Home  |  Site Map  | 

Federation of Physicians & Dentists

Alliance of Healthcare and Professional Employees

WHY PATCO/AFSCME

FOR CONTRACT CONTROLLERS, WEATHER OBSERVERS AND FORECASTERS?

PATCO/AFSCME was the first AFL-CIO union to represent Federal Contract Tower (FCT) controllers.  Of the many privatized FCT’s, PATCO/AFSCME represents 48, which are covered by collective bargaining agreements.  Currently, PATCO/AFSCME represents 86 contract weather facilities and 3 forecaster sites across the contiguous United States and Alaska.   PATCO/AFSCME currently represents approximately 85% of all weather observers in the country and continues to grow each month.

 Contract controllers, weather observers and forecasters’ contractors are subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA), which is governed by the Department of Labor (DOL) and its Wage and Hour Division.  The DOL publishes a minimum prevailing wage rate and a contractor is required to pay, at a minimum, the published hourly rate and an hourly health and welfare rate.  However, that is the minimum standard and all wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining in order to increase any published prevailing rates.

PATCO/AFSCME in all of its agreements with contractors has increased rates either through appeals to the DOL and/or through its collective bargaining agreements.

 PATCO/AFSCME was successful in amending the prevailing wage rate for controllers working 40 hours a week to now include 25% Sunday Premium pay.  And, PATCO/AFSCME is currently continuing its appeal to increase the DOL’s prevailing wage rate to include Federal Locality Pay.  PATCO/AFSCME has, and will continue to, fight for wage and benefits parity for all its membership.

 You have the right under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to organize for the purpose of concerted action, without fear of reprisal. If any such attempt at reprisal is found, rest assured this organization will represent a potential member or current member’s rights to the fullest.  Exercise your rights and organize with PATCO/AFSCME, an affiliate of the largest AFL-CIO Union with 1.4 million members strong.