Against the Wind - National Air Traffic Controllers Association

86
1987
Against the Wind
June 11, 1987
This day in history: The culmination of NATCA’s campaign to represent air traffic controllers captured the attention of
journalists from around the world. After the Federal Labor Relations Authority tallied the ballots—the vote passed by a
70 percent margin—the news was announced at MEBA headquarters in Washington.
Right: Confident of victory, regional reps filled out NATCA membership applications and FAA form 1187, which authorized
payroll deductions for union dues, in the morning before the votes were counted. / NATCA archives
2
Feb.
About thirty-five Eastern Region controllers discuss NATCA organizing
and certification election strategy. Former PATCO President John Leyden
tells the group that controllers need an organization to speak for them on
Capitol Hill. He says Congress wants to hear from the rank and file, not
just managers. Howard Johannssen, president of the Professional Airways
Systems Specialists, urges the group not to relax its campaign drive.