Strike?

[niteflite01]

So, I see certain sections fo the media seem to think we're all going on strike at Easter time - which is nice

So, I'm wondering if we could have a "show of electronic hands" if you like and see just who would be prepared to strike in opposition to PPP and even perhaps SERCO's involvement - as mooted in the media.

Speaking personally yes, I would be prepared to strike although it would be a shame as I love my job so much (and I realise that that may be deemed as "sad" by some people!. More the reason to strike to protect it then!

Don't forget we're all speaking hypothetically here - should the need and the circumstances arise for action - would you take it?

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"Go around..I say again...go around"

[Bern Oulli]

I'm with you Niteflite. We are the best in the world and I for one would like to see us stay that way. On reflection though it doesn't say a lot for the rest of the world, organisationally speaking, does it?

Quick, nurse it's happened again!

[identnospeed]

Two conflicting rumours heard today:

1 - Serco is offering £100 million more than the other two and therefore is seen as a good bet.

2 - Serco and Lockhheed-Martin have been abandoned by their Venture Capital backers, making their bids unfavourable.

Anyone alse heard the same?

INS

[squawk 6789]

i'll strike- twice if necessary!!!!

(ain't gonna happen though)

[Magnetron]

Will be the saddest day of my long career, but I feel we are being forced into it by the current management.Is there a hidden agenda here, being driven by the future management,to shift the blame for NERC/McNERC to the hardest working,most professional people I have ever met in the aviation industry

EDIT
I just re-read your post,what do the media know about what I am going to do when I do'nt have the faintest idea and have certainly never voted on


[This message has been edited by Magnetron (edited 30 January 2001).]

[Numpo-Nigit]

Calm down everybody!!! I suspect either a non-attributable, off-the-record briefing by somebody in NATS trying to wind us up, or a journalist with a few facts trying to make a story on a slow-news day. As was said above, we will certainly find out by means other than the media if a strike is even contemplated. The legislation covering industrial action is very comprehensive and involves various hoops to be jumped through over quite a long period, so don't expect rapid action whatever happens.

Good news if Serco backers have pulled out though!!!!!!!

[250 kts]

Just in case-count me in (or should that be out)?

[daft fader]

Ident nospeed:

A juicy bit of gossip!(rumour number2)

Where did that come from?

Perhaps there is a God.

[This message has been edited by daft fader (edited 30 January 2001).]

[identnospeed]

The rumours of backers withdrawing (allegedly !) may be just that, but there is no smoke without fire !!

IMHO the Govt would prefer the Airline group, because the safety issue is paramount.

The NATS Senior managers would prefer Lock-Mart, because they have greater experience of Worldwide ATC systems contracts ( and would be more likely to "grow the business")

And Serco would like themselves to get it because they can sweat the assets and make money.

Allegedly, in each groups' presentation to the Govt, Serco were the only team which never mentioned Safety. Lots of effeciencies and economy though.

Also rumoured : NATS managers are getting jittery about the poss of Serco and are hinting to the Govt that a Serco takeover would not necessarily be a good idea (re:safety). However, the Govt are likely to think that it is just NATS SMG scaremongering in an attempt to save their own skins, before they get wiped out.

Bids in by Weds 31st Jan, results on Feb 18th, in the public domain before the 28th.
PPP by June.

INS

[North of the Border]

Also heard Identnospeeds No 2 rumour at work today. The Venture Capitalists were wanting to make a quick buck but have now decided that they will not be able to do this with NATS. £800m to buy half the company, £1.1 Billion investment (at least) over the next 10 years, CAA setting pricing regulation (RPI-?) and the possibility of being offered more of NATS in 4 or 5 years time. The figures just do not add up.

NOTB

[Chatterbox]

Hate to say this but,
normally the ones who sound off most about strike action are either the last ones "out the door" or the first to cross the "lines".

Mind you if that's the case, at least the same person will switch the lights back on!!!!!

[Roger That]

INS,

Try --> http://news.ft.com/ft/gx.cgi/ftc?pag...te=IXLZHNNP94C for the story.

If this doesn't work go to www.ft.com and do a search on NATS and you'll find the article confirming the "withdrawl" of Apax and PPM - Typical bankers eh !

RT

[Numpo-Nigit]

Back to rumour #1. I believe that the ATSAs are planning a ballot on industrial action in protest at PPP. I know no more; perhaps Mr Chips or somebody else can fill us in on the details/timescale.

Anyway, typical journalists!!!! ATSA/ATCO, assistant/controller - what's the difference?

[BuzzLightyear]

News At Ten tonight carried the strike story.

IPMS made a statement saying that we would be balloted.Hasn't come to soon if you ask me, we should have made this move months ago.

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To infinity and beyond

[passepartout]

Love my job...Love doing it...I frequentley congratulate myself on being one of the very few in Britain who goes to work thinking Im going to enjoy today...For those pilots reading this forum,there is nothing like coming off a busy session (adrenalin buzzing),knowing you have delivered everybody safely..I know I can do that because I have the back up...A history of people who are just as dedicated as I am....The future we fear...Many would claim that we are protecting ourselves....Please believe me ...they are lieing...Controllers are worried that the service they love and strive to provide is being eroded...Privatisation (ppp) is WRONG!!!
You all benefit (and suffer) from an impartial ATC...but at the end of the day what would you rather have?...an ATC service impartial to everybody or an ATC service that gives you what you want but dis-regards,ambulance flights ,rescue helicopters,transplant flights,,training flights/pilots,police helicopters. In short do you think that your company is ready to pay the extra bucks to pay for the service that it is already getting as part of the bargain. I agree with strike action...it pains me to say so ,I love giving you guys the best service...i am now being told who I will give that service to...into which category do you fall???

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

UK state Air Traffic Control Officers have never taken strike action in an ettempt to benefit themselves. The only time we did strike was an ill-conceived attempt to help government scientists. I, along with many colleagues at Heathrow, stayed out and I guess I've regretted it ever since (especially as I have to work an extra 3 days fter retirement to make up for it!!).

Striking is the ultimate industrial action we can take... but remember the US controllers and remember how power crazed management/government are. I don't care what anywone says - like it or not we'd never win against these megalomaniacs.

[Bern Oulli]

Check out the news today guys 'n'gals. It would seem that the Annual Delegate Conference has voted to ballot on strike action, subject to emergency talks with Lord Macdonald.
Quote from the Independant's web-site: "Leaders of the 1,800 controllers warned that they could stop all flights in and out of Britain at Easter, action which would affect thousands of holidays."

Nothing about it on the Union's web-site however.

Disregard my next transmission.

[VYT1]

I dont know what everyones feeling on striking is but we will become instantly thevictims of labour smear and disinformation.I agree 100% with strike action to help keep us at the top level of ATC service providers and will as a member be out.HOWEVER the union must start now to put our message accross to the public the news reports are already confused about what exactly we are doing and with that smug prat Prescott putting his considerable weight behind press releases etc we would soon become the holiday makers enemy and not friend.Lets get the message across we are not striking for more just what we have and against a foolish illconcieved policy to release money to buy votes at the election. Sorry to go on.

[AyrTC]

I have to have some sympaty with Heathrow Director.I was out in 1981. Ahh the joys of "rolling action".
After the strike I vowed I would never go on strike again unless it was for a strong ATC cause.
I am not against Industrial action but for all you keen action takers out there striking is not a picnic.Friendships are lost
relationship are strained.People are put under huge pressure for various reasons.
Oh and this may seem obvious, you don't get paid.Its amazing how many canteen radicals seem to be unaware of this!
Yeah we may have to go out on strike but make sure its for a correct ,strong and just reason.
I am prepared for some debate on the above points but if you have never been on strike or been on a picket line lads/lassies,quite frankly you do not know what you are talking about.
Ayr TC

[Nick 'the zone' Falzone]

God - what a bunch of flag wavers . Yeah , we provide a damn good service but lets not get into that NATS has the best controllers in the world pish . Privatisation , has for and againsts . Lets be realistic - most of the guys on my sectors are really concerned with their wages being screwed around with rather than the safety margin . And managers - are just running scared for their jobs . Too many cooks and all that . But for the boys who watch the skies - I dont feel we have much to worry about . Strike is an option - but we aint there yet .