Thousands of NATCA activists, other air traffic employees, friends and relatives got on the phone and/or sent faxes to their respective US Senators to express their support for the Lautenberg amendment.  This I believe, was the single largest legislative effort in our history.

Let’s put what you accomplished in to perspective.  The provision to protect our jobs was actively and (no understatement) MASSIVELY lobbied against by most of the major airlines, the contract tower interests, your own FAA Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation and even the White House itself who threatened to veto the entire bill just because of this provision.  Make no mistake, it was the efforts of all who called and faxed that made the difference between a close loss and a remarkable victory.

It’s difficult to express the depth of respect I have for your efforts.  I am seriously impressed and grateful.  Your actions convinced ten Republican Senators (including Sens. Bond and Talent from Missouri) to go against the White House and support us.  We are very good legislatively in educating members of Congress on the facts and swaying them to our position, but it took widespread activism of their constituents to give them the courage to support this in the face of heavy opposition.  This is a great story of unified (root word UNION!!) action carrying the day against the odds.

Now for the bad news.  We have all earned a pat on the back but it is far too early to start high-fiving each other.  Those who oppose us are still very serious and will attempt to strip some or all of this language in conference (where the differences between the Senate and House versions are resolved in to a single bill), the full vote or even by Presidential veto.  We may call on you again to make the difference as this legislation moves up the line, but after seeing the results of last week I am very optimistic. As John Carr said, “We are in the sixth inning of a nine inning ballgame, and I like our chances of winning”.  If I could further convolute his analogy, I would say we have a five run lead and need to play good defense to protect the lead and be ready for an offensive flurry as necessary.

Now for the good news.  This process has smoked out our opposition and made them put their real intent into the light of day.  The White House removed our “inherently governmental” designation under cover of darkness, which we found out about.  Other than the Chief of staff singing NavCanada’s praises, all we got was constant assurances that this was only to protect the existing contract towers from legal challenges, but that is now shown to be false.  Marion Blakey sent us all letters assuring us she has absolutely no intention of privatizing us. Those assurances where de-bunked when she started mightily and openly lobbying against provisions that would only ensure that she can’t. They have all been forced to put their cards on the table.

Blind ideologies, the chance to make a buck, or the reward of political favors are not good reasons to compromise the safety and integrity of the US air traffic system by selling it off to the lowest bidder.  Those who thought we were being alarmist about nothing can now look at our opponents’ actions and plainly see we were right all along.

Once again I want to thank all of you who called and faxed and especially the “ring leaders” who made the process work in each facility.   We have proved that together we CAN make a difference and that, after all, is what a Union is all about!  Please call or write me if I can help.

Grant Anderson
ganderson@natca.org
800-266-0895 pin #50501
417-894-6887