR 6355, which we’ve been told will come to the floor sometime after the 4th of July recess. This bill constitutes the House’s resolve to address our issue. We need the same in the Senate. As we continue to push the Senate to resurface S1300, we are also strategizing ways to address our issue through some other vehicle or procedure such as an amendment or stand alone bill. There are many considerations involved with a final strategy, so we are going to weigh our options and consult with the leadership on a definitive course of action before we proceed in the Senate.
Meanwhile, our Government Affairs department continues to explore options and opportunities that will become available should we see a Democratic Administration in 2009. We have been working closely with the Obama team, keeping them informed about our issues and exploring and developing plans should he be elected.
As you can read, we are covering all the bases when it comes to fixing our contract. Our ducks are all lined up and we are prepared for the right opportunity to present itself to fix our issue; it’s simply a matter of time. Our credibility is higher than it has ever been. The Agency’s mismanagement and dismal record is a continual subject of the media. Our relationship with Congress has never been better, and we are on the verge of a fix. Our willingness and availability to participate in solutions to enhance the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system has resonated with the user community who see us as the experts of the system. Independent watchdog agencies like the OIG, the GAO and the NTSB all criticize the FAA leadership, and confirm our arguments concerning the system. The House of Labor views us as a player in the political process and recognizes the potential our membership brings to the American labor movement.
Sisters and brothers, we have come a long way from the depths of September 2006. Our members have been mistreated, disrespected and abused for more than 22 months under the mismanagement of an Agency in distress. We are feeling the pain of an all-powerful administration that has no accountability to the American people. But we are still here, growing stronger in resolve with every day that passes. The future of our profession and our membership is paramount in everything we do. We will not give up or give in!
On Saturday, June 28, 2008 Pam Fero of ZMA and Tony Yushinsky of ALB, graduated from the National Labor College (NLC) in Silver Springs, Maryland. I had the honor of attending the ceremony and witnessing Tony give the undergraduate speech, and Pam awarded the Bert and Annabel Seidman Prize for Advancing Social Policy for her research paper, “Winning the Game: What Unions Can do to Help Women Plan for Retirement.”
The prize is named after Bert Seidman, director of the AFL-CIO’s Social Security Department for 33 years, and Annabel Seidman, founder and director of the National Nursing Home Information service for 25 years. Designed to honor students interested in aging studies at the National Labor College, the prize is meant to help students further their interest in social justice for the aging. The winner is awarded $3,000 to accomplish this goal.
Pam’s research paper dealt with issues ranging from loss of professional identity to pensions and social security, all of which are important concerns of working women. She surveyed 185 women from different backgrounds and discovered that many were not prepared or as well informed as they needed to be about planning for retirement. Her research led to recommendations, one of which was for unions to work to improve their female members’ retirement planning knowledge – whether it is through savings programs, retirement education or other fiscal improvement programs.
Tony was nominated to deliver his class’ commencement address and graduated with a 4.0 GPA, exactly 22 years after graduating from high school. Tony’s remarks were on point and riveting, speaking about Labor’s need to unite our forces to bring change in our country. Tony illustrated that need for change when he spoke about our situation to the audience. I was in awe of both Pam and Tony for their achievements and dedication to our Union, they both made me proud to call them brother and sister! Congratulations!
Pat Forrey Update for the Week of June 22, 2008: Part 2
