Next French Strike
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RebornCyclogenesis
You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but do you work for NATS. Are you currently affected by the issues that are prevalant?
From this quote, I assume (not always a good idea I admit) that you are either non NATS, or you do not work at a Band 5 unit.
DC10RealMan and his colleagues work bloody hard at Swanwick, despite constant ribbing from myself and others from TC (a Band 6 unit really
).
If you are a NATS worker on a lower band, believe it or not we at the Band 5 units know you work hard - as do we.
Shame your profile does not even give any idea of what you do.
If by some strange quirk you made the first comment, yet do work at LACC or TC or Heathrow, then you must do one of the few quieter sectors, or are an office bod/management who does not understand what it is like to work in the Ops room on a day to day basis.
Anyway, enough of the thread hijacking.
NATS is not a bad employer
Stop bl**dy moaning and try working for a living.
DC10RealMan and his colleagues work bloody hard at Swanwick, despite constant ribbing from myself and others from TC (a Band 6 unit really
).If you are a NATS worker on a lower band, believe it or not we at the Band 5 units know you work hard - as do we.
Shame your profile does not even give any idea of what you do.
If by some strange quirk you made the first comment, yet do work at LACC or TC or Heathrow, then you must do one of the few quieter sectors, or are an office bod/management who does not understand what it is like to work in the Ops room on a day to day basis.
Anyway, enough of the thread hijacking.
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huge salary - Not really when you consider the consequences of screwing up
pension - We might be lucky and keep them if the company doesn't go bust
shares - See above, and their not worth much
sports facilities - I'm knackered after I've finished work, thank you very much
social facilities - erm, where?
subsidised restaurant - Expensive and badly cooked, but the plates are bigger now (portion police, though)
subsidised dry cleaner - if you can pick it up/drop it off
parking facilities - that's going to be great when TC get here, I'll park at EGHI/CTC and walk.
free internet access - when you can find a free computer and you're not working/recovering
air conditioned luxury - as long as you like dry eyes, you're on to a winner.
occaisional free coffee - once you slogged your guts out for the company
subsidised starbucks - it's still coffee
stripy pass holders - we didn't want them, you know, it was forced on us
STRATCOH (sp) breaks - try working 90 mins in the summer (longer for the ATSAs), you need the break
strong union - we're going to need it
large quantity of fit birds - now you're just dreaming
pension - We might be lucky and keep them if the company doesn't go bust
shares - See above, and their not worth much
sports facilities - I'm knackered after I've finished work, thank you very much
social facilities - erm, where?
subsidised restaurant - Expensive and badly cooked, but the plates are bigger now (portion police, though)
subsidised dry cleaner - if you can pick it up/drop it off
parking facilities - that's going to be great when TC get here, I'll park at EGHI/CTC and walk.
free internet access - when you can find a free computer and you're not working/recovering
air conditioned luxury - as long as you like dry eyes, you're on to a winner.
occaisional free coffee - once you slogged your guts out for the company
subsidised starbucks - it's still coffee
stripy pass holders - we didn't want them, you know, it was forced on us
STRATCOH (sp) breaks - try working 90 mins in the summer (longer for the ATSAs), you need the break
strong union - we're going to need it
large quantity of fit birds - now you're just dreaming
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Originally Posted by radeng
The French colleagues I was with yesterday told me that for some complex reason, French strikes are Tuesdays and Thursdays. It looks like they'll be going on for a while - so I've changed my Thursday flight from Brest next week to Friday.
You pull a 'sickie' on Mon or Fri and hey, presto!, you've got yourself a 4-day w/e! Very thoughful unions they have... pity they don't realize they're ruining the country in the process 
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I was not going to reply but
That is the problem with this site...it is full of cup half empty whingers! Life is too short..soon you will be dead and all that will be left of you is your cyberspace signature, produced from that NATS desktop, when you should have been working.
As soon as anyone supports their employer be it NATS/BMI/BAW/The Mil/Bristows/etc. the whingers are out in force.
The fact is that the vast majority of the professionals using this site are earning much more than the other 90% of the populace and you probably enjoy your work. Yes if you cock up, the consequences are huge but that applies in a lot of industries. That is why you are trained so well and TCAS is there to help. Anyway, if you do have an incident at least your GATCO membership will give you legal cover. You have a good working environment (unless you are at TC), you have your health and a roof over your head paid for by your ample salary (Thats why we don't go on strike because our mortgages will not get paid) Cheer up, stop moaning, Spring is here and the summer clothing will soon be on display in Sopwith Way.
Now to some of the other issues:
Pension and Shares...won't go there as another thread is dedicated to that.
Sport facilities....You have a gym, use it then you wont be so knackered.
Social facilities...Football tickets, zoo tickets, theatre tickets, north stairwell, first floor it says Sports and SOCIAL club!!!!!!!!!
Subsidised Restaurant...If you think that the food is bad at Swanwick, then you are obviously either mad or being paid far too much, as you must take every meal in Michelin rated establishments.
Free Internet access...from your IP address you are obviously using a NATS computer at this time....the IT police are on their way...better get rid of that .wav with the lady and the big sausage!
Large quantity of fit birds....you must be blind...take a trip into the Ops Room, sit yourself down at North Sea and behold the wonder of ATSAs and their kinky boots....Now you know I am genuine
As soon as anyone supports their employer be it NATS/BMI/BAW/The Mil/Bristows/etc. the whingers are out in force.
The fact is that the vast majority of the professionals using this site are earning much more than the other 90% of the populace and you probably enjoy your work. Yes if you cock up, the consequences are huge but that applies in a lot of industries. That is why you are trained so well and TCAS is there to help. Anyway, if you do have an incident at least your GATCO membership will give you legal cover. You have a good working environment (unless you are at TC), you have your health and a roof over your head paid for by your ample salary (Thats why we don't go on strike because our mortgages will not get paid) Cheer up, stop moaning, Spring is here and the summer clothing will soon be on display in Sopwith Way.
Now to some of the other issues:
Pension and Shares...won't go there as another thread is dedicated to that.
Sport facilities....You have a gym, use it then you wont be so knackered.
Social facilities...Football tickets, zoo tickets, theatre tickets, north stairwell, first floor it says Sports and SOCIAL club!!!!!!!!!
Subsidised Restaurant...If you think that the food is bad at Swanwick, then you are obviously either mad or being paid far too much, as you must take every meal in Michelin rated establishments.
Free Internet access...from your IP address you are obviously using a NATS computer at this time....the IT police are on their way...better get rid of that .wav with the lady and the big sausage!
Large quantity of fit birds....you must be blind...take a trip into the Ops Room, sit yourself down at North Sea and behold the wonder of ATSAs and their kinky boots....Now you know I am genuine
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Ahem Reborn,
Up for a management job are we? Sounds like you have been "re-branded" (where I'm from a Brand was something you stuck on a cows A*se)
You seem to forget the job of an ATCO isn't one that everyone has the ability or aptitude to do. If NATS is truly a commercial organisation why should it's managers complain about the "going rate" for ATC staff. They are rare, skilled and valuable individuals, and you have to pay accordingly for their services.
I do not WANT to take any industrial action over my (and others) pensions. Believe me if I am pushed ANY futher I will. And that WILL have serious implications, far in excess of what the French have done.
It seems NATS has yet to grasp ALL the implications of pretending to run itself along commercial lines?
BEX
Up for a management job are we? Sounds like you have been "re-branded" (where I'm from a Brand was something you stuck on a cows A*se)
You seem to forget the job of an ATCO isn't one that everyone has the ability or aptitude to do. If NATS is truly a commercial organisation why should it's managers complain about the "going rate" for ATC staff. They are rare, skilled and valuable individuals, and you have to pay accordingly for their services.
I do not WANT to take any industrial action over my (and others) pensions. Believe me if I am pushed ANY futher I will. And that WILL have serious implications, far in excess of what the French have done.
It seems NATS has yet to grasp ALL the implications of pretending to run itself along commercial lines?
BEX
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getting further off thread
Bexil, I don't deny that there are many issues but
My point is, if he wants out..then go! I can assure you that there are many others with the skills and aptitude, just waiting to take our places. We are not the only industry with issues about pensions, but I am not going to discuss that here. My second point is...it is not ALL that bad, there are many others worse off than us in equally important industries. We had a ballot and the majority said YES. Anyway this is my last post on this thread.
where we are so demoralised and the sole topic of conversation in many cases is how soon we can get out.
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can assure you that there are many others with the skills and aptitude
We are not the only industry with issues about pensions
there are many others worse off than us in equally important industries.
BTW Poor choice of words I think, I probably would have said "different" industries rather than your "equally important". I can't say I've ever though of myself as "important", rather merely responsible and professional.
Anyway this is my last post on this thread.
Best rgds
BEX
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stilljustanothernumber
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Contact details for French ATCCs?
http://www.jet2.com/News.aspx?id=65
I think they should know what's being said about them, so does anyone know their email addresses?
I think they should know what's being said about them, so does anyone know their email addresses?
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Although thet French do seem to strike at the drop of a hat, and extremely often, This is a bit out of order.
Just hope that If NATS staff ever strike, the same is not said about them!!
Just hope that If NATS staff ever strike, the same is not said about them!!
More than just an ATCO
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If NATS staff ever strike
Closing sectors, e.g. CLN, at night has the same effect - and also seems to be happening more and more often.
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Reborn,
Please dont shoot the messenger!. I am only reporting on what I see and hear. Personally as soon as I am able to retire I shall without a moments hesitation. I do feel that having worked in ATC for over 25years in the CAA and NATS I do have a vested interest in its future even if it does not include me.
Please dont shoot the messenger!. I am only reporting on what I see and hear. Personally as soon as I am able to retire I shall without a moments hesitation. I do feel that having worked in ATC for over 25years in the CAA and NATS I do have a vested interest in its future even if it does not include me.
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It will end when the french (of which I am half of one) realise that they can't always have it the way they want it, & that sometimes they have to get off their backsides if they want to get anywhere... they should dare venture outside their territory to see what it's like elsewhere in Europe & maybe come back home a bit wiser...
So all I'm saying really is God knows when it'll end !!!!
So all I'm saying really is God knows when it'll end !!!!