About NATCA

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is the Union representing America’s air traffic controllers. June 2007 marked the 20th anniversary of NATCA as a Union. In that time NATCA has become the strongest federal sector union in the nation with the highest membership percentage in the federal sector, and has established one of the biggest PACs in the federal sector despite it’s small size relative to other federal sector Unions. NATCA was awarded direct affiliation with the AFL-CIO. One of only two Unions to do so in almost thirty years!

August 3rd, 1981 marked one of the darkest days in our nation’s Labor heritage. On that day over 10,000 PATCO members went on strike, and were fired three days later. These dedicated men and women, over 80% of the nations air traffic controllers at the time, were so passionate about their dedication to the safety of the airways that they lost their jobs rather than settle for a contract that they felt did not do enough to ensure the safety of the flying public. Out of the ashes of PATCO NATCA arose. The FAA, in spite of starting with a virtually clean slate in 1981, did not change the way it was doing business, and less than 5 years after dismissing the majority of it’s work force, organizing began. The issues were the same ones that had caused the PATCO strike: old (Sometimes older than those using it!) equipment, long hours (Including mandatory overtime!) in a high-stress occupation, and dictatorial management practices. The elections were held, and the controllers overwhelmingly voted in favor of organizing.

Today NATCA boasts a membership rate of over 80%, and has organized non-federal air traffic control towers, as well as other FAA bargaining units, including FAA engineers. NATCA’s success has been noticed, and others want to join in this success.

NATCA’s primary concern is the safety of the millions of people who travel by air, and we take pride in the safety record of the American ATC system. As the FAA continues to push to cut costs and corners in the name of saving money, we will stand sentry to ensure that America continues to have the safest air traffic system in the world.

To learn more about NATCA visit the Official NATCA Web Site.

Safety is our business. Business is good!

To learn more about our Local please visit our "About Our Local" page.

This page last modified on 06.27.07 .