Against the Wind - National Air Traffic Controllers Association

88
Against the Wind
For the record: John Thornton, left, and
MEBA President Gene DeFries announce
the favorable vote for the new union. At
a reception that evening, a congressman
put the event in perspective: “You people
have no idea what you did. They [the FAA]
never saw this coming.” / NATCA archives
1987
After Thornton explained the background to the
board members in Chicago, several walked off for a
private discussion with DeFries. Some felt MEBA was
acting presumptuously. Others worried that Thornton’s
PATCO background would send the wrong message
to the FAA and
other organizations.
There was also
strong sentiment to
have an active controller
lead the new
union.
D e F r i e s
agreed to remove
Thornton’s name
from the constitution
as director.
Instead, the board
added a clause retaining
Thornton as national coordinator until
NATCA held a formal election for officers.
On the second day of the convention, NATCA
legally cemented its relationship with MEBA—but not
without a surprise.
After lunch, board members were told to report
to a conference room. Thornton, DeFries, and another
individual stood near a table with documents
spread out on it.
“Before we can go any further, we need to take
May May
17
The FAA begins using the Aircraft Situation Display at its Central
Flow Control Facility. The equipment provides a real-time
visual display of all aircraft flying IFR in the nation.
29
a minute so you guys can sign these affiliation agreements,”
DeFries said.
As he explained the resources that MEBA
could offer, the controllers read the papers and
their eyes widened. A promissory note obligated
the union to reimburse
MEBA for organizing expenses
when its finances
permitted. By that point,
the loan amounted to
$500,000 (it would climb
to $1.5 million within the
next year). The second
agreement stipulated a
quarterly affiliation fee
amounting to a steep 15
percent of the dues that
NATCA collected from
each member—double
the industry average.
Most board members had been under the impression
that NATCA would not have to repay the
money. They were also surprised that the affiliation
fee would be so high, although MEBA assured them
the 15 percent would be reduced as NATCA membership
increased.
The provisions so angered Eastern Regional
Representative Steve Bell that he stormed out of
the room.
The FAA commissions the first Host computer system at
Seattle Center. The new equipment replaces IBM’s aging 9020
mainframe computers.