Some thoughts about my own personal experiences at LATCC recently. Do
youfeel the same, or differently?
I had high hopes for the "new" NATS. I had hoped that a new Owner and fresh top table team would learn from the errors of the old management team. I had even tried to be optimistic here at PPRuNe.
It is exceptionally disappointing to have to write that the existing NATS management ethos remains firmly in place, together with all it's old values and attitudes towards it's operational staff. Specifically they DO NOT VALUE the operational staff (ATCOs/ATSAs/ATEs) and have NO INTENTION of improving communication with them.
No, the existing management appear to be pre-occupied with hiding the fact that we (still) do not have enough staff. There has been NO visible appreciation of the flexibility of the staff that are available, despite the stress and fatigue that is becoming apparent (to all but management, that is).
I have experienced implied criticisms that I, and other ATCOs are "being difficult" when we refuse to raise flow rates ON SAFETY GROUNDS.
I have seen a junior ATCO berated by a manager for calling in sick at short notice. This is absolutely APPALLING. The ANO requires an ATCO who is ill to refrain from exercising the priviliges of his/her licence.
That a NATS manager should even question this is VERY POOR.
If you are reading this Mr. Everitt, I, like many others in your company wanted to give you, and TAG, a chance. I am depressed that SO LITTLE has been achieved. You made a big issue about communication. IT ISN'T HAPPENING.
The 100 days aren't up yet, but the clock is running.....
Anybody else got anything to add?
BEX