Belgocontrol ATC strikes 2016

[Yuqu12]

I think everything is quite normal again, given the fact that there were no problems this night...

[evyncke]

I think everything is quite normal again, given the fact that there were no problems this night...

Based on a friend's Facebook post, this Wednesday morning shift is fully in operations

[Apuneger]

So now, everybody agrees and Belgocontrol Mgmt and atco's are friends again?
If not, I'm afraid it's just a matter of time before things escalate again. Probably in July or so...

Best regards,
Ivan

[pilot_gent]

Wow, a lot of emotional and even disrespectful replies. Fire them all, revoke their licences... Maybe everybody should calm down a little...

Don't work if your unfit is not the same as being sick. Unfit means being in a state not suitable for doing your job safely (for example fatigue, emotional state, etc...) This is a very common thing in aviation. For those of you saying "if your not fit than you're not made for the job", you are very shortsighted and it would probably mean you would have to fire 99% of all pilots and cabin crew as well. I think every pilot or cabin crew member has had to report unfit to fly at least once in their life (nothing to do with illness). It's a final protection for the safety of the aircraft and its passengers and should be used in a responsible way.

That being said, I hope the ATCO's didn't use the "unfit to work" reason to justify their strike. That's not a responsible way of using this final protection and sets a dangerous precedent.

I don't know the entire story so I'm not going to judge who is wrong or right. But the timing of these events is strange to say the least...

[RTM]

That being said, I hope the ATCO's didn't use the "unfit to work" reason to justify their strike. That's not a responsible way of using this final protection and sets a dangerous precedent.

That is exactly what dthey did...

[Jetter]

Jetter, check the date!!! It says april 9th. Saturday. When an official notice was valid for social action (since february) and people went on strike in stead of performing Leuven Rechtdoor training. Hence the reference at the bottom 'on monday actions restart'.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday 12 with socialist union and contains social peace. The notice is no longer valid. They are trying to make you and the whole world believe the guild coordinated people calling in unfit for duty after an agreement was reached for a wildcat strike in disguise. This is not true. Atco's had no idea there would be a vote, let alone a signed agreement on topics they had not been informed about. They got taken by surprise and the worst possible timing. Some declared not fit to work after these unprecedented events.

You can't defend your colleagues by referring to irrelevant details. What matters is very simple: on Saturday the BGATC called for action from Monday on, and reminded ATCO's that they can report unfit for work. That reminder had no relation with the subject, and thus already reveals the intent to grossly abuse the 'unfit to work' rule. And then suddenly on Tuesday there are a huge number of spoiled ATCO's 'unfit for work' because they didn't get their way. Who are you trying to fool be claiming this wasn't a coordinated action?

Wow, a lot of emotional and even disrespectful replies. Fire them all, revoke their licences... Maybe everybody should calm down a little...

This isn't emotional but reasonable, the reality of these options is shown by the letter the the main culprit Maryse Meulemans already received implying the consequences if she doesn't change course.

Don't work if your unfit is not the same as being sick. Unfit means being in a state not suitable for doing your job safely (for example fatigue, emotional state, etc...) This is a very common thing in aviation. For those of you saying "if your not fit than you're not made for the job", you are very shortsighted and it would probably mean you would have to fire 99% of all pilots and cabin crew as well. I think every pilot or cabin crew member has had to report unfit to fly at least once in their life (nothing to do with illness). It's a final protection for the safety of the aircraft and its passengers and should be used in a responsible way.

That is all true of course, but you conveniently leave out that almost all 'unfit' ATCO's were members of the BGATC, and were suddenly unfit on Tuesday only after the BGATC 'reminded' them of the possibility to report unfit for work, in the same letter that called for action. 1+1 is still 2. Your comparison with pilots and cabin crew is irrelevant, because when did they massively became unfit after someone reminded them of this option? The mere theoretical possibility that many ATCO's were indeed suddenly unfit doesn't change that. A jury would say: "guilty of a illegal coordinated action beyond reasonable doubt", as your doubt is unreasonable.

[Passenger]

That being said, I hope the ATCO's didn't use the "unfit to work" reason to justify their strike. That's not a responsible way of using this final protection and sets a dangerous precedent.

That is exactly what they did...

Indeed, and they proved themselves that they abused it. After a few hours, the "psychological shock" that cause the massive "unfit to work" suddenly vanished. It was gone. Those who were in a terrible shock in the morning, showed up for work in the afternoon. Whilst actually the cause for the psychological shock has not been withdrawn at all = the change of the theoritical pension age from 55 to 58.

[sn26567]

One little know fact that could have long-lasting financial consequences for Belgocontrol. Luxembourg skies are also under the responsibility of Belgocontrol. The Luxembourg authorities are upset by the recent strike and are said to be looking at Germany to replace Belgocontrol.

[RTM]

One little know fact that could have long-lasting financial consequences for Belgocontrol. Luxembourg skies are also under the responsibility of Belgocontrol. The Luxembourg authorities are upset by the recent strike and are said to be looking at Germany to replace Belgocontrol.

That at least tackles the understaffing issue... Maybe they can still go on holliday at 55 then...

[Nevihta]

Some here don't want to hear anything else than their opinion (and it's not only related to ATC) so I won't enter the debate here, just state some facts.
What you don't realize, is that there is simply not enough ATCOs, that's a fact.
That lack was compensated for years by ATCOs making efforts to keep the boat floating, overworking, no holidays, working when tired/sick etc...
That "betrayal", and the behavior from the management made ATCOs fed up with "helping" the management ensuring full staffing when some people are missing (sick, pregnant, retirement...)
So be ready to have some other disuptions, because it's not over, simply because there is not enough staff... That's not strike, that's mathematics...

[Nevihta]

That at least tackles the understaffing issue... Maybe they can still go on holliday at 55 then...

Brilliant one !
I kindly invite to read the other 13 (?) changes that come after the chapter about pensions...

[RTM]

Some here don't want to hear anything else than their opinion (and it's not only related to ATC) so I won't enter the debate here, just state some facts.
What you don't realize, is that there is simply not enough ATCOs, that's a fact.
That lack was compensated for years by ATCOs making efforts to keep the boat floating, overworking, no holidays, working when tired/sick etc...
That "betrayal", and the behavior from the management made ATCOs fed up with "helping" the management ensuring full staffing when some people are missing (sick, pregnant, retirement...)
So be ready to have some other disuptions, because it's not over, simply because there is not enough staff... That's not strike, that's mathematics...

There are better ways to handle that...

I do understand that there is more going on. And I think that everybody has the right to defend their personal interests.
However, what they did here is beyond all decency...
In case they forgot, some 3 weeks ago the airport was victim to a terrible crime, and the community has worked day and night to get it back on its feet, en to this day are fighting in every way possible to get the upper hand. The financial impact to a lot of companies is devestating, and only time will show how big it will be, and if all involved companies will survive. For now everybody is doing their upmost to restore faith in BRU to get as many customers back as humanly possible. And then a group of ignorant, selfish people decide it is time shut everything down for their own benefit... I just can not comprehand that people can even think that way...

I do get that actions are needed, and I am the first to acknowledge that the management took a whole arm when handed a hand. But do it at a different time... Reinstate a strike notice for september or so. Give BRu the oppertunity to recouperate through the summer, and let them at least have the oppertunity to safeguard as much revenu in the peak season. Then, when the storm has died down, it is an appropiate time to act. And in the meanwhile there is ample time to renegociate, and maybe get to a consensus where no further actions are required. All the better. But not now, and not like this!

And to be clear, with BRU in this context, I mean the entire community, including all companies.

[Passenger]

Some here don't want to hear anything else than their opinion (and it's not only related to ATC) so I won't enter the debate here, just state some facts.
What you don't realize, is that there is simply not enough ATCOs, that's a fact.
That lack was compensated for years by ATCOs making efforts to keep the boat floating, overworking, no holidays, working when tired/sick etc...
That "betrayal", and the behavior from the management made ATCOs fed up with "helping" the management ensuring full staffing when some people are missing (sick, pregnant, retirement...)
So be ready to have some other disuptions, because it's not over, simply because there is not enough staff... That's not strike, that's mathematics...

These are not facts: these are your own opinion. So don't blame other luchtzak members they only "want to hear anything else then their own opinion". Actually, that's what this forum exists: to give ones personal opinion.

Let me give you some facts:

on 22/03, Brussels Airport suffered the most terrible attack in its history

on 22/03, Belgium suffered the most terrible attack since 1940-1945

apart from the shock, the financial damage to both Brussels Airport and the airlines is terribly high. It's even that high, that it's impossible to calculate it.

My personal opinion: since about one week, people were regaining confidence in aviation. Confidence in Brussels Airport. Confidence in flying to/from Belgium. That confidence is now damaged with the ATC strike.

[Nevihta]

In case they forgot, some 3 weeks ago the airport was victim to a terrible crime, and the community has worked day and night to get it back on its feet

ATCOs are amongst the very people that worked hard to allow flights to operate.
They had to find solutions when BRU closed just before the arrival peak of the morning, with already weaknesses in the staffing.
Some came back from holidays to provide ATC, some worked an insane number of days/nights week ends in a row, some had to be relocated. So yes, ATCOs are fully aware of what happened, and participated the effort.

But then, after so many terrible things, management decides the very day of the restart to pass an "agreement" that was under negotiations for months with some politician tricks I won't go in now.
So, it's understandable that some felt betrayed, and were not fit to ensure their duties minutes after they got the information.

[Nevihta]

These are not facts: these are your own opinion. So don't blame other luchtzak members they only "want to hear anything else then their own opinion". Actually, that's what this forum exists: to give ones personal opinion.

Understaffing is a mathematical fact.
You need X persons to staff a position.
You don't have them, and it's not breaking news....

[Jetter]

Understaffing is a mathematical fact.
You need X persons to staff a position.
You don't have them, and it's not breaking news....

That doesn't justify abusing a rule that excists to insure safety in case staff has serious mental issues. If this is true than the regular course for staff action is sufficient to draw attention to this issue.

[FLYAIR10]

evyncke wrote:

Poiu wrote:

stevenc wrote:
IS it true that the military atc in Melsbroek could take over (part of) the duties of Belgocontrol? Or do they also rely on Belgocontrol?


There is no Melsbroek ATC. The military hangars are in Melsbroek, whilst the civil terminal is in Zaventem, but they both use the same runways and airspace of Brussels airport.



Are you sure that there is no military ATC?

Belga Radar (located in Semmerzake) should be able to take over a lot of the traffic (at least traffic flying crossing Belgium and some TMA -- unsure about approach which is of course required)



There is a Belgian military ATC of course, but no Melsbroek ATC.
Transferring BRU ground ops, take off, landing and approach to the military of Belga radar would be quite challenging.

The BAF has mobile controltowers .So at least airport operations(T/O & landing) could be handled,albeit at a much smaller scale.And the army has mobile radars.Not sure these could be of use in airport ops though.

[convair]

ATCOs are amongst the very people that worked hard to allow flights to operate.
They had to find solutions when BRU closed just before the arrival peak of the morning, with already weaknesses in the staffing.
Some came back from holidays to provide ATC, some worked an insane number of days/nights week ends in a row, some had to be relocated. So yes, ATCOs are fully aware of what happened, and participated the effort.

OK, that was certainly splendid, but why spoil it with an completely indecent behaviour right after that? Many people showed unusual strength during that period!

But then, after so many terrible things, management decides the very day of the restart to pass an "agreement" that was under negotiations for months with some politician tricks I won't go in now.
So, it's understandable that some felt betrayed, and were not fit to ensure their duties minutes after they got the information.

You have the right to react to that of course, but a responsible union (yes, if you can find one ) would have called its members to calm down in the present circumstances instead of enticing them to use a dishonest trick.

[RTM]

ATCOs are amongst the very people that worked hard to allow flights to operate.
They had to find solutions when BRU closed just before the arrival peak of the morning, with already weaknesses in the staffing.
Some came back from holidays to provide ATC, some worked an insane number of days/nights week ends in a row, some had to be relocated. So yes, ATCOs are fully aware of what happened, and participated the effort.

FYI,... the effort is not over yet... Not even close.

But then, after so many terrible things, management decides the very day of the restart to pass an "agreement" that was under negotiations for months with some politician tricks I won't go in now.
So, it's understandable that some felt betrayed, and were not fit to ensure their duties minutes after they got the information.

Like I said, I am the first one to support something like that. But do it smartly. The action have been called many things. And I believe they are all that. But most of all, it is plain STUPID. Doing these actions NOW will never be in your favour. No way you will win the support of public opinion. No way you can explain to the people of Belgium, of who many have lost a job the past years, that you earn €12000 per month, and you demand to retire at 85% of that at age 55... How narrowminded must one be to think the people of Belgium will understand and support, instead of what is happening...? And yes, there is more to it, but you should have known what was going to be picked up by the media and general public... It's not rocket science...
Have patience, and pick your battles wisely...
And just a riminder, one of the reasons you guys are paid so damn well is because of the pressure, stress and high workload. So deal with it. And if you can't, quit. Get a normal job, and work for €2500 till the age of 65.

[pilot_gent]

No way you will win the support of public opinion. No way you can explain to the people of Belgium, of who many have lost a job the past years, that you earn €12000 per month, and you demand to retire at 85% of that at age 55... How narrowminded must one be to think the people of Belgium will understand and support, instead of what is happening...? And yes, there is more to it, but you should have known what was going to be picked up by the media and general public... It's not rocket science...
Have patience, and pick your battles wisely...

Maybe this is exactly why the management decided to pass the agreement now? I don't agree with how they started the strike but again, timing is strange to say the least.