I just have to say, as various posters have commented on my posts. That i in know way infer that EVERYONE at CTC/Heathrow House or other NON-operational posts, are Dross. I work quite a lot outside of just sitting in front of a radar screen, I work with ENG and other support staff in various projects, initiatives, I see many talented people, many people who bring a lot to the company, or support the operational staff in many ways. And to those who have posted on here who feel offended by my coments, who are among those working at CTC that do these jobs to help make NATS work well and are a needed asset in the company I apologise, but from my experience, and yes this is experience not just a view, there is an awful lot of positions at CTC that are either not really doing much for the support of the company, could maybe be done by others rather than 10 people to do 1 or 2 peoples job, or quite simply do we really need it. Those that work at CTC should be just as equally concerned by this as the operational staff are, as its those that are doing a good job at CTC that are getting Tar'd with the same brush.
The slagging off of some of operational ATCO's about their hours/conditions/pay etc is as rediculous....AAVA's are there because there isnt enough operational staff, often AAVA's are not approved at many units, and the unit left to run short so controllers, who not only perform operational tasks, but also involved in other work and work with CTC people, do so on their breaks, they often work a full cycle and end up at CTC on days off, hence a massive problem with ATCO's accuring loads of rest in lieu days that they cant take because of ATCO shortages, and being required to be either operational or at CTC again on another project. So think of it like this, a monday to friday job at CTC and then go work at swanwick at the weekend, that is what its like for some atco's. ATSA's who are on day 9 at work without a day off, due to sickness and shortage.
So when you see comments by some people on here of their views of SOME CTC staff, they are not just being nasty, they are not just thinking of themselves as something more than important than non operational staff, they are commenting from a view where they not only do their operational job, but also work along with CTC staff, giving up their days off, not being able to take leave, working short and harder because an AAVA wont be paid, dont all work at swanwick, with nice sleeping accomodation, and in fact dont actually get to sleep on night shifts.
Oh and for the poster who referred to Airline staff, pilots vs check in staff etc. I think you will find that Check in, baggage handlers, refueling, and all of those other jobs, are not actually part of the airline, they are employed by contractors or the airport. The airline doesnt need all these etc people either.