NATCA Eastern Region

06/22/2026

Eastern Region, don’t miss out on your chance to attend a retirement seminar. In addition to the traditional in person seminars there are online offerings as well. This is an opportunity to attend a retirement seminar from the comfort of your own home on a variety of different dates - even Saturdays!

Online retirement seminars are loaded in the NATCA portal, and you may register at https://portal.natca.org. and click on “Events”.

Additionally, don’t forget about the additional benefits of Retirement Counseling, including choices that can be made at retirement and the impact of those choices on the retirees, their spouses, and potential survivor spouses. To learn more about the valuable benefits available to NATCA members visit the National Benefits Committee (NBC) at: NATCABenefits.org

06/20/2026

06/19/2026

Under the new NCEPT system there are changes that you should be aware of. The new system allows for fully online submissions- goodbye fax machine! Primary Panels will now be held monthly. Current month submissions due by 6/23 23:59. To learn more about the process, legacy ERRs on file, or more- reach out to your FacRep or NEA NCEPT Rep Amy Lark.

Visit: NATCA.ORG/NCEPT

06/19/2026

June 19, 1987: The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) certified NATCA
as the exclusive bargaining representative of all air traffic controllers in the FAA. Over 70% of controllers voted to have NATCA represent them. Since its inception the Union has grown to include additional units and now represents 20,000 plus highly skilled air traffic controllers, engineers, and other aviation safety-related professionals.

06/16/2026

While important year-round, it is especially critical to be aware the Hatch Act and its implications during the election season. To brush up on the rules please visit: https://www.natca.org/committees/nlc/

06/11/2026

June 11, 1987

Over 70% of US air traffic controllers voted in favor of NATCA as their sole bargaining unit. The turnout with such a strong show of support was telling of the conditions that the controllers were facing, including working conditions and safety concerns. This paved the way for June 19, 1987 wherein the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) recognized NATCA as the sole bargaining unit. The news was announced before a packed room of journalists.

06/10/2026

The Eastern Region “Lean Forward Award” is presented annually to one member of the Eastern Region that goes above and beyond and exemplifies what it means to be a Leader. This award was designed and hand-built by former NEA Regional Vice President/former NATCA National President Rich Santa in 2019.

This year’s 2026 NATCA Eastern Region “Lean Forward Award” goes to Ken Springer from Rochester Tower/TRACON (ROC). Ken has been the FacRep of ROC for over nine years and holds numerous positions Nationally and within the Eastern Region. He currently serves on the Eastern Region Leadership Team, Labor Relations Lead, Basic Watch Schedule Team and is on the Right From the Start program. Ken’s unwavering dedication to making our Union better is truly inspiring. “Ken is a proven Leader who is always willing to tackle a project or work on a new solution.” - Mike Christine NEA RVP. Congratulations Ken!

06/09/2026

NEA RVP Mike Christine and ARVP Pete LeFevre traveled to West Virginia last week to meet with members in Clarksburg (CKB) and Charleston (CRW).

These facility visits gave members an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns on a wide range of topics, including the new controller workforce plan, Traffic Complexity Indicator (TCI) and ABACUS, the ongoing work related to the 2.8% raise, and the future of NCEPT, and more.

Mike and Pete heard directly from members about the realities of working as Level 5 controllers in West Virginia and discussed ideas about how pay and other issues may be improved in the future.

“I'm appreciative for them taking the time to travel to West Virginia, showing their commitment to the members of level 5 facilities.” - Jason Kotzbauer (CRW FacRep)

The visit also proved the value of these conversations as Charleston members raised concerns about changes which may have impacted the facility’s future traffic volume, which is pivotal for future facility pay level upgrade considerations.

These visits are always extremely valuable because they are a mutual exchange. Regional leadership has the opportunity to share information and, equally as important, they learn directly from the members they represent. Thank you to all the members who stopped by to have their voices heard!

06/06/2026

Eastern Region, if you are planning to attend Communicating For Safety (CFS) this fall, please ensure that you complete all 3 steps of the registration process.

Step 1: Event Registration. Register and book hotel rooms or purchase Archie League Medal of Safety Awards banquet tickets by Aug. 14. After this date, rooms are subject to availability. Members must attend conference sessions to qualify for the NATCA lodging policy.

Step 2: National Excused Absence List. Submit the National Excused Absence Request Form by Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Per Article 29, NATCA requests excused absence 45 days in advance. There is no penalty for requesting and later being unable to attend. This step applies only to members covered under FAA collective bargaining agreements.

Step 3: Local Excused Absence Request. Download and submit a local request form to your facility.

If you have any questions, reach out to your FacRep or refer to: NATCA.ORG/CFS