But does it really matter about the location of the actual workplace?-surely it is the available areas to live which really matters. Yes LATCC is in a crap area but how many lived close by-very few. Many were along the M4 corridor and some chose to live in West London itself. But MACC is not exactly in a sulubrious area either-how many live in Wythenshawe,the nearest town? Also the areas around LACC are not entirely wonderful certainly in towards the cities. It's fine if you like rural villages but then the local infrastructure is decidedly shaky.

You will see from a previous post that partners' salaries are no where near as good down here as they were in the London area but that's one of the paybacks for having a "job for life".

Also how long can the sub-centre continue with further proposed changes in airspace-remember this was one of the major arguments for LACC in the first place. There really is little option for NATS as I doubt that TAG would have given the go ahead for a purely Scottish centre without a big increase in its' are of responsibility as well as its' ability to act as back up for LACC. There will be a few who will avoid this move north but most will inevitably go north.

I heard a figure quoted of savings to NATS in excess of £1bn over 15/ 20 years on the 2 centre strategy-too much to refuse i'm sure you'll agree.

Difficult to argue against the economics of 2 centres and even less if we did things properly and relied on one with built in contingency.

Of course the political McNERC will go ahead , but it would be folly for management to expect MACC controllers to move as with previous Unit Closures.

I'm sure management are hoping for the best and will try to sweeten the pill.
For most the current considered options are
1.retirement
2.retirement and redundancy
3.redundancy
4.career change assisted by early mortgage settlement
5.employer change
6.move to LACC

Those that are left will go North - but with attitude!!

I agree with what has been said earlier that the demise of the ATSA grade has been imminent since I joined in 1981. In that time the ATSA grade has grown to take on more and more specialisations. I am also sure that given the degree of disillusion within NATS at the moment then compulsary redundancies will not occur because if voluntary redundancy and/or early retirement were offered to staff throughout the country to make vacancies at other units for the Manchester staff who wish to stay then there will be no one left. I for one, if offered early retirement would leave the managers arm a bloody stump!!. I do not believe that I am unique in my feelings towards work, I used to feel grateful to be employed by NATS, I love working with aeroplanes and my collegues past and present have been a source of great joy to me. Nowadays those feelings are still there but are outweighed by disillusionment and disapointment with the management of NATS and their political masters. Please do not think that I am ranting, but rather being philosopical about my working life within the CAA and NATS.

hatsoff

Before you start thinking of redundancy or anything else do a quick calculation -


1. How many ATCOs needed for current MACC operation ?
2. How many ATCOs actually there ?
3. How long to train replacements for either one above to give each ATCO the same number of validations now held ?


The probable answer is you needed to start training 3 years ago to let anyone go anywhere else other than Prestwick.

May i just pick up on the "job for life, if you want it" comment that has been made a couple of times.........

Standing back and observing the attitudes of younger people who have been entering into the job these past 15 years (or so), i am aware that they no longer obviously believe the job is for life. To some it rapidly feels like a life sentence, once the full reality sets in.

More and more disgruntled younger employees are searching out new ATC employers or completely new careers.
I firmly believe that management MUST wake up and take note! During these last 5years how many employees have left NATS to work for overseas employers? How many have requested sabbaticals? Quite a number, on both counts....... and the figures are rising!
It will be interesting to see how many of the sabbatical "temporary" leavers actually come back.

The "job for life" culture has changed. Disgruntled employees are more prepared to take charge of their lives, decide upon what they consider to be most important to them, and if necessary act with their feet AND LEAVE.

Many people at MACC are outspoken at the moment and unhappy about the impending move; it will only need a small percentage of them to carry out their threats to leave and the system will no longer work. Many are of the age to do just that. Some are fortunate enough to have spouses in very good jobs, and others will actively seek employment elsewhere.
The unit is not flush with staff.......... what unit is?
I believe it is this that will make a strong bargaining tool.

BMIne,

You're right but if you read what I said it was that at present being a NATS ATCO is as close you can get nowadays to a job for life-if that is what you want and if it is then you have to be prepared to move if required. Many have left over the years but a fair few have returned as well as the grass isn't always greener!

I wish everyone at MACC the best of luck whichever route they take.

Thank you 250kts.

I was merely putting forward an alternative angle which i feel management need to be aware of and consider seriously.

ATCO's ARE LEAVING
For many different reasons, internal and external to the company:

1) Increased traffic levels, leading to....
2) Increased pressure / stress at work
3) Feeling undervalued by management
4) Increased government taxation
5) (Perceived) Increase in the level of violence and crime within the country

To name just a few off the top of my head

There are challenging times ahead for this company, and i shall be watching with interest.