Jocko
My last post on the subject because clearly you are not prepared to consider stop and think about some of the points raised.
I called you ill-informed in my last post and this is why: To quote
"Yes ive noticed that the people that dont like what i said have resorted to calling me this that and the next thing." This is a real classic since you have just called your fellow colleagues who didn't vote W....krs in another thread. Can't have it both ways.
"most assistans(and i know you have different responsibilities/pay up and down the country)is that you are well paid for a job that while important,does not for most require lots of training or any particular skills and does not carry with it a great deal of resposibility."
1) The training for an ATSA at my unit takes well over a year
2) Think about the OSS post at LATCC. These guys know more about HCS than you will ever know. Isn't that a skill?
3) I can think of several instances where ATSAs have been directly involved or caused a loss of seperation. Just giving an inaccurate clearance can lead to this. Isn't this responsibility?
"I do however believe there are many controllers out there who share my point of view." This is the real problem I have with your posts. Based on a belief, you have decided to act as spokesman and post damaging remarks that will only lead to ill-feeling. Couldn't you just have kept your thoughts to yourself rather than undermine the ATSAs in such a public forum.
The basic ATSA pay in not that much out of step with the national average. What does increase it significantly is unsocial hours and shift disturbance payments. But I also have to get up at 0430 for a morning spin duty, work Christmas Day and hand-write strips at 0200 in the morning when HCS is off. This has as much of an effect on my life, family, and social life as it does yours.
I'm obviously not going to change your mind on anything, but perhaps in a few years time when the ATSA has been replaced by an electronic box of tricks with questionable reliabilty, you will draw some comfort from the fact that NATS wage bill has decreased. Or will you wish that there was somebody a little more human there to support you.
Goodbye and good luck with your camapaign.
Last edited by Karoshi; 4th September 2002 at 08:56.