J16_CBA_PATCO-Techwise_23MAR2024.pdf

This is a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization, Inc. (PATCO) and Huckstep Holding Corp. DBA TechWise, effective March 23, 2024, for air traffic control operations at Fort Bliss Army Air Field in El Paso, Texas.

The agreement covers Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Specialists, Air Space Information Specialist (AIC) positions, and ATC Maintenance Technicians. Base hourly wage rates are specified in Appendix II, with ATC Specialists at $45.09/hour (current rate), increasing to $46.44 retroactively and $47.84 effective August 1, 2024, and $49.27 effective August 1, 2025. AIC Specialists are compensated at $35.74/hour (current), $36.81 retroactively, $37.92 effective August 1, 2024, and $39.05 effective August 1, 2025. ATC Maintenance Technicians earn $36.44/hour current rate, with increases to $37.53, $38.66, and $39.82 at the specified intervals. Health and Welfare benefits are provided at $6.43/hour. The agreement establishes seniority-based scheduling, requires 30-day advance publication of work schedules, mandates shift rotations with mandatory second and third shift requirements, and provides overtime at 1.5 times the base hourly rate for hours exceeding 40 per week. Employees accrue 2.69 hours of paid personal/sick days per pay period with a maximum carryover of 10 days (80 hours). Vacation eligibility vests based on years of service, ranging from two weeks at one year to five weeks at 15 years. The CBA includes a no-strike/no-lockout clause, disciplinary procedures requiring just cause, grievance procedures with facility-level and corporate-level review steps, and provisions for medical certifications, holiday pay, and bereavement leave. A three-year term runs through March 22, 2027, with automatic renewal absent written notice of intent to amend or terminate provided 60-120 days before expiration. A July 29, 2026 Memorandum of Understanding extends the agreement through March 22, 2028, with wage increases of 3.5% effective August 1, 2026 and August 1, 2027, and Health and Welfare increases of 5% for both dates. An Amendment No. 1 effective September 17, 2026, adds employer-matched 401(k) contributions at 100% of elective deferrals up to 4% of compensation, effective October 1, 2026, and incorporates drug-free workplace and substance testing provisions consistent with federal and military aviation regulations.