OK! Very Constructive comments for which I thank you all.
The working practices I mentioned are out of date; my point is that some of the comments by others in these forums would appear to expect these to return when things are 'sorted out'. I don't think they will. I also get the idea that, whilst many of you deplore the current crisis because of its effects on our customers and (more importantly) safety levels, I have also heard it said, 'keep the flow control. I want my EG!' And it was seriously said! I know its a minority view, but I'll be b*gg*rd if I'll support that.
nats: Whilst what you say is true: many ATCO's did use the pay vote as a vehicle for expressing their feelings about other issues, you are the one that is missing the point. This was a PAY vote. I voted for a PAY award. I am not the only one to feel this way. I repeat: if the union were to come to me and ask for a vote on these other issues, I would be very happy to give NATS and the Government the kick in the ba**s they thoroughly deserve. They have lied to everyone and should be held accountable.
The Airline Group deserve the same because they are still employing those managers who said things like, 'We have adequate staffing levels'.
On the overtime issue: Let me clarify. Joko's point is balanced and well made, and what nats says is true. Overtime is voluntary. However, the union has, until now stated, 'we will not support you if you do overtime. You must not do it!'. Personally I do not partake. Then suddenly the 'NO, NO, NO Overtime' changes overnight because its en-route that needs it and the union does a 180. But is it for all of us? Oh no! "Designated Units" is the term you are looking for in the small print. At the moment the only unit I know of that's designated is Swanwick. Maybe there are others; I do know that my unit aint not one of them. Of my immediate colleagues, we all saw that in the proposed deal and said 'NERC only'. Are you then surprised that many of us take a cynical view about a great divide?
Whilst we are not contractually compelled to do overtime, I am glad that some ATCO's do so because I and my work mates would regularly have to face positions closed and even solo working. This is probably no fear for the big units. Why, well it's a lot easier for the big units to close a position where you normally operate 4, 5 or 6 or more and the capacity cut is 25%, 20% or less. Try doing the same when you close one of 2 or three positions. Different ball game. And the managers at smaller units are all grasping for that GM's post and go ape at the thought of Flow Control because they cannot 'control' their staff. It's career threatening. So for those who file 1261's and overloads the punishment postings, permanent day shifts follow. None of this should happen but it does so the doing or not doing is a fine call. What should happen is we say 'NO' and watch the system fail but that takes more guts than I've got, and I don't see a rush to martyrdom.
I have no intention of walking out of the door just so that someone, somewhere, gets an even bigger slice of the cake at my expense. I bet this is a common view of ATCO's in Airports both large and small. A 60/40 vote does support this hypothesis although it's not as simple as this. But unless the union and those of you working at Swanwick and TU address the issues that concern Airports et al., don't be surprised when they fail to support you in return.
End of Moan. No more to follow!
