Connex
Please don't think I'm on your side on this issue, I'm quite the opposite. It is people like you - ATCOs and ATSAs - that feel the need to whip up feelings that may be not even be there until pay talks come around.
As I see it you seem to hate ATCOs and everything they stand for but are willing to surf any pay-related wave that comes along. I don't know about money grabbing, whingeing ATCOs it seems you are not that far behind (if not a little ahead).
Incidentally, how much harder are you working than you were 10 years ago?
Now take a look at any ATCO alongside, how much harder is s/he working?
Now ask yourself if you are worth the same size pay rise?