Dear Richard (merged thread)
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: In the South
Dear Richard
Dear Richard,
Thankyou very much for your letter, I can't remember the last time you wrote to me. I'm so pleased that when things are getting you down you feel you can open up to me.
There really was no need though to remind me of the extra few pennies you are offering. Might I suggest that you check out the PPRuNe website, where you will find much comment on just that subject.
I was most interested to learn that you are at last comparing NATS to the airline companies. You know, the bit about airline companies not offering any basic pay increases for their staff. Years ago we (ATCOs) used to earn a similar amount throughout the salary pay scale to our airline friends, but there is now a huge gap between the top of our scale and the top of theirs. For years we have been argueing for similar remuneration but you have never listened and more to the point never provided. So why start comparing now?
I also find it incredible that you suggest a downturn in traffic of 12% and revenue of 17% should justify such a measly increase in basic pay. Again you dare to compare! In the past when levels have been up by 8% pa and we have asked for a similar rise in pay you have flatly rejected what we have put on the table. So now that the tables have turned, why should we accept what you are putting on the table?
You must come and visit my unit, where I think you'll find traffic levels are most definately on the up. For sure , they are not up to pre 911 levels, but our responsibilities are exactly the same and the important thing to note is that TRAFFIC LEVELS ARE INCREASING.
I could go on by talking about Swanwick and the continued extra workload this keeps putting on Area/Approach and Twr controllers everytime it breaks down, but I'm sure I'd be preaching to the converted!!
Once again, thankyou for your letter,
Yours sincerely
COLLEAGUE
Thankyou very much for your letter, I can't remember the last time you wrote to me. I'm so pleased that when things are getting you down you feel you can open up to me.
There really was no need though to remind me of the extra few pennies you are offering. Might I suggest that you check out the PPRuNe website, where you will find much comment on just that subject.
I was most interested to learn that you are at last comparing NATS to the airline companies. You know, the bit about airline companies not offering any basic pay increases for their staff. Years ago we (ATCOs) used to earn a similar amount throughout the salary pay scale to our airline friends, but there is now a huge gap between the top of our scale and the top of theirs. For years we have been argueing for similar remuneration but you have never listened and more to the point never provided. So why start comparing now?
I also find it incredible that you suggest a downturn in traffic of 12% and revenue of 17% should justify such a measly increase in basic pay. Again you dare to compare! In the past when levels have been up by 8% pa and we have asked for a similar rise in pay you have flatly rejected what we have put on the table. So now that the tables have turned, why should we accept what you are putting on the table?
You must come and visit my unit, where I think you'll find traffic levels are most definately on the up. For sure , they are not up to pre 911 levels, but our responsibilities are exactly the same and the important thing to note is that TRAFFIC LEVELS ARE INCREASING.
I could go on by talking about Swanwick and the continued extra workload this keeps putting on Area/Approach and Twr controllers everytime it breaks down, but I'm sure I'd be preaching to the converted!!
Once again, thankyou for your letter,
Yours sincerely
COLLEAGUE
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Costa del CYYZ
My GOD I could not believe what I was reading in my mail this morning ! 
Who the hell does he think he is sending me management propaganda crap to my home address
What a complete waste of time this letter was, however it does show that management are prepared for industrial action and are lining up their tactics:
Look at the line about PCS and Prospect Engineers branch recommending acceptance........already they are attempting to divide the shop floor.
There are also digs at ATCO pay.....rising ahead of inflation and UK average earnings (no mention of traffic levels though.......or comparisons to collegues around the World).
Also more hot air about "listening".......didn't we haer this when TAG took over, and as usual more promises of talk but no words of action.
Interesting that as traffic levels return to pre 911 levels (note too how he focuses on transatlantic traffic but cleverly forgets the rise in domestic traffic..........EZY, GOE RYR to name only a few), some 9 months later we are still getting the 911 excuse........when will it end: 5 years from now "Ah but remember Sept 11th" ?
I would love Dicky to quantify what "Most airlines" means in relation to no basic pay increase for staff, and which airlines he is referring to and where he gets his facts from. A sweeping statement like that cannot be made without any basis of fact, and I would like to see his evidence.
"The recovery , if it can be called that"........Hey Rich, try plugging in on TMA on a morning shift.........stupid, idiotic comment from someone obviously well detached from operational reality.
I must admit to having a bleeding heart for all the poor managers who will not be getting a pay rise this year. Still I am sure all those cushy bonuses will more than cover the lack of a rise on their already substantial salaries.
I just cannot believe the arrogance of this man, sending me unsolicited junk mail to my home..........
I think we should organise a letter writing/email campaign to Mr. Everitt informing him of OUR position together with some operational realities..............
GRRRRRRR
Who the hell does he think he is sending me management propaganda crap to my home address
What a complete waste of time this letter was, however it does show that management are prepared for industrial action and are lining up their tactics:
Look at the line about PCS and Prospect Engineers branch recommending acceptance........already they are attempting to divide the shop floor.
There are also digs at ATCO pay.....rising ahead of inflation and UK average earnings (no mention of traffic levels though.......or comparisons to collegues around the World).
Also more hot air about "listening".......didn't we haer this when TAG took over, and as usual more promises of talk but no words of action.
Interesting that as traffic levels return to pre 911 levels (note too how he focuses on transatlantic traffic but cleverly forgets the rise in domestic traffic..........EZY, GOE RYR to name only a few), some 9 months later we are still getting the 911 excuse........when will it end: 5 years from now "Ah but remember Sept 11th" ?
I would love Dicky to quantify what "Most airlines" means in relation to no basic pay increase for staff, and which airlines he is referring to and where he gets his facts from. A sweeping statement like that cannot be made without any basis of fact, and I would like to see his evidence.
"The recovery , if it can be called that"........Hey Rich, try plugging in on TMA on a morning shift.........stupid, idiotic comment from someone obviously well detached from operational reality.
I must admit to having a bleeding heart for all the poor managers who will not be getting a pay rise this year. Still I am sure all those cushy bonuses will more than cover the lack of a rise on their already substantial salaries.
I just cannot believe the arrogance of this man, sending me unsolicited junk mail to my home..........
I think we should organise a letter writing/email campaign to Mr. Everitt informing him of OUR position together with some operational realities..............
GRRRRRRR
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 856
Likes: 0
From: I sell sea shells by the sea shore
Dear Richard,
You ain't learned much have you? At the begining of this FIASCO that is PPP and TAG you sent us all a little postcard welcoming us to a company that we already worked for..... and WASTED money in the process.
Here we are several months on and YOU PERSONALLY are still WASTING the companies money on printing and sending stuff by first class mail, to our HOME addresses.
The company is alegedly in deep doggy doo, loosing money hand over fist, and here YOU are spending cash like water on a cheap attempt to have a dig at the ATCOs.
Now, personally I object deeply to you contacting me at home. NATS only has my attention when I'm at work. You have no right to contact me in my place of residence and I EXPECT AN APOLOGY.
Too bad that you had "break the bad news to (your) managers that they will not recieve a pay increase for this year". That MUST have been SOOOO tough for you. Telling them they would all be in line for nice bonuses can't have been so bad though, can it?
As others have said, we were promised a new start, a listening and pro-active management. Well dear Richard, from where I sit, NOTHING has changed. The same managers are STILL in place, STILL doing sweet FA, STILL stuck with their heads in the sand (or where the sun don't shine).
Oh and by the way, we are in a SERVICE industry. In any service industry the biggest asset for any business is it's staff (you will have learned all this in MBA school, won't you?). Treat your staff like !!!!! and you will NOT HAVE A BUSINESS for very long... something else you are begining to learn.
Best wishes for your inevitable appearance in front of Ms. Dunwoody.
BEX
You ain't learned much have you? At the begining of this FIASCO that is PPP and TAG you sent us all a little postcard welcoming us to a company that we already worked for..... and WASTED money in the process.
Here we are several months on and YOU PERSONALLY are still WASTING the companies money on printing and sending stuff by first class mail, to our HOME addresses.
The company is alegedly in deep doggy doo, loosing money hand over fist, and here YOU are spending cash like water on a cheap attempt to have a dig at the ATCOs.
Now, personally I object deeply to you contacting me at home. NATS only has my attention when I'm at work. You have no right to contact me in my place of residence and I EXPECT AN APOLOGY.
Too bad that you had "break the bad news to (your) managers that they will not recieve a pay increase for this year". That MUST have been SOOOO tough for you. Telling them they would all be in line for nice bonuses can't have been so bad though, can it?
As others have said, we were promised a new start, a listening and pro-active management. Well dear Richard, from where I sit, NOTHING has changed. The same managers are STILL in place, STILL doing sweet FA, STILL stuck with their heads in the sand (or where the sun don't shine).
Oh and by the way, we are in a SERVICE industry. In any service industry the biggest asset for any business is it's staff (you will have learned all this in MBA school, won't you?). Treat your staff like !!!!! and you will NOT HAVE A BUSINESS for very long... something else you are begining to learn.
Best wishes for your inevitable appearance in front of Ms. Dunwoody.
BEX
Last edited by BEXIL160; 21st May 2002 at 11:20.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
From: Southern England
Nothing changes..................
......no, I'm wrong.
There never used to be talk of "how long have you got to go" and "great, only x amount of time until I can get out of this cra**y organisation".
That never used to happen, but it does now......I hear it all the time. Staff just can't wait to get out...........
And the reason ??
EVER INCREASING BAD MANAGEMENT
It was bad before.....but we still have the self same idiots "in charge" - still, it seems, giving the same bad advice to their (so-called) "highers".....
Tell you what, why don't they just rename NATS as "Titanic II - the Sequel" because sure as eggs is eggs, it's going to sink fast unless Mr Everitt bucks his ideas up !!!!!!
......no, I'm wrong.
There never used to be talk of "how long have you got to go" and "great, only x amount of time until I can get out of this cra**y organisation".
That never used to happen, but it does now......I hear it all the time. Staff just can't wait to get out...........
And the reason ??
EVER INCREASING BAD MANAGEMENT
It was bad before.....but we still have the self same idiots "in charge" - still, it seems, giving the same bad advice to their (so-called) "highers".....
Tell you what, why don't they just rename NATS as "Titanic II - the Sequel" because sure as eggs is eggs, it's going to sink fast unless Mr Everitt bucks his ideas up !!!!!!
Last edited by Nogbad the Bad; 21st May 2002 at 11:20.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: UK
The thing is the majority of engineers/not ATCO's that I know seem to think its a good deal and my ATCO friends definately do not. Seems we are dividing ourselves in some ways?
Personally, I think its what we are going to get and if we are cash stapped a whopping pay rise may put us all where we don't want to be - up for grabs!
This two year deal of 6% is ok but NATS management (if they are still there) needs to gird the loins for the next pay round. UK ATCO's ( and us trusses) need a rise to reflect the upper end of the European average 10-20%.
Advice is free and knowing I can expect a good kicking I say accept this with a caveat that for senior management, next time it will be far from this easy.
Personally, I think its what we are going to get and if we are cash stapped a whopping pay rise may put us all where we don't want to be - up for grabs!
This two year deal of 6% is ok but NATS management (if they are still there) needs to gird the loins for the next pay round. UK ATCO's ( and us trusses) need a rise to reflect the upper end of the European average 10-20%.
Advice is free and knowing I can expect a good kicking I say accept this with a caveat that for senior management, next time it will be far from this easy.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: uk
Richard , oh , Richard
Disbelief
1. that you sent me a personal letter at great expense at a time when the company is having a pensions holiday
2. that you expect me to believe that I've had generous pay rises over the years and that my pals down the pub haven't done better than me!
Hmmm , I think not.
Have you any conception how hard we've had to work in the last few years?
Look , we didn't want privatisation but we've got it so lets make it work and treat each other with respect and honesty.
As CE of NATS you must have looked at the business plan ; we ATCOs did.
At Unit meetings prior to privatisation , we pointed out the weaknesses and looked with disbelief at the charging formula that the CAA will impose.
We were stonewalled - "not a problem" , they said.
Surely TAG (Britain's Most Able Business Minds) knew what they were doing when they gave Gordon Brown the cheque!
Well of course 9/11 came along and revenues went down.
Revenues also went down because of Flow Restrictions to accomodate LACC Training.
Things like that happen - Gulf War , Oil Crisis etc
In contrast for many of us Traffic levels/workload increased significantly
That's history.
All indicators show substantial growth in the Aviation sector in the next 2 years.
By now you will be aware that we face a real shortage of Controllers.
It is at crisis level as we speak and many older controllers ( those your managers expect to stay until 60 ) are lining up to get out.
A substantial pay rise is required simply to address this issue and promote the recruitment of high calibre trainees that would otherwise drift into flying or the city.
I am pleased to see that you wish to " recognise and value" your ATCOs.
The ONLY way to prove that is to pay us a BASIC SALARY fit for the task at levels equal to our European Colleagues with fringe benefits to match.
The current offer is derisory.
I trust that my Union Reps have made that clear.
Disbelief
1. that you sent me a personal letter at great expense at a time when the company is having a pensions holiday
2. that you expect me to believe that I've had generous pay rises over the years and that my pals down the pub haven't done better than me!
Hmmm , I think not.
Have you any conception how hard we've had to work in the last few years?
Look , we didn't want privatisation but we've got it so lets make it work and treat each other with respect and honesty.
As CE of NATS you must have looked at the business plan ; we ATCOs did.
At Unit meetings prior to privatisation , we pointed out the weaknesses and looked with disbelief at the charging formula that the CAA will impose.
We were stonewalled - "not a problem" , they said.
Surely TAG (Britain's Most Able Business Minds) knew what they were doing when they gave Gordon Brown the cheque!
Well of course 9/11 came along and revenues went down.
Revenues also went down because of Flow Restrictions to accomodate LACC Training.
Things like that happen - Gulf War , Oil Crisis etc
In contrast for many of us Traffic levels/workload increased significantly
That's history.
All indicators show substantial growth in the Aviation sector in the next 2 years.
By now you will be aware that we face a real shortage of Controllers.
It is at crisis level as we speak and many older controllers ( those your managers expect to stay until 60 ) are lining up to get out.
A substantial pay rise is required simply to address this issue and promote the recruitment of high calibre trainees that would otherwise drift into flying or the city.
I am pleased to see that you wish to " recognise and value" your ATCOs.
The ONLY way to prove that is to pay us a BASIC SALARY fit for the task at levels equal to our European Colleagues with fringe benefits to match.
The current offer is derisory.
I trust that my Union Reps have made that clear.
Last edited by shakinhed; 21st May 2002 at 19:47.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: bucks
richards letter
UK controllers are not resposible for the way that Nats is funded, traffic growth is already increasing, last Thursday up by 3%, and most controllers think this is going to be the busiest summer ever. We are some of the worst paid controllers in Europe, our payments for unsocial hours and for training are derisory. The Managers are not getting a pay rise this year , OK but the ones in TC got big bonuses on the back of the introduction of new sectors . eg East and Capital, for which they had llittle or no input. It's time that managers realised that their staff are the most important aspect of the company. I know that morale is bad at Nerc. but it's not that great at WD.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
From: Southern England
NICE post shakinhead (and you too, BEX)
Such a shame that it will all be ignored........will it, Mr Everitt ???.....will it be ignored ?????
Do you KNOW that the morale of your staff is at an all-time low ??????
Or perhaps you don't care ???????
Such a shame that it will all be ignored........will it, Mr Everitt ???.....will it be ignored ?????
Do you KNOW that the morale of your staff is at an all-time low ??????
Or perhaps you don't care ???????
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: UK
Minesapint....how many times have we done the "well OK, but just you wait til next year"?
TOO MANY, that's how many
It makes my blood boil to hear this sort of defeatist tosh from people who moan & whinge but when it comes down to it haven't got the balls to stand up for what they want.
Keep your powder dry if you like, tell you what why not just save it til bonfire night & make a few bangers with it & scare the local cats & dogs. Cos your empty "wait til next year" threats certainly won't scare anyone.
In case you hadn't guessed I will be voting to reject the pay offer, which no matter how you add it up DOES NOT make 6% over 2 years.
TOO MANY, that's how many
It makes my blood boil to hear this sort of defeatist tosh from people who moan & whinge but when it comes down to it haven't got the balls to stand up for what they want.
Keep your powder dry if you like, tell you what why not just save it til bonfire night & make a few bangers with it & scare the local cats & dogs. Cos your empty "wait til next year" threats certainly won't scare anyone.
In case you hadn't guessed I will be voting to reject the pay offer, which no matter how you add it up DOES NOT make 6% over 2 years.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Cyberspace
Fellow ATCOs and ATSAs, as mentioned in previous replies, do not forget how we got shafted in previous years when traffic levels went up by more than double the percentage pay rises we received, along with the fiasco of the "bonus" that never paid out !
I am in the ATCO camp, and support Prospect in rejecting the offer, and I hope the ATSAs will give 2 fingers to PCS and not vote to accept it either.
On the day when the CAA decided that NATS pleading poverty was not all it seemed, it was somewhat ironic that we all received a personal copy of the letter from Mr E. That's another penny-per-letter that Consignia cannot afford to lose either !
I am in the ATCO camp, and support Prospect in rejecting the offer, and I hope the ATSAs will give 2 fingers to PCS and not vote to accept it either.
On the day when the CAA decided that NATS pleading poverty was not all it seemed, it was somewhat ironic that we all received a personal copy of the letter from Mr E. That's another penny-per-letter that Consignia cannot afford to lose either !
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: By the Sea-side
I'm with Ayr on this. If the company carries on paying less than the rest of Europe, during a global ATCO shortage, it doesn't take an MBA to work out where all the poor down-trodden shags are going to head for. The rest of us will be left to work even harder, for less reward, as the traffic keeps rising, and the rate of retirement out-strips recruitment at an exponential rate. We pay to train all these ATCOs, then Johnny Foreigner reaps the rewards. The Hurn-factory is pumping out newbies as fast as it can, yet the numbers on the sectors continues at a level far less than is comfortable. This pay offer will only make this situation worse. My 'union' says I should accept this offer. Like hell.
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,020
Likes: 0
From: Near Stalyvegas
Why not email Mr Eveready directly? His adds is on that "letter".
Colleague, he says....well I have
A. Never met him
B. Never worked with him
So how can I be his "Colleague"?
Funny but in the same post, I got my PCS ballot paper No doubt which way I am voting
we aim to please, it keeps the cleaners happy
Colleague, he says....well I have
A. Never met him
B. Never worked with him
So how can I be his "Colleague"?
Funny but in the same post, I got my PCS ballot paper
No doubt which way I am voting we aim to please, it keeps the cleaners happy
Moderator
Joined: Jul 1997
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 3,231
Likes: 21
From: Europe
Shouldn't we be concentrating on a professional riposte to the offer made by the company ?? We're all frustrated but I am not sure that trivialising does us any good either in the eyes of the public or with the management whom we will have to soon do battle with.
Chiglet says
Well Chiglet, can't call you a colleague of mine as I have never met you or worked with you .... I am not sure if that is a good or a bad thing !!! I don't know you do I ? 
Others also seem to be affronted by receiving the letter at home .... you can bet that some of these same people would be whinging like hell if it was distributed at work and they didn't find out till they got back after their rest days. Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. I at least give him credit for passing the message on directly to everyone involved, though that is as far as I go.
I'm not for one minute supporting the offer being made or the excuses being used to get out of making us a pay award which we all deserve after the performance we have put in and relatively low remuneration provided over the years. But let's focus our energies and fight for the issues that matter, not dilute them by getting personal and mired down in the petty stuff.
Just my opinion, as valid as anyone elses.
Chiglet says
Colleague, he says....well I have
A. Never met him
B. Never worked with him
So how can I be his "Colleague"?
A. Never met him
B. Never worked with him
So how can I be his "Colleague"?
I am not sure if that is a good or a bad thing !!! I don't know you do I ? Others also seem to be affronted by receiving the letter at home .... you can bet that some of these same people would be whinging like hell if it was distributed at work and they didn't find out till they got back after their rest days. Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. I at least give him credit for passing the message on directly to everyone involved, though that is as far as I go.
I'm not for one minute supporting the offer being made or the excuses being used to get out of making us a pay award which we all deserve after the performance we have put in and relatively low remuneration provided over the years. But let's focus our energies and fight for the issues that matter, not dilute them by getting personal and mired down in the petty stuff.
Just my opinion, as valid as anyone elses.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
From: Southern England
The Big Cheese..............please be so kind as to drop me your name and address, would you.......I feel like paying you a visit.
No doubt you will come back with yet another sarcastic comment......I await your tome with baited breath !!!!
No doubt you will come back with yet another sarcastic comment......I await your tome with baited breath !!!!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: UK
Empty - hmmmm.
Have you ever been on strike? I have - twice and only once for dosh. I do not give in and I am NOT defeatist. I am realistic though. It does not matter if the money is available or not - we will not get anymore this year. We could go for 2.2% now and renegotiate in January?
The excuses are all in place for TAG. September 11th, NAS and LACC system failures, a pi$$ed off public sick of being delayed, constant negative media attention. How would they react to an ATC strike? When we fought off Serco, and believe me Prescott wanted them in afterall, he needs a non-executive directorship too, it was because of safety fears and the public backed us. On your proposed agenda they would definately not.
This would prove 'crap management' to the government and financial institutions and we would be in Sercoville before you knew it. The first you would know of it would be a load of redundancy notices for strikers no pension, LESS money, longer hours, less leave. You may call TAG 'crap' and in some ways, especially concerning the replacement of dinasaur NATS old-time management, I agree, but compared to the alternatives they are saints. No changes to pensions, no salary reduction - a rise even! No major changes to working practices and no changes to generous redundancy payments.
If the ATCO's go one strike (let me see now, when was the last time THAT happened) I will join you. I just think it ill advised.
Have you ever been on strike? I have - twice and only once for dosh. I do not give in and I am NOT defeatist. I am realistic though. It does not matter if the money is available or not - we will not get anymore this year. We could go for 2.2% now and renegotiate in January?
The excuses are all in place for TAG. September 11th, NAS and LACC system failures, a pi$$ed off public sick of being delayed, constant negative media attention. How would they react to an ATC strike? When we fought off Serco, and believe me Prescott wanted them in afterall, he needs a non-executive directorship too, it was because of safety fears and the public backed us. On your proposed agenda they would definately not.
This would prove 'crap management' to the government and financial institutions and we would be in Sercoville before you knew it. The first you would know of it would be a load of redundancy notices for strikers no pension, LESS money, longer hours, less leave. You may call TAG 'crap' and in some ways, especially concerning the replacement of dinasaur NATS old-time management, I agree, but compared to the alternatives they are saints. No changes to pensions, no salary reduction - a rise even! No major changes to working practices and no changes to generous redundancy payments.
If the ATCO's go one strike (let me see now, when was the last time THAT happened) I will join you. I just think it ill advised.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Costa del CYYZ
Mineasapint,
I really cannot believe anyone out there seriously believes that SERCO would have anything to do with NATS.
I mean look at the state the company is in.......SERCO would be insane to pump large amounts of cash into the company for no gauranteed return. Most of the cost savings that were easily done have already been done, there is nothing for them to gain from investing in crippled company.
I am amazed people are still believeing that being taken over by SERCO is a threat or possibility....this really is a false scare argument.
As ATCOs we have an exceptionally strong bargaining position at the moment.....the company cannot afford to have us go out on strike, and they know it.
As has been mentioned in other threads today there seems to be a fair amount of money rolling around NATS coffers.......so why shouldn't we claim a fair and reasonable reward?
The excuses TAG mentioned are nothing to do with us......we did not cause or affect any of them, why the hell should we pay for them...........I mean when traffic was rising at 8-10% did we hear management say "Things are going well, how about an 8% pay rise this year?"
We didn't profit from good times, why should we suffer from bad times?
To follow your(their) analagy through should train drivers on GNER or WAGN have their pay affected due to the Potters Bar disaster?
How about a pay cut for Air China pilots after the 767 crash in Korea?
US controllers have just had a pay rise (much larger than our paltry offer) and I would suggest that the US was harder hit by 911 than anyone.
We can't continue to carry the can for other people's problems.......we are under paid, undervalued, treated like utter s**t, overworked, blah blah blah........its talked about all the time.
I fully support the BEC on this matter, I am delighted they have finally taken a stand on an important matter.....pay is not just for the short term, for many of us it is the over-riding issue for our next 30 working years.
I am always amazed at us NATS ATCOs at how we seem to have incredibly low aspirations, and devalue ourselves......WHY ????
I really cannot believe anyone out there seriously believes that SERCO would have anything to do with NATS.
I mean look at the state the company is in.......SERCO would be insane to pump large amounts of cash into the company for no gauranteed return. Most of the cost savings that were easily done have already been done, there is nothing for them to gain from investing in crippled company.
I am amazed people are still believeing that being taken over by SERCO is a threat or possibility....this really is a false scare argument.
As ATCOs we have an exceptionally strong bargaining position at the moment.....the company cannot afford to have us go out on strike, and they know it.
As has been mentioned in other threads today there seems to be a fair amount of money rolling around NATS coffers.......so why shouldn't we claim a fair and reasonable reward?
The excuses TAG mentioned are nothing to do with us......we did not cause or affect any of them, why the hell should we pay for them...........I mean when traffic was rising at 8-10% did we hear management say "Things are going well, how about an 8% pay rise this year?"
We didn't profit from good times, why should we suffer from bad times?
To follow your(their) analagy through should train drivers on GNER or WAGN have their pay affected due to the Potters Bar disaster?
How about a pay cut for Air China pilots after the 767 crash in Korea?
US controllers have just had a pay rise (much larger than our paltry offer) and I would suggest that the US was harder hit by 911 than anyone.
We can't continue to carry the can for other people's problems.......we are under paid, undervalued, treated like utter s**t, overworked, blah blah blah........its talked about all the time.
I fully support the BEC on this matter, I am delighted they have finally taken a stand on an important matter.....pay is not just for the short term, for many of us it is the over-riding issue for our next 30 working years.
I am always amazed at us NATS ATCOs at how we seem to have incredibly low aspirations, and devalue ourselves......WHY ????