**** UNDER CONSTRUCTION ****  (but we're working on it)

- Monthly the NTSB principle officers; Vice-president and the Chief Steward participate in a telecom:  Generally, an update on projects, status, and  issues/concerns that have come up within the previous month.   Additionally, there is twice annually, a meeting in D.C. with the NTSB Chairman.

-  Generally, there's more "stuff" going on, then time to participate.  Under a "working together" concept, union members are often asked to participate in various work groups, building on the knowledge, skills of the work force.  Additionally, there's other projects in work, that may not require direct participate, but important to all employee's.

   1.  Training ?,,,,, who, how, documented, when, etc.     Ultimately, the agency does not have a true training program for it's employee's. 

       Some good news,,,, the agency and union have made a major commitment in eliminating this deficiency.    The first step is a common "database" that tracks individual's training, etc.  The software is both a tool for the employee and management. Expect it to replace the IDP (and a lot more).    A lot more info will be coming in this area.. ....  Right now, a potential COTS software was been identified,,, and we're tentatively looking at the first stage of implementation around Dec, 2011/Jan 2012.  

2. Focus groups:  Some groups are limited in scope or by transportation mode, others may live on continuously; Groups generally are formed to work a particular area, such as Photography Group  (how do we manage/store all those photographs, etc ?),  Some of the current groups: