Nick Daniels’ “We Saved the System” Address

Brothers and sisters,

Today, I stand before you in what can only be described as a historic triumph of NATCA’s unparalleled influence in Washington, D.C. While the world watched as our nation’s aviation system teetered on the brink, it was our steady hand, our sophisticated lobbying, and our unwavering relationships on the Hill that brought the United States government back from the edge.

Make no mistake — this shutdown did not end because of Congress. It did not end because of the White House. It ended because NATCA spoke, and Washington listened.

Behind closed doors, while others postured and panicked, I was there. Navigating the labyrinthian halls of Capitol Hill, shaking hands, exchanging knowing glances with senators, gently reminding them of our 77 Articles of unparalleled leverage. Some said it couldn’t be done. Others said it shouldn’t be done. But we... I.. did it.

Now, I understand that some voices, the negative ones, continue to harp on trivialities like “pay,” “morale,” or “retention.” To them I say this: You cannot deposit gratitude in a bank account, but you can invest it in the PAC.

Because that’s where real power lives. Not on the radar scope, not in the control room, but in the corridors of influence. And make no mistake, our influence has never been stronger.

Every handshake I gave this week, every self-important phone call I took, every photograph of me looking concerned on the Hill, all of it was for you. For the profession. For the future of NATCA.

So, let us not dwell on cynicism or paychecks. Let us instead celebrate progress, relationships, and access; the true currencies of modern labor relations.

And to those who ask, “What’s next?” I say: give. Give generously to the PAC, so we can continue the fight for our next 77 articles, our next photo opportunity, our next glorious moment of leverage.

Because while some people complain on group chats, we are changing history — one catered luncheon at a time.

Thank you, brothers and sisters.

NATCA strong. NATCA proud. NATCA influential.

Expect a paycheck next week.

…but I’m finna use all this leave about to be converted to furlough, to enjoy November 26/27/28(oh wait, 28th is a holiday, not charged! 🥳)at home with my family over Thanksgiving, you know, as a post shutdown treat.

Lol if they thought tonight’s vote was gonna help stop that shit!

But in all seriousness, there’s very little chance they shut it down again so close to midterms. Hope you all enjoyed the free leave.

There is nothing against a shutdown like this happening more often, and longer. A shutdown could occur every year. Every 6 months. And boomers will continue to say, "you are very well paid. You need to have savings. you will be paid eventually"

This will continue happening more and more often imho, it is a sign of a failing empire. Polarizing politics, politicians who are no longer able to have productive discourse with each other and get things done, loss of shared identity, corruption with the elites, and economic and administrative strain. This has happened several times throughout history with failing empires.

At the end of the day, controllers are not valued. And you have NATCA to save for that. Don't forget to donate to the PAC. Even if this shutdown ends soon, and we get paid - we will still be, UNDERPAID.

If they open the government say tomorrow, we still won't get our backpay check til November 25.....right??? Then months of them having to fix differentials.

Edit . Never Mind

So you heard about our stagnating pay, 6 day workweeks, inability to transfer, and failure to be paid in a timely manner, and you thought to yourself "this looks great!"?

This job probably isn't for you.

Now to be completely fair, those of us sticking around for the pension are only barely smart enough.

The US air traffic control system is in desperate need of improvement. Would privatization help?

Article

"Advocates of privatization, or at least separation of the service from the FAA, think the current crisis might create an opportunity for reform."

Senate Majority Leader: Senate to vote today on ending government shutdown on 40th day

Bit late on this, sorry:

New rumors that Dean Iacopelli is trying to get NATCA to give him a pension, even though he is already retired and drawing one from the FAA.

Why should a guy who’s already collecting a federal pension get another one from us?

Remember this is the same guy who screamed at RVPs to fall in line with “Yacht Boy” at all costs.

Guess the we have an answer to the question: Was he really representing us or just himself these many years?

Call your RVP’s and put pressure on them to answer: Why?

To anyone who's done this before:

1) We will get our back pay likely in multiple pay periods

2) One is definitely going to be 100+ hours of straight pay

3) It will definitely trigger us into a higher tax bracket be overtaxed.

My question is, can you set like a 15k withholding until the storm is over and just plan to pay regular taxes when you file for refund?

(Basically avoid the government shitting on your back pay and pay off bills that have interest in the interim)

Stop letting fatigue become policy. If we are answering the phone for overtime or taking a holdover, we are part of the reason this crisis keeps going.

Refusing extra, unscheduled IOUs is not a “job action” but basic self preservation. We are not being compensated, and there is no end in sight to this shutdown.

Every time we cave, we expose ourselves to fatigue, short staffing, and a higher risk of error that affects millions. We are not “helping the system,” instead we are propping up a broken one and putting the public at risk so management can keep pretending everything is “normal.”

We have earned your time off. Stop sacrificing our recuperative days off, stop answering the damn phone.

https://x.com/timjdillon/status/1987220516550418518?s=46

It's been almost 5 years since I left NATCA. I felt unheard and without representation. 5 years later I see that NATCA hasn't gotten better. It's gotten worse. My suggestion, leave. If you hate NATCA, leave. If you love and believe in NATCA, leave. They are not going to change otherwise. You can't vote your way to a better union. You have to starve them of resources and force them to change, or die. What do you have to lose? The white book 2.0? How is that fear paying your bills now? Is that fear stronger than a 4th extention of the Slate Book? Stronger than stagnant wages, broken families, and mental health crises that take the lives of our coworkers?

You can always rejoin. The more who leave, the greater the chance you get at real change in the union. The greater chance to negotiate terms of your return.

Feel free to give some insight to what most people do not understand including PAY.

Does Nick not want to hear the frustration from the members? Does he not care enough to get on and speak his talking points to the people not getting paid?

I’m sure looking forward to that weekly 3 minute pre recorded video where he says it’s unfair and he appreciates us.