*[Minutes from 1 day SUPCOM meeting at DTW:]{.underline}*

In attendance:

Ron Brouwers - LAN ATCT

Eli Legget - YIP ATCT

Dan Anteau - D21

Marianne Becker - PTK ATCT

Mike Homa - ARB ATCT

Larry Cunningham - GRR ATCT

Mike Grocky - MKG ATCT

Dan Bussey - D21

Christine Hartges - MBS ATCT

Jim Schneider - ARB ATCT

Paul Lore - YIP ATCT

Jon Applegate - LAN AFSS

Angela Thompson - DTW ATCT

Paul Satterwhite - DTW ATCT

Paul Sheridan - DTW ATM

Cindy Coram - HUF ATCT

Guests:

Dick Petersen - Acting AGL-501

Bill Preston - National SUPCOM Chair

Dan Callahan - National Enroute SUPCOM Chair

Dan Houdeshell - Great Lakes Regional SUPCOM Chair

First of all, I would personally like to thank Dan Bussey for making the
arrangements and making this meeting possible. Great job, Dan! There
were 3 ATMs from the DTW HUB in attendance. We would like to thank them
for coming and their participation.

Dick Petersen started the day off and spent 3 hours discussing many
issues with us. He gave us a regional perspective and we gave him
feedback from a field perspective.

1\. Dick began by confirming the "30 day moritorium" on filling
supervisory vacancies. This was a decision made by the Division Managers
at the recent ATMT. The reason given is to take stock of the supervisory
staffing numbers nationwide. More information on this issue as we
receive it.

2.Restructure - We should, also, hear more about this in weeks to come.
However, it doesn't appear that there will be many changes from where we
are currently. Dick strongly recommended that supervisors sit in on the
Friday regional Telcons. Much of the information will be delivered via
the Telcon.

3\. Along with restructuring goes [reengineering]{.underline} - The
point was made that most supervisors don't truly understand
reengineering. What does this mean? There needs to be more education on
this issue if it is to be successful. It is on-going, we need to
continually identify "non-value added tasks" and get those removed from
our job functions.

4\. ATX-500 is in the process of developing an electronic bulletin
board. This BB would be accessible through the intra and inter-net
systems. Grievance and arbitration decisions will be posted to help
educate managers/supervisors in the LMR arena. Dick talked about the
importance of supporting documentation, from the supervisors, in order
to uphold a grievance at the regional level.

5\. We discussed, at great length, the role of the supervisor. There
always seems to be the question "is a supervisor operational or
administrative?" It is becoming more difficult to wear both hats in this
era of *["do more with less,]{.underline}* especially in smaller
facilities. We are approaching a point where something needs to give.
Supervisors can't do it all, thus the importance of reengineering and
redefining the role of the supervisor. [Is there something wrong when
supervisors are working control position and giving a mandatory briefing
at the same time?]{.underline}

6\. Also, discussed was the "shotgun" approach to supervisors.
Supervisors that are doing their jobs are being lumped in with those
that have performance and/or conduct problems. We only hear when a
supervisor makes a bad decision or no decision. **What about all of the
"right decisions" that are made?**

7\. We voiced to Dick that we would like to see more information from
the RO or any other source about "lessons learned". These types of
communication efforts are invaluable to help us do our job better. There
is a recording put out weekly by the RO that is a step in the right
direction. All supervisors and employees should have the phone number
and call in.

8\. We discussed the use of CICs, especially as it pertains to the
upcoming contract. Accountability is a major concern.

These were the majority of the isses discussed. Paul Satterwhite, at the
end of the session with Dick,said that in all of his years as a
supervisor and Area Manager,this is the first time that he has had a
face-to-face with someone in Dick's position. He appreciated hearing the
message from the top.

Dick's final words were: that our main focus has to be on the operation
Air Traffic services, safety, efficiency, and integrity of the air
traffic system is our first and foremost job. All of the other issues
that we deal with daily deserve their due attention but not to the
deragation of the operation.

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***[The afternoon session was a presentation by Bill Preston the
National SUPCOM Chair.]{.underline}***

Bill began his presentation by discussing the FAA organizational
structure. He outlined who the players are and the relationship that
SUPCOM has at Headquarters. We havean excellent relationship at the
headquarters level, consequently we get very good support. The open and
constant communications is a key to much of our success in Washington.
We have gained similar support in most regions. However, between regions
the level of support does vary. Unfortunately, at the facility level,
the support issue varies even more. We continue to gain ground in this
area all the time.

Bill gave quick overviews on many SUPCOM initiatives currently being
worked:

1\. Operational Error initiative - SUPCOM has developed an OE initiative
that has been presented to the 505's and the 500's. Bill is trying to
gain support to implement or test this theory at some test facilities.
There is a powerpoint presentation that we can send anyone that wants to
see the program. Let us know.

2\. Supervisory Selection Process - This has been a 2 year project
started by Great Lakes SUPCOM. It is being worked on in headquarters and
we are waiting for word to participate on a national workgroup. Again, I
have a copy of executive summary and the proposal sent to HQ, if anyone
is interested.

3\. Customer Focus - We are working with headquarters on a customer
focus symposium. Air Traffis needs to refocus on service to the users.
What can we do to help each company in the industry to operate at peak
efficiency? Again, there is a powerpoint presentation available.

4\. Operational Supervisor Workshops - This is one of our major
successes. Now mandatory training for every supervisor every 3 years.
However, there is more work to be done on this issue. We have scheduled
upcoming meetings to ensure future success and longevity of this course.

5\. Communications - There is an ATOS electronis bulletin board used by
SUPCOM, inter-net webpages, and CCMail. Our goal is to be able to
communicate freely and often with all supervisors across the country.

6\. National SUPCOM Goals - ***Through leadership and communications to
ensure that Air Traffic supervisors are the most informed, prepared,
innovative, highly-motivated, and effective workforce in our
business.***

***[EDITORIAL comment:]{.underline}*** Bill Preston noted that this
group of supervisors concentrated most of the conversations around
operational issues. Yes, we discussed the contract, pay issues, and all
of those issues that are important to everyone. The main focus, however,
remained on the operation. Maybe that's the way it should be.

*Howdy*