Description: The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is the federally certified labor union representing nearly 20,000 air traffic controllers, engineers and other aviation safety professionals in FAA, DoD and contract tower facilities. Founded and certified in 1987, NATCA’s stated mission is to advance members’ professionalism, working conditions and aviation safety through collective bargaining, political action and other lawful concerted activity. Type: Labor union / employee association (affiliated with the AFL-CIO) Policies: Advocates for aviation safety, FAA modernization and facilities & equipment funding; congressional and regulatory actions to address controller staffing, recruitment, training and retention; federal labor and collective bargaining protections for controllers; pay, benefits and retirement rules affecting controllers; oversight of FAA procurement and safety compliance; targeted political engagement around aviation workforce and infrastructure legislation. Funding: Primarily funded by member dues and membership assessments for union operations; political activity is supported separately through voluntary member contributions to NATCA’s PAC and other legally segregated political funds; additional revenue from member services, conferences and training-related activities. Affiliates: Affiliated with the AFL-CIO and the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA); active participant in industry coalitions such as the Modern Skies Coalition and the Global ATC Alliance; prominent leaders include President Nick Daniels and Executive Vice President Mick Devine; political arm operates as NATCA PAC.
