RO
Very weak argument.
"So why are ATCOs so susceptible to "sickness" on the nightshifts then? I've been in this game 17 years now and haven't missed one,"
But what is your record like on Days? Do you come in for a night shift with a cold that susequently gets worse so you have to take the next four rostered day shifts off?
"you can't tell me someone who's been on unit for two years can have more nights shift off due to "sickness" than I've had for 17 years."
Unless they have done more night shifts in 2 years than you've done in 17.
Are you under 40? You could be, you may feel differently in a few years. Are you married, do you have kids or other responsibilities that will hinder you in the ideal preparation for a night shift?
I'm not trying to cast doubt on you own integrity, just trying to illustrate that each individual and their circumstances are too different for you to draw such sweeping conclusions.