IMHO that is not true. A non-valid Nats trainee in the 90s was making more money than a valid ATCO today on the T&D scale.
Ah yes, those were the days. Barely a decade ago I was drawing down the best part of 35k a year with no responsibility to speak of as a TC trainee.
How times have changed.
As for biscuit boy and his outbursts. He seems like a well balanced lad to me.
A chip on each shoulder.