In Canada the ATC system went private in 1996, actually to a non-profit company called NavCanada. There were lots of claims that things would be better in the private sector like: better working conditions, improved morale, increased pay, impeccable safety record, new and better technology. On all these issues, I'd say that Nav Canada has failed, except for better technology. I guess being free from government budgets has allowed Nav Canada to get us better equipment/software. Employee morale must be at a all time low, they implemented new scheduling software that is a absolute nightmare to whatever social life you have left, we are now over a year without a contract, and Nav Canada likes cry poor and blame everything on "Due to the tragic events of September 11th..." If you are given the opportunity to decide your fate, I'd say stay in the government.