Behave yourselves, you naughty ATCOs !!!

[Mystic Meg]

A colleague from the En-Route Ops Room dropped this on my desk earlier today, and it seemed worthy of a wider audience. It is, apparently, a draft report originating from a brain-storming session by Watch Managers ( s small storm presumably!!), and I reproduce it as I received it - the deletions and underlinings are theirs, not mine. Comments anyone ?


"""
BACKGROUND

Recognise that over the last few years there have been many tensions and pressures.

Uncertainties and increasing traffic levels have led to staff reacting unsympathetically to one another.

Management have been under the same pressures and have tolerated behaviour that at other times would have been commented upon.

The rest of NATS has been surprised at the behaviour demonstrated by some members of LATCC AC.

More recently we have been exposed to outside organisations (eg LMQ) that, although appreciating the immense strain we have all been under, have been astonished at the type of behaviours they have witnessed from a professional body like ours.


THE ‘O’ DATE OPPORTUNITY

‘O’ Date provides a once only opportunity for a new beginning, leaving a lot of ‘baggage’ behind us.

A chance for all staff to alter their behaviour to one to another and for Management to adopt a revised approach to staff.

We must not let this opportunity slip through our fingers.


WHAT IS ‘BAD’ BEHAVIOUR?

Behaviours are all about how we conduct ourselves and relate to others in our every day lives and can take many forms. Some unacceptable behaviours are: -

Any form of discrimination (sexual, racial, religious, age etc).

Intolerance.

Bullying.

Blatant disregard for reasonable rules or conventions.

Anything which causes offence or embarrassment to others; such offence is not measured by the giver but by the receiver. This may include subtle ostracism.

Swearing or abusive language; it is borne of ignorance and causes offence.

‘Bad’ behaviour may be spoken, written, or physical or covert


WHAT NEEDS CHANGING

All staff are worthy of respect and each staff member deserves to have their views heard. Don’t forget, managers are also members of staff.

Equally, each member of staff has to be aware of the effect that their views could have on others. Presentation of those views needs to be considered by each of us.

In particular, AC staff must treat members of other departments with proper respect (e.g. ORO, Help Desk, Personnel etc).

AC staff must move away from the current view that ‘I’m an ATCO/ATSA, I can do as I please’

“Banter” is not an excuse. Remarks and “jokes” of a personal nature cannot be tolerated in an adult society.

Defacing notices is not only immature but also an example of disrespect and intolerance.

Abide by procedures whether it be the legitimate use of disciplinary/grievance procedures or observing the rule regarding no food in operational areas.

The acceptance that of casual sickness is acceptable and the adherence to the sickness reporting arrangements.

Attendance and punctuality, not only at the start of shifts but also during those shifts (fatigue breaks etc).

Lack of commitment to task by some staff (e.g. ATCO 1s often ‘cherry pick’ the parts of their job description that they feel comfortable with and discard the rest – also a tendency to ‘wander’ from their allocated areas).


WEAPONS AGAINST ‘BAD’ BEHAVIOUR

The LATCC Charter and the Swanwick Core Values are very similar and have been merged to form a guide to what is expected of staff and what staff can expect from their managers.

Ensuring that our own actions do not offend others and not being prepared to tolerate offence to ourselves.

Reporting offensive or inappropriate actions to our immediate manager or directly to senior Management if serious enough.

Ultimately there is a disciplinary procedure that Management will follow in the worst cases. This will be used if necessary.

We will be arriving at Swanwick on 27th January to a brand new unit that has never experienced the cut and thrust of operational life. The current atmosphere at that unit is generally very pleasant and the existing staff is becoming increasingly nervous of the behaviours that they may have to tolerate post ’O’ Date.

We, in operational ATC are the core of NATS business and we should rightly be proud of that. However we have a responsibility to ensure that our pride does not turn into arrogance. We should be attracting the respect and admiration of the rest of the company for the work thatwe do, often under extreme pressure. However, we must earn that respect and over ecent times we have done the very opposite.

It is now time for all of us to examine our behaviours and using the points raised ensure that we are conducting ourselves in a way that will earn the respect of all.

SWANWICK IS A NEW ENVIRONMENT WHERE WE CAN VALUE
OURSELVES AND EACH OTHER AND WHAT WE CAN DO

"""

[torpids]

What a stunning admission of abject failure by a
bunch of people who manifestly do not share
a brain cell between them with which to
storm. Oh dear, there I go getting myself
into trouble - must remember I have to
be nice to the poor dears in future.

[Direct HALIFAX]

Have AC Management finally realised their shortcomings - let's hope they change their ways at LACC.

[BEXIL160]

Have NATS AC management finally read the page of the Management manual that says

[quote]Treat people like sh*t, and they'll behave like animals <hr></blockquote>???

I doubt it.

BEX

[1261]

So, there's not a word of truth in any of it, then??

[Manu Forte]

Should this not be an issue for the NATS Forum rather than an open site?

[Steep Approach]

Time for Tubby-By-Byes!

[tonup]

Daily floggings will continue until moral improves <img src="eek.gif" border="0">

[not a scooby]

Two points, firstly do they honestly think that a "Charter" is worth the paper its written on, speak to anyone on A Watch at Scacc for a forthwrite view on that topic
secondly,I`ve always seen "Banter" as a stress reliever, some would say that when you can`t take the banter, you are perhaps loosing your edge!

[Numpo-Nigit]

I'm fascinated with -

"Lack of commitment to task by some staff (e.g. ATCO 1s often ‘cherry pick’ the parts of their job description that they feel comfortable with and discard the rest – also a tendency to ‘wander’ from their allocated areas)."

I assume that this refers to that multitude of tasks that are "delegated" to the ATCO1s (and others) without allocating them either the appropriate time or the necessary facilities to do the job properly. If they try to do their best, they are "wandering from their allocated areas".

Damned if you do, damned if you don't!!!

[Part2]

oh eh scacc?

[Asda]

Apparently other misdemeanors include 'gas venting' on the sector and laughing after an early-go. (this term soon to become redundant with the opening of the new ATC centre)

[Scott Voigt]

Boy was THAT written by someone completely clueless as to the operational nature of our profession...

regards

[Loki]

As you can imagine, this has done wonders for morale at my unit.

[sector8dear]

Thing is there is much truth in some of this. Some (certainly not all) ATCOs at LATCC, both TC and AC behave in a way that is disrespectful of their peers and childish in the extreme. Yes, Gas venting is seen as highly amusing by some ATCOs and worse...

There is much arrogance, intolerance and down right abuse in the operational areas from certain people.

In any other company there would hve been court cases under the sexual discrimination act in particular and I think the time is well overdue for this (hopefully reducing minority) to GROW UP and behave like grownups in the real world.

Being very good at a very taxing and skillful job is no excuse to treat people like **** . In your great wisdom you shouls be more considerate of others - not less!

Sorry to rant and no I'm not a victim nor a senior manager. However I know wrong when I see it.

Peace and love. <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[Cuddles]

This is a wind up right?

right?

[squawk 6789]

Mystic Meg,

have you stumbled upon the CV (as well as the m.o.) of a nice man I used to work with some (but not many) years ago?

"WHAT IS ‘BAD’ BEHAVIOUR?
Behaviours are all about how we conduct ourselves and relate to others in our every day lives and can take many forms. Some unacceptable behaviours are: -
Any form of discrimination (sexual, racial, religious, age etc).
Intolerance.
Bullying.
Blatant disregard for reasonable rules or conventions.
Anything which causes offence or embarrassment to others; such offence is not measured by the giver but by the receiver. This may include subtle ostracism.
Swearing or abusive language; it is borne of ignorance and causes offence.
‘Bad’ behaviour may be spoken, written, or physical or covert.

Do you think NATS management would stand for one of their number involving him/herself in any of the above activities? No, I should think not either....

[BLIPDRIVER]

This is yet another load of rubbish issued by people who have lost the plot as to what the teamwork of an operational unit is all about. Lets face it, LATCC/TC, is without a doubt one of the most difficult jobs in aviation period. It only works because the chaps and chapesses work bloody hard to make it do so, and have done so WITHOUT the proper tools and backup of management for years. The reward for the job is behind what it should be, so dont let those so called modern NATS managers(who have caused us to be where we are) bamboozle you with this utter C***. Remember everybody, they dont work on the front line, and the vast majority of them would never ever validate on radar again. These people very quickly forget how hard the job is, and with NATS' blame culture, the support of managers backing their operational ATCO'S is becoming extinct.. .If the people at swanick are worried then respect is earned NOT demanded.

[BEXIL160]

The Full unexpurgated (sp?) version of the letter entitled A new opportunity is in the "welcome pack" issued to all those operational ATCOs and ATSAs posted to NERC. It's dated 17th Jan and has been signed by all the watch managers as well as Rob Herron and Al Lewis. Presumably they all agree with the contents, or perhaps none of them had the courage to stand up for the MAJORITY of their staff.

Well, to all those who signed the letter I have to say this. I find it insulting in the extreme that the failure of management to deal sensibly with a few dubious occurances leads to all the operational staff being branded a bunch of troublemakers.

I, and ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES at LATCC (AC & TC) have worked exceptionally hard over the past year, with little appreciation or thanks from "the management" who now have the Champagne on ice ready for this weekend. It seems to me that these managers have little grasp of the pressures of real live ATC today.

They have an even smaller grasp of the result of publishing a letter like this does to staff morale and willingness to "contibute". It also does nothing to improve their own standing in the eyes of those they say they are managing.

Regardless of the feelings of the existing staff at NERC, it is a fact that at present it is not an operational unit . Whatever cosy atmosphere they are used to at the moment it is a fact that they will have to accept that things will change when Swanwick goes live and becomes what it has been designed for. An operational ACC.

I would hope, but doubt, that NERC staff have been advised that they will have to change their attitude somewhat, and become more tolerant of the operational staff, who they are supposed to be providing support services for.

I do not condone the actions of a very small group of people at LATCC but often those actions are entirely understandable. The fact that they have not been managed or lead very well at all is the key issue. What has been forgotten (rather easily) is that these same small number of people have also been providing a FIRST CLASS ATC service under extreme circumstances. So what if they go off the rails occassionally. Professionally they have done a rather difficult job, rather well.

I watched a number of people open their welcome packs for NERC. The reaction on reading "A New Opportunity" has been the same for all of them. Anger, resentment etc. More than once I have heard the comment "Well, if thats what management think of us, they can bloody well F*** OFF!".

Feedback. Here it is. What are you going to do about it Mssrs Herron, Lewis, Cheese & Ham etc etc.

Best rgds BEX.

Spleen vented... I feel much, much better.

[5milesbaby]

RogerOut, definately no wind-up.

BLIPDRIVER, the last sentence says it all.

BEX, fantastic, when you applying for the 'New Horizons' post again mate????? :)

[BEXIL160]

5MB.... Cheers! I've been told that I have the one basic character flaw that bars me, and most ATCOs, from management type posts. Basic, brutal honesty.

Gutted? me? err.. NO

Rgds BEX

[Karoshi]

Is this really worth getting so worked up about. Don't you think it's actually a pity that a group of senior managers found it necessary to publish such a letter in the first place? Do you really want to work for a company that tolerates the following?

Any form of discrimination (sexual, racial, religious, age etc). . .Intolerance. . .Bullying. . .Blatant disregard for reasonable rules or conventions. . .Anything which causes offence or embarrassment to others; such offence is not measured by the giver but by the receiver. This may include subtle ostracism. . .Swearing or abusive language; it is borne of ignorance and causes offence. . .‘Bad’ behaviour may be spoken, written, or physical or covert.

It's been a difficult year for all of us, ATSAs and ATCOs alike, but being operational doesn't give anybody the right to treat others badly. This letter wasn't intended for everybody, so if you're not guilty of those behaviours mentioned, just ignore it.

[BEXIL160]

Karoshi

Do I think it's worth getting worked up about? Why do you think I posted my views (and those of MOST of my colleagues) here?

If it wasn't intended for the MAJORITY why not target the individuals concerned? As I stated above this is another failure of management. They have failed to deal with the alleged problems and have seen fit to blame ALL the ATCOs and ATSAs in LATCC.

I have seen the effect of this letter on people first hand, and I repeat it's p*ssed people off big time. It's possible that the managers nievely thought that it wouldn't cause a problem. It's equally possible that they have no idea what HAS happened following it's publication. Now they have no excuse.

If it wasn't intended for everyone, how come everyone posted to NERC has been given their own individually addressed (on the welcome pack) copy? No, this is another crass initiative that has backfired, for simple lack of care. A little thought would have avoided it. All I am asking for is "management" to do their job properly, i.e. manage.

Some questions for you now Karoshi if you think this is nothing serious. How does the publication of this letter to all and sundry do anything for Staff / Mangement relationships (already strained at best)? How does this make anyone feel a valued employee? How does this make anyone want to contribute anything to a company whose management have such a low opinion of its CORE (money earning) operational workforce.

Face it. They screwed up again. How to fix it? Easy. Openly APOLOGISE. ADMIT they were wrong. DEAL with the alleged incidents / people openly.. .Too hard? Probably.

rgds BEX

[Karoshi]

Firstly, I got my copy of the letter and I hope that I do not exhibit any of the behaviours listed. Therefore I do not believe this letter was intended for me - so no offence taken.

If you don't address such a letter to everyone, it is quite possible that those who haven't been quilty of unacceptable behaviour in the past may think that it will be acceptable in the future.

I'm not management, never have been and never will be but I would rather have a discussion about management trying to address standards rather than one about managements lack of action over such matters.

What I think is really sad is that in a professional company such as ours, this subject needed to be mentioned at all.

[BEXIL160]

Karoshi,

You are entitled to your opinion, and as we are in the Democratic PPruNe world, I'll defend your right to say it. That's what the Forums (Fora?) here are all about.

Personally I don't agree however. The NERC and LATCC "Standards" are enshrined in the CORE VALUE and LATCC charter documents that everybody is already aware of already.

The "New Opportunity" document goes a lot further and in my opinion is blatantly intimidatory towards the operational staff, which I repeat have done an exceptional job under extremely trying circumstances. The VAST majority of those staff have not behaved badly in any shape or form, and yet, here they are singled out for criticism.

By all means tackle those who have allegedly had problems. On proper investigation it may well be that there is more to each story than first meets the eye. Don't tar everyone with the same brush.

The world of Operational ATC, at LATCC, ScATCC, MAASTRICHT, KZFW... wherever you care to mention in world, is FULL of strong characters. It is in the nature of the job. Every ATCO I've ever met had STRONG opinions and has had no difficulty in expressing them. Ever wonder why? In order to do a high pressure job, function in a team and all the million and one other things that good controllers do, a certain mindset has to exist, or be developed. It's one that admin staff in particular have difficulty with I've noticed.

Whilst I do not advocate bad behaviour towards anyone, it has to be accepted that OPERATIONAL staff work under a different pressure from those in offices. It is failure of management not to recognise this.

As I said at the top, you are welcome to your opinions, but I don't agree. Neither do the majority of ATCOs at LATCC methinks.

Best rgds BEX

[5milesbaby]

Karoshi, I got my letter and I can say I always exhibit bad behaviour in one form, and that'll NEVER change. However, I exhibit it in certain places to certain people who are not offended one little bit. I can also put my hand up to another two, which I have exhibited VERY rarely, but none the less, have done it, not really thinking about it and never meaning to upset anyone.

However, I know that one MANAGER has also shown all these types of bad behaviour, and there are others that have shown some, but again, most incidents occurred where NO offence was taken.

I hope they all sent themselves the letter too, and it doesn't stop there either, as ATCO's, ATSA's, and management aren't the only culprits in NATS, therefore making the company itself discriminate against some of its own employees!!!!!!

[overfly]

K - you come across as a naive idiot !. .&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;Anything which causes offence or embarrassment to others; such offence is not measured by the giver but by the receiver.. .THIS MEANS ANYTHING to the warped and twisted among you - I just hope you are not on the receiving end of an accusation, but perhaps you need it to open your eyes.. .Not that it's any consolation I suppose but the boys in blue all suffer this PC cr@p too...

[Scott Voigt]

Hey BEX....

" KZFW... wherever you care to mention in world, is FULL of strong characters "

I resemble that remark &lt;G&gt;...

Take care

[BEXIL160]

Hiya Scott,

KZFW.. Hey, it's a nice place, with nice people. Couldn't think of a better example in the US &lt;g&gt;

I was just pointing out that controller the world over have a very similiar mindset, wherever they are. shucks.. you know all this stuff &lt;G&gt;.

Rgds BEX

[Northumbrian]

<img src="cool.gif" border="0"> Political Correctness.

At a certain UK ATC unit, somewhere between Muckle Flugga and the Scilly Isles, a letter was sent to all the members of a particular watch regarding what the ladies considered to be offensive behaviour on the part of their male colleagues <img src="mad.gif" border="0"> . The following anonynous reply was posted on the notice board the next day :-

<a href="http://www.geocities.com/hex10uk/Clench.doc" target="_blank">http://www.geocities.com/hex10uk/Clench.doc</a>

[driver 8]

Tried the link and get page not available error from Geocities?

D8

[Northumbrian]

I've tried the link myself using two ISP's with no problems. Maybe :- your system security is set too high or, if you're typing the URL in yourself, make sure that the 'Clench' is entered with a capital 'C' - it's case sensitive.

[PPRuNe Radar]

Have to agree with Driver 8. Doesn't work here either, settings all confirmed as allowing page content.

Anyone else ??

[Stan By]

When you get the error page, go to the address bar and delete the "http://" bit, leaving

<a href="http://www.geocities.com/hex10uk/Clench.doc" target="_blank">www.geocities.com/hex10uk/Clench.doc</a>

I hope that works as a link, but it probably won't. I'm an amateur you know!

Cheers

Stan

. .Edited to say, just tried my link, but that doesn't work properly, so do the deleting bit above <img src="frown.gif" border="0">

[ 29 January 2002: Message edited by: Stan By ]</p>

[matc2]

The file should download as a Doc File. It isn't an actual web page.. .If your browser settings/file associations are wrong then you may have trouble.

An easy fix is to download the new and FREE Opera 6 from <a href="http://www.opera.com." target="_blank">www.opera.com.</a> The non java version ia only a couple of mbs. Far better than IE anyway <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[Goldfish Watcher]

I did what Stan suggested and found I could read it.

However I wish I hadn't bothered. t's not very funny or interesting

[Northumbrian]

Must be my sense of humour but I found it quite amusing, however, I understand that the person who put the document up has now pulled it - I've tried the URL and it no longer works. Maybe just as well !

[Northumbrian]

OOPS, I seem to have landed something upon an audience which is almost totally. .ungifted with computer skills and, for the one who managed to read the doc., without. .an appreciation for satire. Sorry !

[Stan By]

You'll Have to explain it to us, because I found it pretty dull as well.