V8
we have been saying that for years (since early 90's) both in the ME and Oz but alas air traffic controllers have been gradually getting screwed on T&C's incl pay for the last 15+ years. It will never change, because there will always be some mercenary from somewhere that will be willing to fill the hole for whatever reason.
All the ANS providers know this, and use it to their advantage. Market forces are not able to operate as they should because major governments and the private companies have conspired to keep ATC salaries way lower than what they really should be. Sad state of affairs but will always be the same, and IFATCA hasn't been able to right the wrong. Governments feel that ATC's are non professional people and pay them that way. If they acknowledge them as a distinct highly skilled profession then they will have to pay them way more...so guess what this will never happen.
I see ATC, as a losers profession because it is not treated as such by the ANSP, but yet they recognise pilots (who are really aerial bus drivers as a highly specialised profession...go figure.
My recomendation is that ATC's should look to career changes and not recommend the job to anyone, this is the only way that things may change.
ANSA..as usual your full of crap. Serco change the rules on the run all the time and you know it as does everyone who has worked there and currently works there..so you dont really get what you sign for. Either tell the REAL story or dont post as you give people false hopes.
PMS out