The Abu Dhabi Britannic
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Cheery/Verci
Thanks for affording me the opportunity to give the readers a first hand look at how things work at the UAE ACC.
Here is the text of the letter that was submitted:
And I quote:
"Dear xxxxx (SATCO)
RE; ROSTERED 48-HOUR STAND-BY DUTY
I am writing to request the stand-by duty system be changed. I believe that the current roster is in breach of the CARs, specifically as follows:
The CARs define a Period of Duty
15.10.1.2.1 Period of Duty: The period between the actual commencement of and the actual end of a shift during which an air traffic controller whose licence contains a rating valid at the unit exercises, or could be called upon to exercise, the privileges of the licence at that unit, and includes prescribed breaks, time spent on other duties such as training, airfield inspection, meteorological observations, administrative tasks and any extension of duty. (my bolding)
The definitions go on to define the different types of Duty, of which Stand-by Duty is one, the others being Operational Duty, Night Duty and Break. Then
15.10.1.2.2 No Period of Duty shall exceed ten hours.
So, by definition, a Standby Duty, being one of four types of Duty, cannot exceed 10 hours.
The stand-by system is in further breach at
15.10.1.2.3 There shall be an interval of not less than ten hours between the conclusion of one Period of Duty and the commencement of the next Period of Duty. This interval may be reduced by up to 20 minutes solely for the purpose of orderly shift handover.
The LATSI also defines standby shifts as duty. Furter, I believe the current standby system allows for breaches of my (and others) employment contract. However, that matter will be raised via the contract manager.
I am making this request purely in the interest of safety. I find it impossible to prepare to work for a particular shift or time of day, when that time could be anywhere within a 24-hour period. If I carry out a normal daily routine, I cannot be well rested for a night duty. If I prepare for a night duty, I will inevitably be tired for a day duty, should one occur the following day. Therefor, I cannot be well rested for any particular duty requirement. Surely the CAR duty limitations are meant to prevent this. It is their reason for existence, both in intent and execution. I am sure other ATCOs the same way about fatigue, and may even have presented for work in an unfit state, too afraid of the consequences to declare themselves unfit. This is an invidious position to be placing staff."
The letter goes on to suggest possible solutions.
Now, Cherry, if the case was that I had somehow "ballsed up", how do you think the response would look? Would it have looked like this
And I quote:
"(memo letter head from contract manager)
Thank you for your letter dated 13 April.
With reference to your letter to xxxx xxxxx (SATCO), I was summoned to the DANS office for discussion.
The CARs were discussed, as were the terms of the Serco-IAL contract.
The CARs will be effected as promulgated. The GCAA has stated that the existing roster clearly meets all the requirements as laid down.
Your letter to the SATCO stating you cannot be well rested for any particular duty requirement, has drawn attention to a clause in the Serco-IAL Contract which states that personnel should be duly qualified, experienced and suited for the conditions in which you they (sic) respectively employed.
The GCAA interprets that your letter as submitted concerning that you cannot be well rested, contradicts the terms of the contract and considers you are undesirable for service. Serco have been informed by GCAA that should you choose not to withdraw your letter of the 13th in writing, they will insist on your immediate removal from the contract.
Employment as an ATC elsewhere in the UAE will not be approved by the GCAA.
Should you wish to retract your letter, this must be duly completed and forwarded to the SATCO no later than 1430 local time on Wednesday 16th April.
Yours Sincerely,
xxxxx xxxxxxxxxx
Contract Manager."
So, it's quite clear. The SATCO at the time, the now CATCO, couldn't even formulate a response. If, as you say, there was some sort of misinterpretation (of what is quite clearly a breach of the law), would you write back pointing out how the writer was wrong, or would you run to the DANS and then issue a dismissal threat? I wonder if ICAO are interested in how things work in the UAE? I wonder if other countries who use Serco are aware of how complicit they are in such things?
So if that's guns blazing, I'll go he. Now who has made an arse of themselves? Nothing like a few facts to clear things up. Will your boss be pleased you are causing his dirty laundry to be aired? Does he ever wonder why he keeps getting knocked back by ICAO for a job?
BTW; I have a job, thanks. A very good job in a fantastic part of the world. How about you? Are you just cranky because bog-rat controllers get paid more than you ? (onya Stew)
What actually happened was you balls’ed up on the CARS
Here is the text of the letter that was submitted:
And I quote:
"Dear xxxxx (SATCO)
RE; ROSTERED 48-HOUR STAND-BY DUTY
I am writing to request the stand-by duty system be changed. I believe that the current roster is in breach of the CARs, specifically as follows:
The CARs define a Period of Duty
15.10.1.2.1 Period of Duty: The period between the actual commencement of and the actual end of a shift during which an air traffic controller whose licence contains a rating valid at the unit exercises, or could be called upon to exercise, the privileges of the licence at that unit, and includes prescribed breaks, time spent on other duties such as training, airfield inspection, meteorological observations, administrative tasks and any extension of duty. (my bolding)
The definitions go on to define the different types of Duty, of which Stand-by Duty is one, the others being Operational Duty, Night Duty and Break. Then
15.10.1.2.2 No Period of Duty shall exceed ten hours.
So, by definition, a Standby Duty, being one of four types of Duty, cannot exceed 10 hours.
The stand-by system is in further breach at
15.10.1.2.3 There shall be an interval of not less than ten hours between the conclusion of one Period of Duty and the commencement of the next Period of Duty. This interval may be reduced by up to 20 minutes solely for the purpose of orderly shift handover.
The LATSI also defines standby shifts as duty. Furter, I believe the current standby system allows for breaches of my (and others) employment contract. However, that matter will be raised via the contract manager.
I am making this request purely in the interest of safety. I find it impossible to prepare to work for a particular shift or time of day, when that time could be anywhere within a 24-hour period. If I carry out a normal daily routine, I cannot be well rested for a night duty. If I prepare for a night duty, I will inevitably be tired for a day duty, should one occur the following day. Therefor, I cannot be well rested for any particular duty requirement. Surely the CAR duty limitations are meant to prevent this. It is their reason for existence, both in intent and execution. I am sure other ATCOs the same way about fatigue, and may even have presented for work in an unfit state, too afraid of the consequences to declare themselves unfit. This is an invidious position to be placing staff."
The letter goes on to suggest possible solutions.
Now, Cherry, if the case was that I had somehow "ballsed up", how do you think the response would look? Would it have looked like this
And I quote:
"(memo letter head from contract manager)
Thank you for your letter dated 13 April.
With reference to your letter to xxxx xxxxx (SATCO), I was summoned to the DANS office for discussion.
The CARs were discussed, as were the terms of the Serco-IAL contract.
The CARs will be effected as promulgated. The GCAA has stated that the existing roster clearly meets all the requirements as laid down.
Your letter to the SATCO stating you cannot be well rested for any particular duty requirement, has drawn attention to a clause in the Serco-IAL Contract which states that personnel should be duly qualified, experienced and suited for the conditions in which you they (sic) respectively employed.
The GCAA interprets that your letter as submitted concerning that you cannot be well rested, contradicts the terms of the contract and considers you are undesirable for service. Serco have been informed by GCAA that should you choose not to withdraw your letter of the 13th in writing, they will insist on your immediate removal from the contract.
Employment as an ATC elsewhere in the UAE will not be approved by the GCAA.
Should you wish to retract your letter, this must be duly completed and forwarded to the SATCO no later than 1430 local time on Wednesday 16th April.
Yours Sincerely,
xxxxx xxxxxxxxxx
Contract Manager."
So, it's quite clear. The SATCO at the time, the now CATCO, couldn't even formulate a response. If, as you say, there was some sort of misinterpretation (of what is quite clearly a breach of the law), would you write back pointing out how the writer was wrong, or would you run to the DANS and then issue a dismissal threat? I wonder if ICAO are interested in how things work in the UAE? I wonder if other countries who use Serco are aware of how complicit they are in such things?
went in with guns a blazing and made an arse of yourself
BTW; I have a job, thanks. A very good job in a fantastic part of the world. How about you? Are you just cranky because bog-rat controllers get paid more than you ? (onya Stew)
Last edited by ferris; 23rd Oct 2005 at 02:22.
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Bravo!
Tall Lion,
I agree with all of the other comments, it is worth it to come and have a look, and talk to the expat controllers more than management, you will get a more realistic picture of work here.
The bond is also an issue, it can be expensive to get out of if you decide to leave inside 2 years.
Safety in the ME is a low priority, fatigue and over-work is a reality. Procedures are poorly written and heaven forbid if an incident occurs, incident investigation is 20 years behind the rest of the world, the controller will ALWAYS be to blame, not the procedures or the people who wrote them!
Make no mistake, this is a third world country. The ATC is run by irresponsible management with no accountability at all.
Coming from Europe you will need to be prepared to seriously lower your standards. ICAO desperately needs to do a safety audit of the ME right now
I agree with all of the other comments, it is worth it to come and have a look, and talk to the expat controllers more than management, you will get a more realistic picture of work here.
The bond is also an issue, it can be expensive to get out of if you decide to leave inside 2 years.
Safety in the ME is a low priority, fatigue and over-work is a reality. Procedures are poorly written and heaven forbid if an incident occurs, incident investigation is 20 years behind the rest of the world, the controller will ALWAYS be to blame, not the procedures or the people who wrote them!
Make no mistake, this is a third world country. The ATC is run by irresponsible management with no accountability at all.
Coming from Europe you will need to be prepared to seriously lower your standards. ICAO desperately needs to do a safety audit of the ME right now
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Seatstrap, or is that "master of deception"
I read through cheerybottoms retort, as far as I can read and interpret, what was said was that overtime is voluntary, if no one wants to work it then no problem. The chaps are not FORCED to work the overtime.
As for closing sectors, what do you propose (in the current climate)? Keep the sectors open and overload the guys? Come on ss, thought you had a bit more in you than that. Obviously you need to close a sector and slow the traffic rate down, even Aus do it.
This is what burns me bottom. When fellows like seatstrap distort what is written and then distort it some more. Your threads are an absolute joke, grow up.
ferris
Well written and you are complimented (not sarci) on your efforts. My only comment there (hope it's right) is that you have certainly put your point across and layed down your version of events. I would love to know what the truth is (beginning, middle and end). The reason I say this is that you are well known for your aggresive
and blunt manner in tackling issues (regardless if the issue is correct or not). To take the point even further, surely you would have not landed in the position (more than once) that you find yourself in today? No need to reply to that statement, as that is an answer for self reflection.
toodles, cat out
I read through cheerybottoms retort, as far as I can read and interpret, what was said was that overtime is voluntary, if no one wants to work it then no problem. The chaps are not FORCED to work the overtime.
As for closing sectors, what do you propose (in the current climate)? Keep the sectors open and overload the guys? Come on ss, thought you had a bit more in you than that. Obviously you need to close a sector and slow the traffic rate down, even Aus do it.
This is what burns me bottom. When fellows like seatstrap distort what is written and then distort it some more. Your threads are an absolute joke, grow up.
ferris
Well written and you are complimented (not sarci) on your efforts. My only comment there (hope it's right) is that you have certainly put your point across and layed down your version of events. I would love to know what the truth is (beginning, middle and end). The reason I say this is that you are well known for your aggresive
and blunt manner in tackling issues (regardless if the issue is correct or not). To take the point even further, surely you would have not landed in the position (more than once) that you find yourself in today? No need to reply to that statement, as that is an answer for self reflection.toodles, cat out
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CMD
Irrelevant whether Ferris presented his letter nicely or not. Safety and manners are not coincident. If there is a safety issue you should not have to ask nicely to bring it up. The facts are the two letters and that is all.
As for the optional overtime and closing sectors, well it's going to come to that soon. Not because ATCOs don't want the money but because no one is going to be available to man them according to the seemingly flexible CARs.
How long do you think a certain Sheikh in DXB is going to put up with his planes stuck on the ground in DXB because they have to depart five minutes apart.
We need staff and Serco/GCAA need to make changes to get them, simple as that.
Irrelevant whether Ferris presented his letter nicely or not. Safety and manners are not coincident. If there is a safety issue you should not have to ask nicely to bring it up. The facts are the two letters and that is all.
As for the optional overtime and closing sectors, well it's going to come to that soon. Not because ATCOs don't want the money but because no one is going to be available to man them according to the seemingly flexible CARs.
How long do you think a certain Sheikh in DXB is going to put up with his planes stuck on the ground in DXB because they have to depart five minutes apart.
We need staff and Serco/GCAA need to make changes to get them, simple as that.
Last edited by sandborne; 23rd Oct 2005 at 15:23.
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Geez Ferris, me ole mate, with an ability like yours you should have been senior management by now. I can just see you in the line up with other illustrious leaders like: Jo Stalin, Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, Papa Doc Duvalier, Robert Mugabe , etc.
You have a way of inspiring people to go onward an upward. Per ardua ad astra
Cheers me ole mate.
You have a way of inspiring people to go onward an upward. Per ardua ad astra
Cheers me ole mate.
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seatstrap
With english composition like yours it is very easy to misinterpret, for that I apologise.
Now that we are in agreement may the games continue.....
Sandborne
Point taken but I am not convinced we are getting the full story. We have heard ferris' version of events and based on recent events how are we to believe that his version is correct. I am not sure that verci... (oops..
) would hop on line and give his version. Ferris is well aware of this and can thus spread his story to whom ever he wishes. He has even gone as far as quoting excerpts from letters, are we getting the full version? Even if ferris says we are, are we believing him without allowing the others to state their (hope that's right) case? This is a blatant case of believing what you read in the papers (except for absconding notices). Ferris would make a great reporter and would, no doubt, be an asset to any tabloid.
I do not think that you should be naive enough to listen to one sided stories.
sandstorm inferno
nuff said, I'm off.
cat out
With english composition like yours it is very easy to misinterpret, for that I apologise.
Now that we are in agreement may the games continue.....
Sandborne
Point taken but I am not convinced we are getting the full story. We have heard ferris' version of events and based on recent events how are we to believe that his version is correct. I am not sure that verci... (oops..
) would hop on line and give his version. Ferris is well aware of this and can thus spread his story to whom ever he wishes. He has even gone as far as quoting excerpts from letters, are we getting the full version? Even if ferris says we are, are we believing him without allowing the others to state their (hope that's right) case? This is a blatant case of believing what you read in the papers (except for absconding notices). Ferris would make a great reporter and would, no doubt, be an asset to any tabloid.I do not think that you should be naive enough to listen to one sided stories.
sandstorm inferno
nuff said, I'm off.
cat out
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CMD
You say that ferris is not giving the whole story and we shouldn't believe him because of that fact. Yet you and your buddies ANSA Mews etc keep bringing up his departure from here as being inglorious without providing the facts behind it. Yes there was a notice in the paper but what were the circumstances behind that occuring. Whose word do we go on there. Yours? You say that just because something is written doesn't make it fact yet you provide no reason to believe that ferris' departure was nothing but (opinion here only mind and I don't have all the facts) poor planning on his behalf and spite on behalf of his ex employer. If you are a Serco controller let's hope that they don't treat you the same way they (alledgedly) treated ferris.
Mr Mews
Way to attack the man again. Plenty written, nothing said
You say that ferris is not giving the whole story and we shouldn't believe him because of that fact. Yet you and your buddies ANSA Mews etc keep bringing up his departure from here as being inglorious without providing the facts behind it. Yes there was a notice in the paper but what were the circumstances behind that occuring. Whose word do we go on there. Yours? You say that just because something is written doesn't make it fact yet you provide no reason to believe that ferris' departure was nothing but (opinion here only mind and I don't have all the facts) poor planning on his behalf and spite on behalf of his ex employer. If you are a Serco controller let's hope that they don't treat you the same way they (alledgedly) treated ferris.
Mr Mews
Way to attack the man again. Plenty written, nothing said
Last edited by sandborne; 23rd Oct 2005 at 17:04.
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Sandborne
A man of few words.
ferris' departure (absconding) is fact. We don't have to mince words on that. At the conclusion of the affair, management appraised us of the events in a fair manner, no malice, only the bare facts were presented that lent ferris a bit of respect. I was somewhat surprised the manager did not put a spin on the affair. I suppose you were on leave when this happened. ferris on the other hand had nothing good to say, so what I will say is that on this issue managment maintained intergrity whilst ferris shot his mouth off, who would you believe?
Now before you get hot under the collar, I am merely stating the facts that were presented to all during that time (no reference to previos or present affairs). The manager involved was non-judgemental whereas the other party was. I draw my own conclusion from the behavior of said parties.
cat out
A man of few words.
ferris' departure (absconding) is fact. We don't have to mince words on that. At the conclusion of the affair, management appraised us of the events in a fair manner, no malice, only the bare facts were presented that lent ferris a bit of respect. I was somewhat surprised the manager did not put a spin on the affair. I suppose you were on leave when this happened. ferris on the other hand had nothing good to say, so what I will say is that on this issue managment maintained intergrity whilst ferris shot his mouth off, who would you believe?
Now before you get hot under the collar, I am merely stating the facts that were presented to all during that time (no reference to previos or present affairs). The manager involved was non-judgemental whereas the other party was. I draw my own conclusion from the behavior of said parties.
cat out
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Firstly "I suppose you wre on leave when this happened: you agree to the anonymity of others when registering on this site. No attempts to guess who I am please.
Secondly you use your own arguement against yourself "Management maintained their integrity". Why should I believe that? Because it is your opinion? No one I know, knows the whole facts.
"Ferris shot his mouth off" He has been given every opportunity to do so about this topic on this forum and hasn't. I spoke to him after the fact and he didn't even mention it. Not a ferris fan but as you say there are two sides to every story.
S.I.
Get over it
Goodnight for now
Secondly you use your own arguement against yourself "Management maintained their integrity". Why should I believe that? Because it is your opinion? No one I know, knows the whole facts.
"Ferris shot his mouth off" He has been given every opportunity to do so about this topic on this forum and hasn't. I spoke to him after the fact and he didn't even mention it. Not a ferris fan but as you say there are two sides to every story.
S.I.
Get over it
Goodnight for now
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I totally agree with sandborne's comments re how long a certain Sheikh in Dubai will allow these delays to continue. I think not for long.
This also extends to the dubai unit as well because most of them claiim they are such professional and expert app controllers (read "girls blouses") they will only take so many on freqency at one time, hmmm very professional........
So the UAE sectors have to take up the slack of the Dubai prima donnas and this makes them busier. It would be obvious then that Dubai does not have the staff numbers or quality either to cope with major airport congestion.
The same for the outbounds delay heading west. More stupid rules by the prima Donna Bahrainis and Saudi..... all in all this middle eastern mess must be costing the airlines squillions of dollars.
The best you guys can hope for is that the said Sheikh, gets off his bum and takes this hands on and pushes Serco off that contract as well going direct hire either through the Dubai DCA or through DNATA and offer the appropriate rate of pay for controllers (who can really move bulk traffic and to help instigate procedures for this as well) for what is now a major international facility/airport.
The UAE/AUH and Dubai airports and airspace are no longer minnows. These are well out of the Serco management capabilities and this is becoming more evident every day, the sooner they remove the last vestages of British colonialism and RJ from these 2 major contracts and Bahrain for that matter the better off the local will be. The vast majority Serco management have never really operated at extremely busy international facilities for some time if not a long time, the MATO and manager are a classic example, no f?????g idea.
Dont worry for you Serco lover there will still be the little tinpot contracts at RAK, SHJ and Al Ain which Serco are probably capable of running andnot falling into the crap again
HOpe the powers to be are reading this thread and maybe they will realise the incompetence theyare dealing with and have to do something now.
Chow
This also extends to the dubai unit as well because most of them claiim they are such professional and expert app controllers (read "girls blouses") they will only take so many on freqency at one time, hmmm very professional........
So the UAE sectors have to take up the slack of the Dubai prima donnas and this makes them busier. It would be obvious then that Dubai does not have the staff numbers or quality either to cope with major airport congestion.
The same for the outbounds delay heading west. More stupid rules by the prima Donna Bahrainis and Saudi..... all in all this middle eastern mess must be costing the airlines squillions of dollars.
The best you guys can hope for is that the said Sheikh, gets off his bum and takes this hands on and pushes Serco off that contract as well going direct hire either through the Dubai DCA or through DNATA and offer the appropriate rate of pay for controllers (who can really move bulk traffic and to help instigate procedures for this as well) for what is now a major international facility/airport.
The UAE/AUH and Dubai airports and airspace are no longer minnows. These are well out of the Serco management capabilities and this is becoming more evident every day, the sooner they remove the last vestages of British colonialism and RJ from these 2 major contracts and Bahrain for that matter the better off the local will be. The vast majority Serco management have never really operated at extremely busy international facilities for some time if not a long time, the MATO and manager are a classic example, no f?????g idea.
Dont worry for you Serco lover there will still be the little tinpot contracts at RAK, SHJ and Al Ain which Serco are probably capable of running andnot falling into the crap again
HOpe the powers to be are reading this thread and maybe they will realise the incompetence theyare dealing with and have to do something now.
Chow
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Sandborne, how can you say you work here and not know the facts of Ferris's departure, without us posting them on PPRUNE. As angry as I was about the nature of his departure and the poor light it has put all of us left here in, I'm not going to go into depth about the nitty gritty of his actions. If you do actually work here, then ask around, as pretty much everyone here knows. Either that or pop down to a couple of the banking institutions around town, and you may see the WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE posters on the walls. Cheers.
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ANSA
firstly I don't see how ferris' departure left us in a poor light. Maybe it left him in one, but not me. As for his actions and my comments, I was merely pointing out the fact the other than ferris himself nobody knows the whole story. Do you have his (what must be illegally obtained) financial statements? I was asked that I couldn't be so naive as to believe only one side of the story. I am not so naive to believe that Serco are completely blameless in the runner you so willingly allude to. Any story from anyone here, including you, about the events is merely their side of the story. And yes I do have a version of his leaving here and it isn't half as sinister as some would allude to. In fact the story I have is that matters are in no way settled and that ferris is in fact trying to take care of his affairs here.
If you are that willing to believe what you are told by the people that have an express (read financial) interest in their side of the story being the truth then I have a bridge to sell you.
To me it just seems that you have become the anti ferris and anything said about him that might shed some doubt as to his infamy must be refuted even if there is no real content in your retort.
Ferris
Not fighting your fight for you just trying to expose what can only be Serco or GCAA issued statements posted here to distract from the real issue of the things that need fixing here re contract, staff etc.
YY
Don't go down the DXB vs AUH road. It is non sequitur and can only ruin this discussion about the centre. I personally don't agree with you. We all have to work with each other and with the cards we are dealt. ie procedures equipment etc. I think given the traffic volumes, lack of flow control, loss of one runway etc the DXB people do as good as they can and we are trying to do the same.
firstly I don't see how ferris' departure left us in a poor light. Maybe it left him in one, but not me. As for his actions and my comments, I was merely pointing out the fact the other than ferris himself nobody knows the whole story. Do you have his (what must be illegally obtained) financial statements? I was asked that I couldn't be so naive as to believe only one side of the story. I am not so naive to believe that Serco are completely blameless in the runner you so willingly allude to. Any story from anyone here, including you, about the events is merely their side of the story. And yes I do have a version of his leaving here and it isn't half as sinister as some would allude to. In fact the story I have is that matters are in no way settled and that ferris is in fact trying to take care of his affairs here.
If you are that willing to believe what you are told by the people that have an express (read financial) interest in their side of the story being the truth then I have a bridge to sell you.
To me it just seems that you have become the anti ferris and anything said about him that might shed some doubt as to his infamy must be refuted even if there is no real content in your retort.
Ferris
Not fighting your fight for you just trying to expose what can only be Serco or GCAA issued statements posted here to distract from the real issue of the things that need fixing here re contract, staff etc.
YY
Don't go down the DXB vs AUH road. It is non sequitur and can only ruin this discussion about the centre. I personally don't agree with you. We all have to work with each other and with the cards we are dealt. ie procedures equipment etc. I think given the traffic volumes, lack of flow control, loss of one runway etc the DXB people do as good as they can and we are trying to do the same.
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Sandborne
Ferris' asked his company that they delay his work visa cancellation as long as possible as this would enable him to retain his passport until the last minute.
His wish was granted.
In his words he requested the delay in order that "he could clear up his banking & assorted matters prior to leaving".
Info: (Immigration require the passport for approx one week for the work visa cancellation process. The down side is that in this week while the visa cancellation process is happening your banking facilities are frozen and all outstanding balances have to be cleared before your exit is authorised).
Check ANSA's posting on that .
Ferris then departed (absconded) during his requested visa delay period without picking up his gratuity. (That's a first).
All this is common knowledge in the UAE and points east & west.
His actions are less than useful in that his company will now have all sorts of hassle with the immigration dept which will delay bringing in a replacement.
That screws up the roster
His ex colleagues will have scrutiny & limitations imposed on their banking facilities. etc. purely because they work for the same company.
If he was musical he would play the one note samba: Me Me me me.
Nuff said.
Ferris' asked his company that they delay his work visa cancellation as long as possible as this would enable him to retain his passport until the last minute.
His wish was granted.
In his words he requested the delay in order that "he could clear up his banking & assorted matters prior to leaving".
Info: (Immigration require the passport for approx one week for the work visa cancellation process. The down side is that in this week while the visa cancellation process is happening your banking facilities are frozen and all outstanding balances have to be cleared before your exit is authorised).
Check ANSA's posting on that .
Ferris then departed (absconded) during his requested visa delay period without picking up his gratuity. (That's a first).
All this is common knowledge in the UAE and points east & west.
His actions are less than useful in that his company will now have all sorts of hassle with the immigration dept which will delay bringing in a replacement.
That screws up the roster
His ex colleagues will have scrutiny & limitations imposed on their banking facilities. etc. purely because they work for the same company.
If he was musical he would play the one note samba: Me Me me me.
Nuff said.
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Mr Mews
wow some facts from you
Welcome back
Why up until now has the implication been that ferris went around the banks borrowing money with the intention of stealing it. See ANSA's posting for that information not the information you allude to as being in it. Just checked my banking facilities all working fine thanks. Pay day yesterday now wallet is too heavy to carry around.
Why does someone abscond without their gratuity?
You queried this yourself, isn't it probable there are two sides to this story? Or do you only know one of them? My naivete still not letting me down there.
I also stand by what I said about him trying to clear up his affairs here still. This is information gleaned by someone who is dealing with him financially here.
So ferris' reputation as it were is sullied. So what, does that make things just peachy here in AUH? No. Do you dispute that we are short staffed? Do you dispute that a majority, yes majority of Serco ATCO's are unhappy with their accommodation. For that also read furniture etc. They may not say it to you but they do say it when I am around at work.
Apart from your last post all you have presented so far in my opinion is attacks on ferris and not argument presenting why I for example am wrong about the need to improve on the current contract conditions to fill the staff numbers that are required and retain the staff that are here. Not all of us burned our bridges or are trouble makers at work.
wow some facts from you
Welcome back
Why up until now has the implication been that ferris went around the banks borrowing money with the intention of stealing it. See ANSA's posting for that information not the information you allude to as being in it. Just checked my banking facilities all working fine thanks. Pay day yesterday now wallet is too heavy to carry around.
Why does someone abscond without their gratuity?
You queried this yourself, isn't it probable there are two sides to this story? Or do you only know one of them? My naivete still not letting me down there.
I also stand by what I said about him trying to clear up his affairs here still. This is information gleaned by someone who is dealing with him financially here.
So ferris' reputation as it were is sullied. So what, does that make things just peachy here in AUH? No. Do you dispute that we are short staffed? Do you dispute that a majority, yes majority of Serco ATCO's are unhappy with their accommodation. For that also read furniture etc. They may not say it to you but they do say it when I am around at work.
Apart from your last post all you have presented so far in my opinion is attacks on ferris and not argument presenting why I for example am wrong about the need to improve on the current contract conditions to fill the staff numbers that are required and retain the staff that are here. Not all of us burned our bridges or are trouble makers at work.
Last edited by sandborne; 24th Oct 2005 at 15:37.
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Hi Sandy
unable to comment as to whether Ferris did it intentionally, that would be "sub Judice" and up for further due legal process but it certainly did not do his ex colleagues any favours.
He was in a position where he could have helped many but instead he chose to ride his own high horse. His actions negated many efforts by his co workers (swei Swei).
I'm sure that his ex employers will do a follow up action all the way to his domicile. In these intranet days not too difficult.
Basically very sad really 'cos he could have helped the overall situation a lot.
Messy business, 'cos there's a lot of good guys there.
G'night.
unable to comment as to whether Ferris did it intentionally, that would be "sub Judice" and up for further due legal process but it certainly did not do his ex colleagues any favours.
He was in a position where he could have helped many but instead he chose to ride his own high horse. His actions negated many efforts by his co workers (swei Swei).
I'm sure that his ex employers will do a follow up action all the way to his domicile. In these intranet days not too difficult.
Basically very sad really 'cos he could have helped the overall situation a lot.
Messy business, 'cos there's a lot of good guys there.
G'night.
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Gents
Get real for a minute please. You make this situation out to be the first time this has happened. Certainly not.
This has happened numerous times over the years and not just in Abu Dhabi, its happened in all stations including Bahrain, we have had engineers, met men etc at one point or another. It also happens in other industries here as well.
What you need to understand here is that obviously ferris has reached a level of dissatisfaction where he felt he needed to make a point and if this was his way of making then he is the one who has to live with it, not you moaners.
Seems to me like a case of sour grapes from your end that he didnt think of you first. I feel you may be a little envious because he actually got away with it, but you are all holding the baby now. Hey, when one works in this part of the world, at the end of the day it is look after number one and bugger the rest.
Dont think the employer or financial institutions concerned will necessarily chase people around the globe. When this has happened before generally not the case and Serco have never bothered, why, because it costs too much money. The thing to remember is, generally if the event has not occured on his home turf, generally very difficult to chase and prosecute, and that is a fact. How do I know this because of people I know who work in a bank here in UAE and that is the plain truth on the matter.
The banks here even build this into their bottom line because they know this happens (and has been happening for eons)
chow
Get real for a minute please. You make this situation out to be the first time this has happened. Certainly not.
This has happened numerous times over the years and not just in Abu Dhabi, its happened in all stations including Bahrain, we have had engineers, met men etc at one point or another. It also happens in other industries here as well.
What you need to understand here is that obviously ferris has reached a level of dissatisfaction where he felt he needed to make a point and if this was his way of making then he is the one who has to live with it, not you moaners.
Seems to me like a case of sour grapes from your end that he didnt think of you first. I feel you may be a little envious because he actually got away with it, but you are all holding the baby now. Hey, when one works in this part of the world, at the end of the day it is look after number one and bugger the rest.
Dont think the employer or financial institutions concerned will necessarily chase people around the globe. When this has happened before generally not the case and Serco have never bothered, why, because it costs too much money. The thing to remember is, generally if the event has not occured on his home turf, generally very difficult to chase and prosecute, and that is a fact. How do I know this because of people I know who work in a bank here in UAE and that is the plain truth on the matter.
The banks here even build this into their bottom line because they know this happens (and has been happening for eons)
chow