Strikes
IIRC the ATSAs went on strike in Sept/Oct 77, delaying my Mediator Course, and I think it was for their reasons not the greater Civil Service.
In 1981 ATCOs were used as 'shock troops' by IPCS as part of the general Civil Service protest against the then Governments pay restraint.
Not all controllers were canvassed, only those who would be required to participate. So College staff, HQ types, H&I and R&D did not get a vote. Might explain Chev' why you may not remember - as you were at UF.
I believe ATCOs branch forgot to send ballot papers to Gatwick and they did not join the action.