The air traffic controllers union's long-running campaign to cast the FAA as a bully had a bit of a setback Monday when the union agreed to settle an unfair labor practices charge against it.

Specifically, four controllers at a contract tower in Harrisburg, Pa., filed an objection to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) collecting fees for activities unrelated to collective bargaining and for other practices. Even though the controllers worked for a private contractor and were not members of the union, NATCA serves as the bargaining agent for their facility and as such, collects some dues in Pennsylvania and other non-"right to work" states.

According to the settlement, NATCA will post notices informing controllers of their right to refrain from full dues-paying membership and end a policy that required non-members to annually notify the union of their decision not to pay for activities unrelated to collective bargaining, such as public relations, lobbying and organizing.

NATCA has yet to respond to a request for comment on the matter.

Photo of Capital City Airport: Harrisburg International Airport (Pa.) website screen grab