So...you wanna come work for the GCAA at the SZC?...think again!
 

Not to be a bore....BUT....

...if you're thinking of joining the wonderful ATCO's at the GCAA...probably best to stay where you are for now.

If you have family in tow, you will need approx 150k Dhs (30,000euro) in your back pocket to start off.

NO Housing allowance advanced,
NO Schooling
NO Flight home
Health Insurance changes at a whim leaving you having to pay straight up before waiting 2 months to get re-imbursed
Rent Cap removed in Abu Dhabi allowing landlords to charge whatever they want for rent
...and now barely any leave.
Moral is the lowest its been in a while
Deputy Supervisors castigated for doing their job and when they say they don't want to do the thankless, unpaid work their not contracted to do, you get shafted.

They've recently adjusted the leave policy but assured that this does not change ATCO entitlement but if you have ideas about other positions your fairly screwed. Apparently some guys at the top have had their leave slashed in half.

Will be interesting to see some guys go back home soon. We're quickly being priced out of the market here. Leave it to the rich and famous.

Ops normal
 

Sorry I can not see any problems with the package.


glf

YIKES!!!!! sounds like we might be hearing different accents on the atc side of the radio

I call a little BS on this one…if what is being said here is true, the ATCO is failing to follow UAE Employment conditions…school cover and flight(s) home are mandatory requirements, and part of any employees package. It might not be enough for this poor person, but it still has to be part of an allowance. Anyone else know if it's been changed?

LC it is true, no BS.
 

Many companies offer a "Package Deal"

You get X amount of Money, and you pay for everything. Medical Insurance is generally paid by the employer.

@left coaster
 

Not sure what laws u are refering to there left coaster but neither schooling or flights formed a part of any package at the SZC. NO BS I can assure u. The GCAA is a federal entity and not therefore signatory to laws that may pertain to Private Companies registered in the UAE. lots of talk now of people moving out. Plenty of opportunities beginning to crop up elsehwere.

"Plenty of opportunities beginning to crop up elsehwere."

I heard there were opening in DXB.

so whats the pay then?...

Pay
 

For new entrant ATCO's pay is approx 53,000Dhs per month

That is the TOTAL package...nothing more.

Take your housing from that...if single probably around 10k-12k per month. (Note: Housing/Rent in the UAE is paid in full in advance of the year - 1 cheque (sometimes 2). The GCAA DO NOT advance you housing, therefore, you will need at least 1 years rent before coming here in order to find suitable accomm). If you are a family, lets say 2 adults, 2 kids, that housing could be anything from 13k-15k per month - again paid in advance by 1-2 cheques.

Take schooling for kids - paid per term. range from 36k-60k per year, Then average 50k per year per child = 100k per year divided by 12 months = 8,300Dhs per month approx.

Take a car loan (if you don't already have cash to purchase 1 or 2 cars outright) - I dunno, maybe 5-6k per month.

Utilities Bills - Single guy 2 bed apart in Marina - around 300 per month. Family in Villa in Springs or elsewhere, about 1200 - 2000plus per month during summer. Plus tv, internet, phones = 1000k per month TOTAL about 3000k per month.

Food - varies, but going up - single 500 a week maybe, family 1000 per week maybe = 2500 per month or 5000 per month.

Then Family on 52k per month minus 30k (approx) = 22k to live on. Minus some savings for pension. Believe me that a conservative figure. You WILL have a certain amount of debt to pay off to begin with if you come here with money for straight up rent, etc. Also, estate agents will rob you.

Have a nice day......

not so generous to say the least..sucks for you guys:ooh:

Perfect package for locals
 

Is it that the package is designed for locals, and not expats.....???


as said one can not pony up the school fees, housing costs, car purchase, in advance,,,, and wait for 12 months to clear the previous years expenses, (plus the <5% increases).


edit: is SZC a Abu Dhabi or Dubai entity....


glf

@Gulfstream
 

SZC is in Abu Dhabi...GCAA a Federal Authority.

Not designed for locals and not designed for expats either. Locals have their own problems with the GCAA. They've significantly reduced their housing and basic salaries over the past 2 years. Locals pensions are based on both. A lot of unhappiness amongst them also.

To be honest, the package has been etched away for everyone over the past number of years and most are just about sick of it. :yuk:

SERCO and GAL both advance housing for their employees as well as schooling. Although, with SERCO it forms the total package and is not extra. But, on the other hand, SERCO packages in Bahrain and Doha are significantly better for families.

Muscat will be looking to staff their new Centre in the next couple of months. Will be interested to see the package they are willing to offer.

Nearly all of us really enjoy working here and living here. It is really great. But, the GCAA are not going to attract the kind of quality ATCO anymore thats needed to handle the increase in traffic (10% approx per year. At present about 2300 movements per day.)

Rumors that all contracts will change next month. I hope its not a case of take it or leave it and they make it worse than it already is.

I just don't get these guys. Look after your staff and they'll return the compliment 10 fold. It pretty simple really.

Thanks Desdi
 

I was aware of the location, but curious if it was considered a Dubai or Abu Dhabi gig. if Abu then accommodation should if funded by government then should be in Abu, but as you say they are not funding accommodation.


I was not aware that the local staff had problems with the package....I was under the impression that they would be cosseted , and encouraged. Silly me.

In any organization, the staff are the biggest asset, and also the biggest expense, (except if 380 operator.!!!!)



Thanks for the overview. Glf

Gulfstream, its not considered an Abu Dhabi gig, its just in Abu Dhabi so we don't need to live there.

Actually the locals earn more than the expats, to the tune of between 1 and 2 thousand US per month, but as DESDI or BUST said, are unhappy too.

Im interested in the comment about contracts changing next month.... who said that?

From the chip pan to the fire....
 

Leave for ATCO's now confirmed as 22 working days per year. NO....I say again....NO compensatory days for working public holidays. ATCO's were advised via HR that they basically get paid better than everyone else and this makes up for not getting comp days.

A number of expat places to become available this year....wonder where the next crop will appear from cause it aint gonna be from the usual spots.

An air of unease and unhappiness has befallen and otherwise ok place to work. The GCAA has really pulled out all the stops this time and royaly ass:mad: their employees. Well done chaps....well done!!!

Well you make about the same as an EK pilot if not more. At least the FO's.

EK Base salary- 27k
Flight Pay- appx 4k
Housing Allowance- 13k
Scholing- Not sure since I don't have kids. But can't imagine it's more than 4k/month.
8 days off per month minimum

So a single FO at EK makes about 44k per month if he/she takes the housing allowance.

@Laker
 

Perhaps so but only in numbers. The stark reality is that EK offer pilots a lot more in terms of housing (choice between good EK appointed housing or an allowance in lieu) with all utilities paid for. Also, schooling is covered as EK have debentures with many Dubai schools which allows kids almost no hassle first place entries. No waiting and no fees which is all covered by EK. Also, flights home are a big bonus. ID 50 and ID 90 along with a free flight home once per year for u and family. Time off is great (well at least for some of the FOs I know, can't say the same for Captains). And that's the way it should be.

The GCAA have continuously confirmed to us that they absolutely do not understand our work. Traffic levels have soared and will continue to do so, no pay rises whatsoever only pay reductions with ATCOs having to bear the brunt of excessive rent rises and cost of living. Housing allowance discontinued, no schooling, and health insurance providers changing on a whim. No 22 annual leave days per year reduced from 34. This equates to yet another pay reduction. More traffic, more stress, less money in the pocket to live off and a continually lowering moral.

No CVs on the desks and people seriously considering a move. This isn't idle chit chat and people will walk if given the opportunity.

All this and you've got one very pissed off bunch of controllers controlling YOUR aircraft.

HR have no idea what they have allowed to happen. The whole idea of time off for pilots and controllers is that they can use the time to get away from what has traditionally been a stressful job. Come back rested and continue to do what we all love. There are a whole lot of issues around leave including fatigue. No understanding and not expected either.

Unbelievably stupid management decision- must be a Rhiis legacy. At a time when you would think they would be making the UAE contract a benchmark to attract talent, they try these stupid stunts. Genius.

GCAA: worldwide ATC JOKE. Well done. Can't wait for the ads in Flight.

Sorry but ATC is not equal to an FO job.

Daily aircraft movements through UAE FIR early 2010 - ~1750
Daily aircraft movements through UAE FIR late 2013 ~ 2350.

Obviously someone is making more money but it's not the controllers doing the work...

West is right. You can't compare ATC to FO or Captains.

Let's not start a pissing contest here it's irrelevant.

Word is there is a meeting today to discuss and settle it once and for all.