The thing we have to do over the pension is stick together. I do think a strike, or just a threat of strike action would send warning bells throughout the aviation world, most if not all airlines could not afford a day without flying.
As for public support, forget it. Most of the public reckon that ATC is the reason that their plane is delayed and they have to miss out on a few hours of sun and drunkeness on their annual two week binge. I am sure many of us have heard a pilot blame ATC for late arrivals or departures!!
As for the promise that if you are already in the scheme then your pension is not under threat. How long before the members of the "new scheme" out number the members in the "old Scheme" and vote to close the "old scheme" down???
Another question. If the pension goes what will the difference be between NATS and other ATC providers? One of the reasons we all work and stay with NATS is the pension. No pension, whats to stop controllers wanting to work for other companies, especially if they bid and get the ATC contract at your unit?? Have you thought of that aspect Mr. Barron?