FTD: Status of Negotiations of the Multi-Unit and Consolidated Collective Bargaining Agreements

Apr 19, 2024

Sisters and Brothers,

On January 30, 2024, NATCA notified the Agency of our intent to open negotiations on the Multi-Unit and Consolidated Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), respectively known as the "Light Blue Book" and "Purple Book." The existing Light Blue and Purple Books cover the Staff Support Specialists, Terminal and En Route Automation Specialists, Engineers, Office of Chief Counsel, Aviation Technical Systems Specialists, Flight Procedures, Drug Abatement, Aircraft Certification, Airworthiness, Airports, Office of Finance and Management, and Office of Regional Administrators bargaining units.

Recognizing that most of the provisions of these agreements work well and don't require amendment, NATCA proposed a limited reopener to address approximately ten articles per party. We also suggested consolidating the two CBAs in the successor agreement. The parties then convened on March 13, 2024, to initiate bargaining over the protocols to be used during these upcoming negotiations - the "ground rules" for bargaining.

On April 9, 2024, the ground rules agreement was fully executed, and the parties have begun an aggressive schedule to reach a voluntary agreement on a focused scope of bargaining consisting of 23 articles. NATCA's negotiating team consists of Chief Negotiator, Executive Vice President Andrew LeBovidge, Mark Rausch (ENM), Ed Szczuka (ECE), Lisen Minetti (EAC), Corey Glaze (ENM), Jordan Klein (N90), and Nicole Vitale, NATCA Director of Labor Relations. This team will also have the resources of other activists and staff available to assist in the process.

As negotiations progress, we will be providing periodic updates from the negotiating team.

In solidarity,

Rich Santa
NATCA President