I agree with UpperATC in that I support spanish atco´s and their plight, and he is right, a quick look in a mirror can help everyone.
If you (spanish guys?) reread my first post:
I symphathize with the spanish controllers as I can´t imagine the current situation to be especially enjoyable
However you guys are way too sensitive and go on the defensive at the drop of a hat...
I´m not the enemy and as I said I support spanish ATCO´s.
To answer atcstudent:
So SThor how many hours do you work every year? And please don't count your holidays, I'm sure you don't work more than 1450 hours.
Tell me please, let us all know!!
1672 hrs mandatory. Say I work 3 extra shifts per month I go up to 1985,5 hrs (180,5 times 11 months as per below) voluntary.
Do you work any month 170 hours? I do.
I have, a standard 152 hrs month with say 3 or 4 extra shifts (9,5 hrs each), 28,5 hrs / 38 hrs, comes down to 180,5 and 190 hrs respectively. Granted, all voluntary and I would not be pleased if my company tried to force me to work on days off.
Have you ever been forced to work on any of your days off? I have.
I have not and I hope I never will be.
Have you ever worked at 110%, 120% or 130% of you sector capacity? I have.
Yes and no. Where I work there is a dynamic sectorisation dependant on traffic flow. Have been anywhere between yawning and bursting.
I´m not trying to be a di*k...