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Table of Contents
What is the difference between a member of a bargaining unit and being a union member?A bargaining unit is the grouping of employees that the union represents after a secret ballot election processed under the Authority's regulations. Whether or not an employee votes for or against a union in that election, or decides not to vote, if the union is elected, the union must represent all employees in the bargaining unit, whether or not they supported the union. The employees in the bargaining unit may decide either to join and become a member of the union and pay dues, or not to become a member of the union which is now the exclusive representative. Back to TopIs the union required to treat members and non-members the same in all matters?No. Non-members must be treated the same as members only in matters: which are within the union's scope of responsibility because it is the exclusive representative; and, over which the employee may not seek representation from another source, such as a private attorney. For example, the union may provide representation to members before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and refuse to provide that same benefit to non-members because employees may select a private representative in that third party proceeding. Back to TopDoes the union have to treat members and non-members the same with respect to union meetings?No. Employees who are members of the union have certain benefits by virtue of their union membership; such as the right to manage and represent the union, attend meetings, vote for officers, ratify contracts, and take advantage of union offers on benefits. Back to TopDo non-members have a right to vote on what proposals or interests a union will bring to the bargaining table?No. Participation in the union's decisional process that defines the proposals or interests that a union brings to the bargaining table is a benefit of being a dues paying union member. Back to TopCan a union select only union members as representatives of the union on a work group?Yes. Although a union is not limited to only selecting union members as representatives for a work group, the union has the right to select its representatives for work groups (when afforded the opportunity to do so), just as the union has the right to select negotiators and stewards for other representational matters. However, those selected representatives must fulfill their duty to represent the entire bargaining unit without discrimination and without regard to union membership. Back to Top"I’m going to wait to see what the union can do for me and then I will sign up." or "I will sign up and pay dues now, but if the union doesn’t provide me with anything or doesn’t support my positions I will pull out."First, the union is not a fee for service organization. It does not sell a product, make a profit, or issue stocks. It is a membership organization formed to provide its’ members with the ability to have a greater influence in their professions. The Union is a membership organization where individuals pool their resources for the common good of all the members. Therefore, the idea that you should wait to see what the Union will do for you and then you will buy it is wrong. The same is true for the elected leadership of the Union. The elected leadership are all volunteers who have agreed to act in your behalf without payment. They are not service providers who owe you a service for a fee. Second, this union is US. It is run and supported by engineers for engineers. The Union will support only those positions that the engineering membership wants supported. Therefore, you need to get involved and make sure that the union supports your views. As an example, lets suppose that you are an expert on a new system that the FAA is implementing. The FAA issues a call for people to serve on a leadership committee to create the FAA policy for the operation of this new system. If you chose to sit on the sidelines and wait to see what they came up with, even though you have some expertise, how can you be critical if the policy the committee develops does not satisfy you views. It doesn’t make any sense to expect the policy to follow your views if you aren’t involved. The Union is not any different. It will be a product of those individuals who provide the input. You can’t expect the Union to satisfy your needs if you aren’t part of the process. In summary, you really have to ask yourself one basic question concerning the paying of dues. Do I want to have an impact on my future professional career with the FAA? The Union is in a position to have some significant influence on how we work. You have an opportunity to elect to pay dues and become an active working member. If you don’t have the time to get involved, you could still elect to pay dues and provide the resources for others to serve on the various committees to form the policy for you. What statement do you want FAA management to hear. Do you want them to know that engineers are very much interested in the future direction of the FAA and that they should include us in the discussions or do you want them to hear that engineers are not interested in the future direction of the FAA and there is no need to listen to them. The choice is yours. Back to TopHow much are the dues?The dues are 1.5% of step 1 of your current FG grade level. Dues withholding rates for 1998 are as indicated in the table below.
Back to TopIs there an initiation fee?At this time, NATCA’s initiation fee applies only to Air Traffic Controllers who do not join within the prescribed time period. Under NATCA bylaws, as ammended at the 1998 convention, the initiation fee will not apply to Engineers till six months after the effective date of our first collective bargaining agreement with the FAA. Back to TopIs there any other payment option besides biweekly payroll deductions?Yes. Dues may be paid directly to NATCA. However, dues paid in this manner must be made in advance for the entire year. Back to TopIs any of the money collected as dues used for lobbying efforts or contributions to political campaigns?No. By law, dues money can not be used for these purposes. NATCA does, however, have a very influential PAC. All funding for NATCA PAC comes from voluntary contributions, which are separate from dues. (PAC contributions may be as little as $1 per pay period.) Back to Top |
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