national pay and conditions

[catcu2004]

A few controllers were talking recently about the difference in pay and conditions at various non NATS units, up and down the country.
Most of the causes for discontent were, as a result of ATC being linked with other airport workers when it came to annual pay negotiations.
We would like to know, are ATCO’s/ ATCA’s interested in a national organisation linking all non NATS units.
Imagine the buying power when it came to loss of licence insurance for example, or private health care etc.
We are aware that Prospect represent a few non NATS units, and that a while ago they tried, we believe, unsuccessfully, to establish a non NATS branch, perhaps they could comment on the matter
What we are proposing is not the formation of a rival union, but a body or group that would lead to a nationally agreed set of minimum terms and conditions for ATC personnel.

[slotbuster]

Good idea, could this not be attempted through GATCO who have NATS and non-NATS members or is it outside of their remit?

[catcu2004]

Slotbuster

We don't think GATCO would get involved with pay and conditions since it is an apolitical organisation. RAF members are also members.
As we see it this would be directed at establishing a national norm for pay and conditions, sick pay, annual leave, loss of licence, and of course pay, However from the obvious lack of interest one can only assume that most people are happy with their own systems

[coolbeans]

Some kind of organisation that assistants could join would be nice, sometimes feels pretty lonely out here

[cdb]

I thought Prospect had an ATC Branch, not a NATS Branch! If enough controllers at a tower joined, wouldn't that get you representation with the expertise already in place?

[Fletchers Left Boot]

Assistants within NATS are members of PCS. Don't know how viable membership of PCS would be for ATSAs in the "non-state" sector.