NATS: our staff won't strike
Air traffic control company NATS has stated that none of its staff will take part in the public sector mass walk out planned for June 30.
The union Public and Commercial Services (PCS) decided yesterday that its members will join the thousands of teachers and public sector workers going out on strike in protest at slashed pensions, stretched retirement ages and poor wages.
It stated that its members included air traffic controllers who would be joining the protest but NATS has confirmed that none of its employees who work at the 15 main UK airports would be striking.
A spokeswoman said: "Our employees carry out the air traffic control services at all the London airports and major regional hubs. They will not be striking."
Airport immigration staff are, however, represented by PCS and will be walking out on June 30.
Meanwhile airport operator BAA media relations manager Stuart Butcher said that BAA would only have details of the likely impact of the strike nearer the time.
He said: "We're working with UKBA [UK Border Agency] to understand the likely impact of any potential strike by PCS workers and to support their contingency plans."
With permission from Travelmole
oh no we fly out the 30th hope no delay 
the press release of 15th June from PCS made no mention of air traffic controllers, where did the scare story start?
Sorry about starting the other thread David.
Its the passport control workers that are possibly going to be striking.
Hope not, we leave on the 30th too..
Its the passport control workers that are possibly going to be striking.
Hope not, we leave on the 30th too..
Robo, you only go through passport control when coming back into the UK , you should have no problem leaving the UK
well, maybe. If the plan for a shortage of Border Agency staff checking incoming passengers was to limit their number then the airlines would have to think - would it be sensible to fly loaded planes out to bring them back empty?
As long as no terror alerts kick off at the same time that would be politically unacceptble. So what's likely to happen is that a few a managers and possibly Special Branch officers will check a small proportion of passports whilst TV news crews film them, an announcement will be made that there was little disruption and at the end of the day 80% of incoming passengers will be unchecked. Government saves face with fingers crossed behind back.
As long as no terror alerts kick off at the same time that would be politically unacceptble. So what's likely to happen is that a few a managers and possibly Special Branch officers will check a small proportion of passports whilst TV news crews film them, an announcement will be made that there was little disruption and at the end of the day 80% of incoming passengers will be unchecked. Government saves face with fingers crossed behind back.
steve8482 wrote:well, maybe. If the plan for a shortage of Border Agency staff checking incoming passengers was to limit their number then the airlines would have to think - would it be sensible to fly loaded planes out to bring them back empty?
Thats a fair point, but are the airlines really bothered about that ? as soon as they park up the plane and open the door its not really their concern if passengers have to wait for ages to get through border control. plus it gives them more time to get your bags unloaded!!! as you say a face-saving contingency plan will be put in place.
Folks, I'm an air traffic controller and can categorically state that air traffic controllers (ATCO's) will not be going on strike. First of all ATCO's are not in PCS, they are members of a Union called Prospect. There has been a bit of strife recently over pay, but that was resolved yesterday by a landslide vote in favour of accepting the proposed pay offer.
Our assistants (ATSA's), however are in PCS. They are also being balloted about their pay offer, which is less than ATCO's and they are not happy. Their result is due next week some time. Early indications are that it will be a no. This could lead to some kind of industrial action. However, I'm guessing this will be fairly low key as when it is publicised what they get paid, what they do to earn that money and how much their pay offer is (9.2% over 2 years) the British public and press will tear them to pieces.
I'll keep you posted, but please do not worry as no ATCO's are going on strike. In the unlikely event that the ATSA's do take some kind of low level industrial action (an overtime ban), it won't be until the end of August at the earliest.
Our assistants (ATSA's), however are in PCS. They are also being balloted about their pay offer, which is less than ATCO's and they are not happy. Their result is due next week some time. Early indications are that it will be a no. This could lead to some kind of industrial action. However, I'm guessing this will be fairly low key as when it is publicised what they get paid, what they do to earn that money and how much their pay offer is (9.2% over 2 years) the British public and press will tear them to pieces.
I'll keep you posted, but please do not worry as no ATCO's are going on strike. In the unlikely event that the ATSA's do take some kind of low level industrial action (an overtime ban), it won't be until the end of August at the earliest.
Update to my last. Our ATSA's pay ballot results were announced yesterday and they REJECTED their offer by 79% - 21%.
They have asked for talks to reccommence but are also considering industrial action. Any action will need to be ballotted and notified iaw UK law etc. Possibly expect some aggravation form approx end of August
They have asked for talks to reccommence but are also considering industrial action. Any action will need to be ballotted and notified iaw UK law etc. Possibly expect some aggravation form approx end of August
i fly on the 30th aswell... does this mean there will be little disruption to our flight?
Thanks
Thanks
There will be nil from an air traffic control point of view. I can't speak about Customs and immigration though.
Travellers warned to expect delays on arrival at UK ports and airports:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13953678
David
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13953678
David
I always expect a delay at UK Immigration!!
Post a Reply
Please sign in or register an account to reply to this post.
Similar Topics
-
strike action imminent
Posted by shirley h in Flight Only / Airline and Airports
-
Strike Action by Swissport staff
Posted by ronaldbiggs in Flight Only / Airline and Airports
-
60,000 Spanish airport workers threaten strike action
Posted by Glynis HT Admin in Travel News
-
Possible air strike 30th June???
Posted by Robo20 in Flight Only / Airline and Airports
-
Advance warning strike 24 June
Posted by Alsacienne in France and Channel Hopping Discussion