Richard , oh , Richard
Disbelief
1. that you sent me a personal letter at great expense at a time when the company is having a pensions holiday
2. that you expect me to believe that I've had generous pay rises over the years and that my pals down the pub haven't done better than me!
Hmmm , I think not.
Have you any conception how hard we've had to work in the last few years?
Look , we didn't want privatisation but we've got it so lets make it work and treat each other with respect and honesty.
As CE of NATS you must have looked at the business plan ; we ATCOs did.
At Unit meetings prior to privatisation , we pointed out the weaknesses and looked with disbelief at the charging formula that the CAA will impose.
We were stonewalled - "not a problem" , they said.
Surely TAG (Britain's Most Able Business Minds) knew what they were doing when they gave Gordon Brown the cheque!
Well of course 9/11 came along and revenues went down.
Revenues also went down because of Flow Restrictions to accomodate LACC Training.
Things like that happen - Gulf War , Oil Crisis etc
In contrast for many of us Traffic levels/workload increased significantly
That's history.
All indicators show substantial growth in the Aviation sector in the next 2 years.
By now you will be aware that we face a real shortage of Controllers.
It is at crisis level as we speak and many older controllers ( those your managers expect to stay until 60 ) are lining up to get out.
A substantial pay rise is required simply to address this issue and promote the recruitment of high calibre trainees that would otherwise drift into flying or the city.
I am pleased to see that you wish to " recognise and value" your ATCOs.
The ONLY way to prove that is to pay us a BASIC SALARY fit for the task at levels equal to our European Colleagues with fringe benefits to match.
The current offer is derisory.
I trust that my Union Reps have made that clear.
Last edited by shakinhed; 21st May 2002 at 19:47.