In an effort to regain the public’s trust and fix their reputation, the National Air Traffic Controller’s Association (NATCA-the nation’s largest union for air traffic controllers) is turning to social media for help. Via a brand new video posted on YouTube earlier today, a group of experienced air traffic controllers from around the country explain their commitment and dedication to their job.
Our good friend, Ed O’Keefe down at the Washington Post has this to say in his recent article:
Air Traffic Controllers Defend Themselves on YouTube
Their reputation damaged by a series of embarrassing incidents (napping at the controls, misdirecting a plane with First Lady Michelle Obama onboard), the nation’s largest air traffic controller union is turning to a reliable tool to rehabilitate its image: YouTube.
With strains of Aaron Copeland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” in the background, a new 90-second video produced by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association attempts to convince the flying public that a few bad apples shouldn’t spoil the reputations of everyone else.
Check out the video embedded below and then let us know what you think! Are you convinced? Are air traffic controllers moving in the right direction with these efforts, or should they be focusing their efforts somewhere else? If you were an air traffic controller during this period of negative perception, how would you attempt to overcome the challenges? It’s definitely not an easy situation to be in, but I think the NATCA might be on to something here.
How have you, or your organization, used social media in an effort to overcome challenges and/or regain your reputation?
It seems that the Controllers aren’t the only ones in the wrong here. When they fell asleep someone decided to double the number of controlers. Why not just discipline them? One disciplinary action and all the others would come in line. Or why not just hire a GS-1 waker upper of controllers? Overreaction on management’s part.