Luv Pringles, the world hasn't moved on. Controllers still have a lot of power, we just choose not to use it.
DFS need planes landing and departing at Gatwick airport, they can't do that without controllers, fact. The Gatwick controllers could demand a huge premium to do that job, they won't of course because they worry about losing their jobs.
However if they stand up for themselves and stay together, a wage rise can be obtained. Unfortunately too many people think like yourself.