Weekly Update November 22, 2000

Sisters and brothers...

This weeks update is short and sweet. I believe I got back to everyone who I missed last week, if not, let me know. About the only real piece of news this week concerns the staffing MOU signed nationally last week. The Great lakes region will be authorized 2937 BUE's for FY 2001, about 23 BUE's less than are currently on board. Discussions are on going nationally concerning the new hires for this year. The big question is, will the agency hire all of the employees they planned based on attrition, or will they hire only as the attritions happen.

If the agency hires only as people leave service, we will never staff to 15,000 BUE's; it will be continuous catch-up. If the agency doesn't begin to train new employees for the very near future, they may find themselves in a bind when large numbers of controllers begin to retire. If the agency hires the new employees regardless of the actual attrition, we may be able to stay on top of the staffing problems that plague not only NGL, but all other regions. It will be interesting to see which direction the FAA takes. I'll relay the information as it becomes available.

I will be in Chicago Monday and Tuesday next week. Chris and I will be reviewing those grievances the advocates were unable to resolve. About 30 grievances were not even addressed at this meeting due to time constraints; these will be addressed in the next advocate meeting in January. So, if you have outstanding grievances, make sure you get all of the information up to the NATCA Chicago office within the next few weeks.

Below is the disposition of the grievances to date. Understand, there will be more of an explanation as to why a grievance was withdrawn or settled; this posting is for informational purposes only. So before anyone asks the million dollar question, allow me the opportunity to explain the rationale once the advocates put it together.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Pat
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