The Mechanics of Securing National Exclusive Recognition in the Federal Service: The Naats Experience

IN CASES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVING A DETERMINATION OF THE APPROPRIATE BARGAINING UNIT, THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD HAS RECEIVED REQUESTS BY UNIONS FOR NATIONWIDE BARGAINING UNITS. ITS POLICY HAS BEEN TO DENY SUCH REQUESTS AS BEING INAPPROPRIATE. IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LABOR MANAGEMENT RELATIONS IS AUTHORIZED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER 11491 TO ISSUE RULINGS IN UNIT DETERMINATION CONTROVERSIES WHICH ARISE IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. THIS ARTICLE DESCRIBES THE EVENTS WHICH LED TO A PRECEDENT-SETTING DECISION IN DECEMBER, 1971, BY THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY. HE APPROVED A NATIONAL UNIT OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALISTS COVERING APPROXIMATELY 3,000 EMPLOYEES WHO WERE EMPLOYED BY THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AT 346 CONTINENTAL AND INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SERVICE STATIONS.