Spoke to a couple of friends who are reps yesterday - a bit of info gleaned re their thoughts on NSL and the SDC etc - not looking good for NATS as an ATC provider to tell the truth (nor NSL).
One of them even admited that he thought that the Unions were far too cosy with management and that he disagreed with a lot of what was going on. However as a rep, although you can voice your concerns at meetings etc, you have to toe the party line when it comes to official statements.
Bad times ahead in the next 2 weeks.
And for those wondering when they will see any payrise - don't expect it until at least July pay packets even if an agreement is made and accepted by end of May - NATS are having to draft in a specialist company to work out the back pay etc due to SMART pensions etc. It won't happen overnight.
As for AAVAs - not doing them is not the answer - the answer is the Union negotiating new, increased rates. The rates have been static for years, keeping the rates as they are only encourages management to skimp on operational manpower as AAVAS are cheaper than employing the correct amount of people.
As for PBs post - redundancies and cost cutting.
We have had a lot of redundancies/non renewal of contracts. In TC about half the assistants who are taking VR have gone, the rest go over the next couple of months.
Since the first lot have gone, we have started bringing more ATSAs in for overtime than previously, to make up for shortfall.
NATS - a World Leader in Mis-management of Manpower.
Last edited by anotherthing; 20th Apr 2009 at 10:33.