Natca, FAA Reach Labor Agreement

The long-simmering feud between the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (Natca) over wages and working conditions was apparently resolved late last month. Union members will have 45 days to ratify the many issues agreed upon through mediation, but five issues decided by arbitrators, including compensation, are not subject to ratification. Natca and the FAA said in a joint statement that the agreement provides employees with greater flexibility in their work schedules, a new grievance-review process, childcare support and a variety of other gains. The two sides have been at loggerheads since June 2006, when the FAA declared an impasse in ongoing labor talks. It implemented its last, best contract offer in September 2006.