NCPASS

Inspector general criticizes FAA's training of air controllers

The Transportation Department's inspector general said the Federal Aviation Administration is so swamped with new hires that it has exceeded its own maximum trainee numbers at 22 percent of its 314 air control facilities. The FAA uses a database replete with erroneous information to manage the training program and has failed to implement remedial steps the agency itself promised in 2004, the IG report added.

Even inside the FAA, it wasn't clear who was in charge because four vice presidents at FAA headquarters have authority over some part of hiring and training controllers.

"Facility managers, training managers and even headquarters officials were unable to tell us who or what office was ultimately responsible for facility training," the IG report said.

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A teach-in on Collective Bargaining at North Carolina Central University

The North Carolina HOPE Coalition is co-sponsoring a teach-in on collective bargaining rights with the Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change and Traction. 

Scheduled for April 3rd on the campus of North Carolina Central University, the teach-in is timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary Martin Luther King, Jr's stand with public employees in Memphis, TN.

What: A teach-in on Collective Bargaining at North Carolina Central University

When: Thursday, April 3, 2008 from 7 to 9 pm

Where: NCCU Student Union building

On April 3, 1968, Dr. King delivered his "I've Been to the Mountain Top" speech at the Mason Temple in Memphis, TN. King had returned to Memphis to support striking public sector workers in the city sanitation department. The public employees had been on strike since they walked off the job February 12 of that year to protest dangerous working conditions, poverty level wages, a lack of respect on the job, and to demand recognition of their union. The next day, April 4, 1968, King was assassinated.

A little over a week later the sanitation workers and their representatives reached an agreement with the City of Memphis to recognize the union, AFSCME, and bargain over the conditions of employment, thereby ending the strike.

At the teach-in you can learn more about collective bargaining - what it means and why it's matters. The session will include a brief video on Dr. King and will include food and refreshments. Attendance is open to the public, and there is no cost to attend this event.

AFL-CIO in North Carolina

NC AFL-CIO Labor Training in Wilmington NC June 22-27 email me if you are interested. I am looking to send two members to this training. Its focus is on Labor Representation at the State Level, it will also build Networks with other Union members throughout the State.

From Your Local AFL-CIO Central Labor Councils (CLC) - They are setting up dates for forums to endorse candidate. Your local CLC should be inviting all candidates of all parties involved in your Local Legislative Area. We are affiliated at the State Level so you are invited to those forums to see you Local Congressman and there opposing competition.

Bruce Baginski