Controllers going on strike!?
Beady Eye
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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
BD
BBC News - Public sector workers back mass strike over pensions
BD
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Strikes
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.
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.
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.
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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
A I
AI
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?
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why are they called ATSA's instead of ATCA's?
But this probably belongs in the NATS History thread!
Beady Eye
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