Dear Richard,
Thankyou very much for your letter, I can't remember the last time you wrote to me. I'm so pleased that when things are getting you down you feel you can open up to me.
There really was no need though to remind me of the extra few pennies you are offering. Might I suggest that you check out the PPRuNe website, where you will find much comment on just that subject.
I was most interested to learn that you are at last comparing NATS to the airline companies. You know, the bit about airline companies not offering any basic pay increases for their staff. Years ago we (ATCOs) used to earn a similar amount throughout the salary pay scale to our airline friends, but there is now a huge gap between the top of our scale and the top of theirs. For years we have been argueing for similar remuneration but you have never listened and more to the point never provided. So why start comparing now?
I also find it incredible that you suggest a downturn in traffic of 12% and revenue of 17% should justify such a measly increase in basic pay. Again you dare to compare! In the past when levels have been up by 8% pa and we have asked for a similar rise in pay you have flatly rejected what we have put on the table. So now that the tables have turned, why should we accept what you are putting on the table?
You must come and visit my unit, where I think you'll find traffic levels are most definately on the up. For sure , they are not up to pre 911 levels, but our responsibilities are exactly the same and the important thing to note is that TRAFFIC LEVELS ARE INCREASING.
I could go on by talking about Swanwick and the continued extra workload this keeps putting on Area/Approach and Twr controllers everytime it breaks down, but I'm sure I'd be preaching to the converted!!
Once again, thankyou for your letter,
Yours sincerely
COLLEAGUE
