When childs rule...
That's right, Watcher.
Whoever is in charge, there will always be a management. Because we need coordination. They can't get rid of us, we can't do without a management.
The problem is that managers tend to slide towards the dark side of the force...
They sometimes need to be reminded what can be done and what can not. Hence the need for the possibility of industrial action (or threat of), when they can't manage negotiations. This is (kind of) a safety measure.
Only alternative would be to provide a downgraded service. Not because of industrial action : because of industrial misconception.
GL's argumentation seems to be based on the idea that ATC is "only" a service, that ATC must become and remain servile in front of our big masters : Aircraft Operators.
I wonder what they "produce" ? besides burnt fuel...
Whatever they "produce", we're here to help them do their job. And stop them if needed.
As parents would stop a child crossing a road in front of a car. Generally ends up in cries and tears, but there's a future...
Regulator/operator seperation was/is a nonsense.
Removing the regulation (police) power from ANSPs makes the childs (AOs) be the masters.
This will bite back someday.
World economic present situation springs to my mind, re lack of regulation and bite back...