View Full Version : Controllers going on strike!?
General_Kirby
15th Jun 2011, 18:06
Why do the BBC keep saying controllers are going on strike on 30th June? Something I don't know?
anotherthing
15th Jun 2011, 18:32
Chanel 4 said it as well.
Part of the Civil Service mass strike. Lazy Journos think that ATC is still Civil Service
BDiONU
15th Jun 2011, 18:34
The BBC state that PCS are supporting the strike (ATSAs union not ATCOs) so I've asked the question in the NATS forum if it's true, are the ATSAs going to strike on 30th June in support?
BBC News - Public sector workers back mass strike over pensions (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13772326)
BD
anotherthing
15th Jun 2011, 18:39
Replied to you on NATS forum.
Do you think that an ATSA strike in a part privatised company would be legal, in support of Civil Servants?
I don't.
eglnyt
15th Jun 2011, 19:47
Industrial action in support of employees of another employer is secondary action and is unprotected. Not so much illegal as very unwise. Picketing in support of employees of another employer is illegal.
BDiONU
15th Jun 2011, 21:07
Anotherthing and eglnyt thanks for the replies, obviously the beeb have got it wrong (again).
BD
Me Me Me Me
16th Jun 2011, 10:45
Just lazy journalism.
ATSAs and MSGs are PCS members... but not under the umbrella of PCS Civil Service - We're in the commerical part, so we didn't vote on this strike, nor would we have any place in joining it.
chevvron
16th Jun 2011, 11:30
And why are they called ATSA's instead of ATCA's?
ZOOKER
16th Jun 2011, 12:53
Because (historically) it was felt that many of their tasks went beyond simply assisting ATCO's. The change of title was about the mid 1980's?
Many years ago, the ATSAs/ATCAs at a certain local authority airport were titled 'Air Traffic Control Clerks', (ATCCs), because then you could pay them less than the NATCS ATCA scale, for performing similar tasks.
chevvron
16th Jun 2011, 13:02
I heard that it was because they came out on strike - just the assistants not the controllers - in the early/mid 70s in support of some civil service grades (still c/s in those days before CAA) and the controllers union insisted that they be stripped of the word 'control' in their job title as sort of punishment.
Brian 48nav
16th Jun 2011, 13:17
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.
chevvron
16th Jun 2011, 14:34
I well remember the controllers at some larger units going on strike in about '81; I also remember the local union rep at Farnborough (HR) being 'harassed' by the union co-ordinator because he wouldn't insist on Farnborough controllers taking part; left it to individuals to make their own minds up. Then the Farnborough tels supervisors, not NATS employees but in the same union, went out on strike meaning the techies couldn't operate the radio and radar gear. But they couldn't stop us using the runway caravan which had battery powered radios and was plugged into the mains when in position thus the batteries were constantly re-charged, so we carried on with no radar.
A bit harsh Mr W!! I was at Gatwick then and we were ballotted. Support was not solid and there were some misunderstandings. I lost a day's pensionable service because of it!!
A I
Brian 48nav
17th Jun 2011, 19:38
Sorry to offend you, but that's what the old grey cells could remember! About KK I mean ! As I was in H&I at the time I have no axe to grind either way. Are we acquainted?
BW
PeltonLevel
20th Jun 2011, 11:25
why are they called ATSA's instead of ATCA's? I thought that it came about when the ATCA grade (those who worked directly assisting the controllers) merged with the teleprinter operators (who handled flight data more remotely).
But this probably belongs in the NATS History thread!
Oh yes Mr W!! I was on my Aerodrome course in 1974 staying at the same hotel as you in Boscombe!!
babotika
21st Jun 2011, 06:49
I'm sure I saw a NOTAM about this the other day... Flow restrictions in to UK airspace due industrial action etc etc. Couldn't believe my eyes.
S.
BDiONU
21st Jun 2011, 10:34
I'm sure I saw a NOTAM about this the other day... Flow restrictions in to UK airspace due industrial action etc etc. Couldn't believe my eyes.
Not due to ATC but customs, passport control etc. who are all snivelling serpents, unlike ATC (in UK).
BD