Why PATCO/AFSCME?

SERVICE CONTRACT EMPLOYEES NEED PATCO/AFSCME!

Union representation under the Service Contract Act is a smart way to go. Even when the contractor is paying “all that the law requires,” PATCO/AFSCME can often get you more. Plus, PATCO/AFSCME can negotiate for fringe benefits, insurance and retirement provisions that the contractor may otherwise not have to offer. Finally, if you’re represented by PATCO/AFSCME and the contractor changes, you have continuity and job security. Organizing with PATCO /AFSCME delivers peace of mind.

PATCO/AFSCME has a long history of representing Service Contract employees and we have a good working relationship with most contractors. It was the first AFL-CIO union to represent Federal Contract Tower (FCT) controllers. Of the many privatized FCTs, PATCO/AFSCME represents 48, which are covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). Additionally, PATCO/AFSCME currently represents 86 contract weather facilities and 3 forecaster sites, as well as other aviation professionals, across the contiguous United States and Alaska. And, PATCO/AFSCME currently represents approximately 85% of all weather observers in the country and continues to grow each month.

Contractors for FCTs, weather observers and forecasters are subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA), which is governed by the Department of Labor (DOL) and its Wage & Hour Division. The DOL publishes a minimum prevailing wage rate which contractors are required to pay, at a minimum, along with an hourly health and welfare rate. However, that’s only the minimum standard and all wages, hours, terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining, which means any published prevailing rates can be increased. PATCO/AFSCME, in all of its CBAs with contractors, has increased rates.

For instance, PATCO/AFSCME was successful in amending the prevailing wage rate for controllers working 40 hours per week to include 25% Sunday Premium pay. And, PATCO/AFSCME continues its appeal to increase the DOL’s prevailing wage rate to include Federal Locality pay. PATCO/AFSCME has fought, 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’s 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. And support the Employee Free Choice Act by spreading the word. Just click to the left to find our how.

Get in touch with us and we’ll start organizing today!