Has anyone seen this??? :o Serco to bail out NATS? [Archive]

sector8dear

4th Mar 2002, 00:05

That should finally 'FIX' us! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" />. . . . [ 03 March 2002, 20:09: Message edited by: Sector8 Dear ]

Steep Approach

4th Mar 2002, 02:49

How many newspaper stories haven't had an element of truth however sensationalised?. .. .I suppose Serco haven't suffered from Sept 11th at all?. .. .Oh well, the union always said it was keeping it's powder dry. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

niknak

4th Mar 2002, 03:11

SERCO - A company which has few material assets, but is very lean and efficient in terms of it's company wide contracts.. .It never bids at a loss, and never makes a loss on any contract - the company contracting it's services always pays for every ounce of flesh that SERCo puts in, regardless of if it's hospital portering or atc.. .I'm not an employe of SERCO, nor an apologist for some of the methods they've previously used, but given this situation, is it any suprise that SERCO can get the cooperation of financial institutions.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" /> :rolleyes. .I think not:

matc2

5th Mar 2002, 01:36

<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/business/newsid_1852000/1852195.stm" target="_blank">http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/business/newsid_1852000/1852195.stm</a>

bagpuss lives

5th Mar 2002, 02:05

This is very very rapidly becoming a really bad joke.. .. ."Our Skies Are Not For Sale". .. . <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" />

1261

5th Mar 2002, 02:13

Unfortunately this seems to be far from a joke; our GM was overheard saying that the story in the Independent (and today's Guardian) was rather closer to home than NATS management would have liked "at this stage"....

clipped_wings

5th Mar 2002, 11:23

Hey chaps you have to be philosophical about this and just accept that if rape is inevitable you may as well lie back and enjoy it.!!!. .. .Who knows you may just find out that Serco gives quite a good performance.

Legs11

5th Mar 2002, 17:08

Niteflite, your precious skies have already been sold, doh! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="tongue.gif" /> . .. .Serco has a comprehensive and robust safety assurance organisation led by a Director who has been involved in civil aviation for over 35 years - most recently as a UK CAA Safety Regulation Officer. Serco meets – and generally exceeds – the national safety requirement, and monitors and introduces best practice from the ICAO and other international regulatory organisations through its Aviation Safety Oversight Group. As a result, they have an excellent record in delivering safe aviation services.. .. .If AG need a little added support, then Serco just might be able to help out.. .. .Let's face it, if the indoor plants at LACC are now going without their water supplies, this would suggest that some assistance is required. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />. . . . [ 05 March 2002, 13:17: Message edited by: Legs11 ]

Razors Edge

5th Mar 2002, 17:42

It's happening:. .. .<a href="http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/story.jsp?story=270965" target="_blank">http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/story.jsp?story=270965</a>. .. . <a href="http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/story.jsp?story=270965" target="_blank">web page</a>

Great Unmanaged

5th Mar 2002, 18:41

Of course they want to bail us out. They want the ATC business pure and simple. It does not mean that they will be allowed to do so - nor should they. We have just been 'bailed out' to the tune of £60m so why on earth do we need a bunch of puddle jumpers and hospital gardners? We do not!. .. .Anyone in management - NATS - Serco or government should also remember our strike threat if Serco even get the contract to cut the flowers at Nerc - I am on the gate. Anyone want to join me? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" />

bird of prey

5th Mar 2002, 21:06

legs 11. .well said. .. .Great Unmanaged. .I'm sure your monica is no slur or pun intended on who you work for.. .As regards Serco the way I see it is the staff work hard, loyal to the company and have great support from management. Glad you think the present PPP is working so well for you and can't be improved. Serco are going forward - can you say the same.

Great Unmanaged

5th Mar 2002, 21:59

Forward! Where to for gods sake? Doncaster International? Sheffield hub?. .. .September 11 had a major affect on major ATS suppliers. I doubt it had such a major affect on Serco...due to the ATC contracts it 'provides'. I have looked at Serco, I do not like the way it does business and will strike if they even get a sniff at NATS. I had another job lined up just in case - after 27 years in aviation I will leave NATS gladly rather than work for Serco. Personnaly, I would not want them staining my CV!. .. .NATS will pick up - the traffic numbers are well up and will improve still more. BA today said that their own traffic numbers are up again. NATS makes a great deal from large aircraft over long distances and was bound to take a mega hit following 911. Not so Serco but C150's and GA7's are not what we are about. 2,000,000 movements last year and 3,000,000 in ten years time. That millions - not thousands.. .. .What would Serco - in the ATC major league for the first time ever - have done on 912? Sack everyone that's what! Now it would be completely stuffed as all the brains would have gone and the phrase 'up ***t creek without a paddle (again) comes to mind.. .. .If you are happy with them then its good for you - we don't want or need amateurs.

spekesoftly

5th Mar 2002, 22:14

The decision will be based on political and financial expediency, end of story.

bird of prey

5th Mar 2002, 22:27

Great Unmanaged. .maybe you should get your CV sent out again. Scary attitude about the professionalism of other controllers and by the way good business management keeps us all employed and hires new YOUNG blood.

Chilli Monster

5th Mar 2002, 22:54

Great Unmanaged. .. .Lots of rhetoric - no facts at all. Just out of interest would you like to back up what you say with some reality or do you get off on screaming doom and despondency from the rooftops.. .. .As for your attitude to GA "C150's are not what NATS is about" then maybe you should get a reality check and learn that there is a life outside of CAS and NATS, where the world ticks along without slot delays (and we're not just talking C150's here <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> ). Thanks to NATS inability to introduce NERC at full capacity who do you think have had to take the delayed traffic, who aren't prepared to wait, off airways, in an environment much more risky than your nice controlled one.. .. .Come on - whatever your attitude to whoevers name may end up appearing on your pay statement at the end of the month there are those out there employed by others (not just SERCO but the independent regionals) who cope with downturns in business and emergencies and are regulated in exactly the same way as your beloved NATS. Your slagging off of the company and so your insinuation that the people employed by them are somehow second class is pretty insulting.. .. .Put up or shut up springs to mind? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> . .. .CM. . . . [ 05 March 2002, 19:15: Message edited by: Chilli Monster ]

Selma Soul

6th Mar 2002, 00:28

SERCO are only after 1 thing, and have been from day 1, and that is the airports side of NATS, which still makes a profit. They can smell a bargain, and NATS might be willing to sell to reduce their borrowing. . .With the airports side it gives them the reputation and kudos to go and win the big contracts. However, because of monopoly restrictions they will be forced to break up the new business by selling on much of the old side. . .So the people making most of the noise about how good SERCO are will be having new employers as well. And which side has the industrial muscle to defend their terms and conditions the best?

Oliver James

6th Mar 2002, 01:29

I worked for SERCO for about 2 years, some 13 years ago. There is no justification for any suggestion that their shop floor workers are anything less than competent, decent people.. .. .However, in my experience it would be fair to say that the ethos of the company's management was most undesireable and completely unsuitable for an organisation such as NATS. It is bad enough to expose the lives of the GA fraternity through the low cost, under-funded style that I experienced in the UK but to bring that ethos into NATS would be unimaginably dangerous and we were right to say so in the ballot. In my experience SERCO cut corners on safety and they always tried to stop me talking about it.. .. .I was relieved to leave them and I would be a worried man if they were to become involved with NATS.. . <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

bird of prey

6th Mar 2002, 02:11

selma soul. .what will be will be. Morale in Serco though is very high at all levels - can others say the same? From what I see from the bulletin board non-existant carping from Serco employees, lots from everyone else. . .. .120.4. .well thanks for para 1, competent, decent and very professional too.. .Couldn't comment on your experience 13 years ago but Serco has put safety as its highest priority for quite some time.

Legs11

6th Mar 2002, 03:11

13 years ago you may well have had a bad experience. But it is my belief that Serco are a different and much improved company, fighting against an old and unjustified reputation.. .. .NATS/AG has now found out what it is like out in the real world, where it is no longer the cash cow that it once was and cannot (except for the small exception of £30m) expect to be financially backed by the state. It's not so easy when you have to pay for things and make ends meet, as I'm sure most of you would agree. Well such is the way of life now for NATS/AG <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" /> . .. .Getting back to the topic however, I was interested to read that the serco exec chairman said "there is absolutely no question of us buying the business". I wonder which airfields "involved in helping Nats" includes? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="cool.gif" />

sector8dear

6th Mar 2002, 05:00

Enough to say that NATS have 99% of the available Area Rated ATCOs already working for them.. .. .Difficult to replace therefore.... .. .Stand up for yourselves, they have no one else to turn to.. .. .It may have become all about the money, but I can remember when we did not need to say safety was 'paramount', that was taken for granted. Now we keep saying it...methinks we protesteth too much!!!!. .. .Sir Co - NO!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" />

WetFeet

6th Mar 2002, 12:56

Slagging off SERCO (and other non-NATS) companies is one thing. Doing the same with their employees is another thing and out of order! Given the content of some of the posts I get the feeling that SERCO staff might be even more professional than NATS staff. And yes, I am a NATS ATCO, but some of the comments that I read make me cringe. It is time we left the creche and started acting like the professionals and adults we are.

Great Unmanaged

6th Mar 2002, 14:38

Just to clear up a point.. .. .I attack Serco,its methods and experience. NOT the professionalism of any of its staff. Did I? No.. .. .If any NATS employees want "Serco" at the top of the - much smaller -payslip you are more than welcome. And, by the way, its not all about ATCO's. . .. .If Serco airfields are so good slot wise - is that something to do with NATS????? I think its ALL to do with NATS.

1261

6th Mar 2002, 14:50

There is an obvious answer to all this...... .. .TAG go to the government, and ask for permission to sell NSL (i.e. NATS airports business; which - remember - is already set up as a stand-alone subsidiary) to Serco. This would raise around £100m (guesstimate!), which TAG can then invest with much fanfare in NERL (area services).. .. .The government sells this to press and parliament as an asset sell-off on the basis that airport ATC has always been privately provided, and guarantees that area ATC will continue under the existing PPP arrangements.. .. .Our collegues in area services are safe, and therefore sell-out we airports folk in order to protect their own conditions and pension (and who could blame them!).. .. .I think that this is a very likely scenario, and I for one don't really have a problem with it.

Standing Hampton

6th Mar 2002, 21:21

What would Prospect’ & PCS’ reactions be to SERCO getting a slice of the Company?. .. . . .. .Might they seek a judicial review of any decision by the Minister of Transport, based on the concerns expressed last year by both unions regarding SERCO’s safety management arrangements and abilities?? . .. .Remember the membership was up in arms at the future under SERCO and threatened industrial action to prevent the government selecting them as its prefered bidder.

niknak

7th Mar 2002, 00:02

<blockquote>quote:<hr /> Bidding is expensive, our costs for most of our contracts are between £1 - £ million. Our failed bid for NATS cost us £10.2 million. <hr /></blockquote>- Kevin Beeston, CEO SERCO, quoted in yesterdays Daily Torygraph newspaper, (page29).. .He also went on to deny that SERCO was in talks to bail out or make any further bid for any part of NATS, for the above reasons.. .The article also confirmed that SERCO were making a placing with Merril Lynch in the hope of raising £120 million to wipe out debt and fund future bids.. .Looks like speed cameras, Immigration centres/prisons and technology for the National Crime Squad is more profitable than atc! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="tongue.gif" />

Oliver James

7th Mar 2002, 18:56

It may well be that I had a bad experience with SERCO all those years ago. It was before the time of legal hours restrictions; we were understaffed and consequently never got the time off we were entitled to. We lacked the equipment we needed, what we did have was old and unreliable. . .. .There was pressure on us to keep everything flying in an immensely busy and complicated ATZ. One practice in particular was downright dangerous but as the Manager ATC was involved in it and it brought in much money he wasn't interested in hearing warnings about it. In the end, I 1261 'ed a potential loss of life incident only to have pressure applied to remove a sentence which indicated that these incidents were common place, which they were, I refused. . .. .They wanted revenue from jet traffic but also from cropping the open areas. An MOD professional Bird scarer who I consulted was horrified to see the number of large bird flocks picking off the ploughed land and warned of the danger of aircraft loss. His report was binned.. .. .In the summer, the tower stairwell would fill up with dead flies. It was disgusting and was evidence of their lack of care. The H&SE would not have liked it at all.. .. .NATS is an essential national asset and not one that should be exposed through any form of cost pressure, from anybody. We were privatised in order to bring in investment of £1BN over 10 years. We are now 6 months into the venture and so far about £200 down on investment. It is clear that, even on a not for profit basis, the need to make a business case has scupperred the investment that is essential to the future growth of the system. That is not acceptable to the UK. . .. .I hope I haven't offended anybody. One can only speak as one finds. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />

Fly Through

8th Mar 2002, 17:23

Just like to point out to the unwashed that Serco doesn't just work in the UK, anyone been through the Middle-East recently? Passed anywhere near Bahrain or the UAE? Hmmm me thinks people need to do a little research before they come out guns blazing. Serco isn't the most perfect of companies but its definetly not the worst, they operate for profit, so does everyone else in this world, safety need not be sacrificed. Personally I was against PPP in the first place but now it's here and struggling because of Sept 11th,new ideas are needed. NATS can't keep running to the government for help so some arrangement with Serco has to be considered as an option.

Great Unmanaged

8th Mar 2002, 18:39

Fly Through.. .. ."All companies operate for profit". NATS is a not for profit organisation old chap. Any 'surplus funds' will be reinvested in the business not given to shareholders. NATS should be renationalised as PPP has so obviously failed. . .. .Any sensible organisation would not promote a minor league player to a major league competitor so NATS should not have anything to do with Serco except to take their ATC business away.

Oliver James

8th Mar 2002, 22:52

Fly through:. .. .I would say that as NATS is an essential national asset the government has to guarantee it. If we aren't working then we must go to the government, continually if necessary and for me that is the very reason it should have remained in public hands.. . <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" /> . .Point 4

atccontractor

8th Mar 2002, 23:26

Greatunmanaged you obviously know nothing about Serco's ATC business. I was in the big leauges (you are not) I am a retired FAA controller(LAX,. .BAY TRACON, NY COMMON I, SFO) and I work for Serco.They are a great company that cares about it's employees. They stress safety above profit continuously and require more safety checks than the FAA requires of them.

atccontractor

8th Mar 2002, 23:29

Greatunmanaged I also read your strike threat. I was around in 1981 you may want to learn from history. I have many friends that were ignorant enough to listen to the strike hype. I retired a GS 15 they are still trying to find ATC jobs.

Great Unmanaged

9th Mar 2002, 14:26

I think the word 'was' is important here. So is the acronym 'USA'. The UK deal is a very different one my friend. If you failed to support your colleauges when Raygun Regan was sacking them all that was your choice and your concience. Looks like you and Serco are made for each other - enjoy!

atccontractor

9th Mar 2002, 19:22

I did not bring up the Big Leauge cocept I just pointed out that it is a perception thing. . .. .Again you speak of which you do not know. I never joined the union they had nothing to offer. I stayed because short and sweet I am an Air Traffic Controller and I love it. Serco is a great company.

LXGB

9th Mar 2002, 22:44

Roger Out,. .Judging from your posts you are a NATS employed ATCO. Have you ever worked for Serco? Have you ever worked with Serco? I'm guessing the answer is no, please correct me if I'm wrong.. .If the answer to the above two questions is no, then wind your neck in. There seem to be loads of people on this forum queuing up to slag of Serco without one single piece of evidence to back up their allegations.. .I have worked for Serco for years and have always found them to be safety conscious, professional and responsive to their staff's needs. Over to you.... .. .LXGB

Christopher James

10th Mar 2002, 01:15

Not entirely true LXGB. Whilst 120.4 didn't slag SERCO off he/she said a few things that seem to point to a less than benevolent attitude towards things, admittedly some years ago? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" /> . .. .09L

Oliver James

10th Mar 2002, 01:30

<blockquote>quote:<hr /> I have worked for SERCO for years and always found them to be safety conscious, professional and responsive to their staff's needs.<hr /></blockquote>Not my experience of the management attitude, but I acknowledge things probably have changed. The trouble is of course reputations are hard won and easily destroyed. I guess it is bit like trust, once betrayed..... .. .Point 4 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />. . . . [ 09 March 2002, 21:34: Message edited by: 120.4 ]

LXGB

10th Mar 2002, 01:53

ZNL, 120.4,. .Points taken. I have worked on a couple of Serco contracts and in my experience at least, the management and personnel departments have always helped me out whenever I have approached them with anything. The customers have always been happy with the service provided to them as well. So to sum up,in my experience with the firm, they are pretty good.. .Anyways, Rant over.. .. .Cheers,. .LXGB.

sector8dear

10th Mar 2002, 02:32

Legs11 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="mad.gif" /> - re your March 5th post, I would point out that NATS did make an operating profit until we were purchased by the AG who took out £800 M worth of loans on our behalf turning us instantly into a precariously balanced operation...... .. .And for your information we have been aware for many years in NATS of the need to 'make ends meet'! And also the members of TAG have been in the real world for quite a long time they have not just arrived there as you suggest.. .. .Fact is, area control (airfields are a bit different) has to be there whatever happens - and NATS has taken a big hit with the reduction in N Atlantic traffic. According to Legs11 we should cease to operate if we can't make ends meet - REALLY! Tell that to the remaining airlines who presumably pay your salary too!!!. .. .Get real and realise that some things are ESSENTIAL and not governed by simple economics.. .. .And also FYI we are so tightly regulated financially now it's even difficult to get a Biro!!!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />

Legs11

11th Mar 2002, 13:28

Sector8 Dear, I am sorry if I hurt your feelings - but at no time have I said NATS <blockquote>quote:<hr />should cease to operate if we can't make ends meet<hr /></blockquote>For the record I was never a supporter of the PPP either, yes some things are essential, and this whole mess needs to be sorted out CONSTRUCTIVELY , and slagging of Serco won't solve anything.. .. .FYI Serco provide biros, an essential SAFETY item, I'm sure you would agree. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />

1261

12th Mar 2002, 02:11

RogerOut: Please clarify exactly who you mean by "WE".. .. .I for one do not wish to be associated with your comments re Serco. They can't possibly be any worse than our current management; also some of our gravy-train practices could do with a healthy dose of Sercoization.

Cuddles

14th Mar 2002, 14:01

Just a small point.. .. .Aren't the airports MAKING money, whereas En - Route is currently MAKING A LOSS.. .. .I'm not trying to play one off against the other, as I'm not really sure whether I'm Airports or Area. I do, however know that I'm offshore!

1261

15th Mar 2002, 02:29

Cuddles, you are - as always - quite correct. NSL is (and as far as I am aware always has been) fully solvent.. .. .Ask yourself this; if the situation were reversed, would NERL be told not to buy any more paper clips?. .. .(I notice btw that you can get Anglia TV now on Sky Digital; I'm not sure if that or Grampian counts as your local news!)

Cuddles

15th Mar 2002, 22:15

1261 There's a good reason why NSL is solvent. People like thee and me on T&D for 2 yrs after validation.. .. .What would NERL do without paperclips to fashion rudimentary mascots with? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Legs11

16th Mar 2002, 00:47

Are you two trying to wind up the Area guys?...they're not biting, better try harder <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />

Tigs

16th Mar 2002, 20:40

Great Unmanaged, Rogerout. .. .I have read this forum in amazement. You are so ill informed it is untrue. A collegue of mine worked with some senior controllres and managers within NATS and said he had never worked with such a difficult bunch of people. The tantrum and footstomping over SERCO is completely unjustified. The reason that NATS is in such trouble is nothing to do with Sept 11, it has been caused by the obstinate, cynical, unco-operative attitudes of people like you, who threaten to strike the first minute there is a hint of change. Stop using the word 'We', because I know many many controllers out there who think you are talking B******s and frankly, NATS would do just fine without you. I do not doubt your professional contribution to aviation, but there is no room your bitter and twisted attitude. People don't want it.. .. .'Attitudes are contagious - is yours worth catching?' - I don't think so!

Great Unmanaged

17th Mar 2002, 17:58

Tigs.. .. .Boy do you have a lot to learn. During the bidding for NATS 99% of NATS STAFF - not just controllers - voted for strike action if SERCO got a look in. You may well find that is still the case. Anyway, it is for me and I have a right to say so. If you don't like it well here is my concerned face! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" />

Chilli Monster

17th Mar 2002, 21:46

Shame the NATS kiddies don't learn that one day they won't get their teddies given back to them if they keep throwing them out of the cot <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Still, shows why the Aussies call Brits whingeing Poms. .. .Great Unmanaged. .. .Suggest you re-read my previous post about slot delays where you seem to think I was inferring airfields were getting good slots and NATS were to be thanked - English comprehension not one of your strong points I take it <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> . .. .CM

Great Unmanaged

18th Mar 2002, 00:47

G'day sport. Bonza! Thanks for the 'English' lesson. Pass a tinny..... .. .That tips it all. An English lesson from A Serco colonial. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> . .. .Time for the pub I think.

Chilli Monster

18th Mar 2002, 02:39

Colonial!!!!!!!!. .. .Pass me another pint of 6X please <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> . .. .CM

1261

18th Mar 2002, 14:10

Tigs,. .. .Your post is probably closer to home than you realize!. .. .A collegue of mine who used to work for Serco referred to NATS as a "1950s, tweed-jacket, pipe-smoking, Bakelite-style" organization. So why did he come to work for us? He did half as much work for twice as much money. Simple as that. His opinion of operational management was that "....they were certainly no worse, and in a lot of ways better...." than NATS. . .. .Of course, I'd have to be stupid to want to do twice as much work for the same money - but I'd be equally stupid to bury my head in the sand and resist changes at all costs. The situation need sorting out in NATS, and the sooner the better. If the best way do do it to sell NSL to Serco, then so be it.. .. .And Legs 11, I'm not trying to wind up the area guys; you do a difficult job under difficult conditions (sincerely!), but I've come to the conclusion over the past eighteen-or-so months that we'd be better served by working for different companies, as our needs are - these days - so different. NSL staff have far more in common (and in common interest) with airport controllers at Newcastle, East Midlands, Liverpool, etc., than we do with controllers at ACCs.. . . . [ 18 March 2002, 13:16: Message edited by: 1261 ]

939

20th Mar 2002, 04:07

You would think that if 99% of NATS staff were threatening strike action if Serco " got a look in" Serco being the company that puts safety first and never the contents of shareholders pockets, they would step down and away from Nats in order to maintain a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic within Uk airspace by ensuring that the aforementioned 99% remained in their posts doing what the majority of them do best, which is, I hear you ask, no no! not slagging off Serco but actually moving aluminium from A to B without having to consider how many Euros/GBP it cost to do it.. .. .When I said turn right you should have known I mean't left. . . . [ 20 March 2002, 07:31: Message edited by: 939 ]