IFATCA Americas 2021 Regional Meeting

zby PATRICIA GILBERT, IFATCA EVP AmERICAS

For the first time since 2019, Member Associations (MA) that could travel met for the 37th IFATCA Americas Region meeting in Montevideo, Uruguay. Those that could not join in person were able to join virtually. Due to the hard work by the MA in Uruguay – the Asociación de Controladores de Tránsito Aéreo del Uruguay (ACTAU) with assistance from their neighbor the Asociación Técnicos y Empleados de Seguridad y a la Aeronavegación de Argentina (ATEPSA), the much-needed meeting was perfectly planned within less than 40 days. ACTAU members displayed their professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to attendees as they welcomed us to their beautiful country. Every detail of the event was well planned out and capably executed. Our region can not thank them enough for working so hard to allow us to join together once again.

The IFATCA America’s region enjoyed learning, camaraderie and solidarity with Members Associations from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, the United States, and our host Uruguay. Many others joined us via ZOOM during the course of the three-day meeting held 1-3 December 2021. An integral part of the meeting was the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) attendance and engagement. Commitment from both ACTAU and the EVP America’s Region was to demonstrate the importance of working together. During this very meeting, we all witnessed firsthand how important collaboration between IFATCA and ITF is for supporting ATCOs in the region with news of the situation in Bolivia.

On day one of the meeting, attendees got word from our MA in Bolivia that the situation had escalated there. By supreme decree issued on 1 December the Bolivian President abolished the Administration of Airports and Auxiliary Services to Air Navigation (AASANA), the country’s Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). The decree stated, “That in order to safeguard and guarantee the administration of the airports of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and air navigation, a new airport administration is created, under the responsibility of the State.” The decree thus created the Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports – NAABOL. We hope that the complex issues identified are addressed with an improved and meaningful relationship with the air traffic control officers (ATCOs) on the frontline, who are the experts on the service and safety provided. To date, we continue to monitor the situation, support, and hope for the best outcome for our ATCO family in Bolivia. The three-day agenda was packed, which made for long but fulfilling workdays, with wonderful subjects to support our MAs. The event commenced with IFATCA President Duncan Auld and Deputy President Helena Sjöström joining us via ZOOM to present the Federation’s vision and goals as well as updates on the annual world conference and the current postal vote.

After a regional update from IFATCA Americas Region EVP Trish Gilbert and the introduction of the new Regional Vice President’s – Ramon Armora (North Caribbean), Ameer Chattergoon (South Caribbean), Ronald Vega (Central America) and Marion Librán (South America) the agenda shifted to a

z IFATCA's Jean-Francois Lepage, Liaison Officer to the ICAO Air Navigation Commission briefing the meeting.

briefing and extensive discussion on mental health and wellness for ATCOs. The important subject of mental health and wellness for ATCOs seems to be exacerbated with the effects of a global pandemic.

After lunch, Philippe Domogala and Nicola Nì Riada joined us via ZOOM. They presented the Federation’s plans for the next year to celebrate 100 years of ATC. They reminded the MAs to send in their photos of air traffic controllers, ATC facilities and history by the end of December for the book that will be published. They also reminded the group, that the 100 years of ATC task force would like the MAs to send them “air traffic controller” in their indigenous language, realizing there are many in each country but for example in Barbados Bajan, Argentine Guaraní, Brazilian Hunsrik, Chile PapaNui, Guyana Guyanese, Haitian Creole, Lenca from Honduras, etc……..! This effort will be a part of a project for noting the significant milestone and the amazing ATCOs that are part of our global system.

The 100-year task force presentation was followed by a panel discussion on the importance of relationship building and frontline expert involvement. The Asociación Dominicana de Controladores de Tránsito Aéreo (ADCA) and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) shared their experiences moving from very adversarial employer relationships to a more collaborative and productive relationship. While it was noted that every region, culture, ANSP, and government, as well as timing, plays into whether the MAs can expect a cooperative partner in air traffic management/employer and thus subsequent success. This type of relationship is hard to attain and maintain but truly shows the value the air traffic controllers and their MAs can bring to the table when allowed. If this type of relationship becomes a reality, then the employer and the ATCOs build trust and credibility which can bring stability to their member’s work environment.

A brief overview of IFATCA’s policy on Just Culture was presented. Additionally, Andrew LeBovidge (NATCA EVP) covered the U.S. program Air Traffic Safety Action Program (ATSAP) and Jean-Francois Lepage (Liaison Officer to the ICAO Air Navigation Commission) covered ICAO guidance material on the subject.

Joining us via ZOOM was Luis Horta from Chile and IFATCA Facilitator for the Speak English Program. He presented the program to the group, encouraged participation from the Region’s members and also those qualified to become facilitators as well.

To end Day One, members of the IFATCA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force (Ronald Vega from Costa Rica and Rossana Croci Reyes from Uruguay) presented the work of the group to date and facilitated meaningful discussion on the subject with participants.

Day Two opened with an incredible briefing by Jean-Francois Lepage (Liaison Officer to the ICAO Air Navigation Commission) on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and their role both at Headquarters in Montreal and the Regional offices. He also presented the important role IFATCA Representatives have with ICAO on the following panels:

z Aerodrome Design and Operations

Panel (ADOP) z Air Traffic Management Operations

Panel (ATMOPSP) z ATM Requirements and

Performance Panel (ATMRPP) z Communications Panel (CP) z Flight Operations Panel (FLTOPSP) z Instrument Flight Procedure Panel (IFPP) z Meteorology Panel (METP) z Personnel Training and Licensing

Panel (PTLP) z Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

Panel (RPASP) z Separation and Airspace Safety

Panel (SASP) z Safety Management Panel (SMP) z Surveillance Panel (SP)

Following the ICAO presentation was Dr. Beatriz Alvarez from the Uruguay Department of Occupational Health School of Medicine to discuss the impacts of psychosocial factors on occupational health. The presentation was relevant and added to the previous day’s discussion on mental health and wellness for ATCOs.

Afterward Emiliano Addisi the Regional Secretary for International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Americas explained the history, role, and structure of ITF. This session was followed with Dina Feller (Head of Onboard Service and coordinates the Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay hubs project and the LATAM ITF Network), ATEPSA and ACTAU to discuss lessons learned in the western global South. This discussion complimented the panel discussion the day before on how best to work together across International Organizations and with other MAs.

The region was pleased to welcome via ZOOM for brief remarks Roberto Sosa (ICAO ATM and SAR Regional Officer) from the Lima, Peru regional office. Roberto conveyed his desire to work collaboratively with IFATCA and ATCOs in the region. Areas specifically discussed were implementing ICAO Standards, Procedures and addressing Guidance in areas such as Fatigue and Just Culture. He further relayed support for IFATCA’s Speak English Program as English proficiency is a key item in the region.

The final day and always the most enlightening was the MA reports. The support shown to each MA as they convey challenges they may be having, and the successes shared for others to learn from, made the region stronger. In fact, those on ZOOM and in the room could feel it. We are better, stronger, and more united!

The region finished the day deciding on the Dominican Republic for the 2022 regional meeting and will confirm at that meeting Costa Rica for 2023.

It was an amazing week and all attendees, as well as members from ACTAU enjoyed a special dinner together to celebrate IFATCA 60th Anniversary.

The IFATCA Americas Region hopes to see you in Singapore in May 2022!!! y