Dividends, Profits & Bonuses

On Monday, NATS again announced a profitable year, supplemented by the sale of the old Heathrow Control Tower. As a result, NATS have announced a record dividend payment of £43.5 million. Whilst it may be expected that with healthy accounts dividends will be paid, the ATCO Branch have concerns about the amount of money which has left the business in such a difficult economic climate against a backdrop where NATS are requesting that the Union participate in cost cutting in both NERL and NSL. We are particularly concerned that NATS see the sale of the Old control tower as a ‘windfall’ payment, using this as a rationale for the dividend. The ATCO Branch vehemently disagrees, and see this as the sale of one of our largest tangible assets. It is our belief that the amounts of money concerned should have been better used within the business.

With respect to performance related pay the ATCO branch still maintain a strong opposition to bonuses attached to roles which are solely operational. However, if an employee has a contract which requires them to achieve targets set for them to gain a bonus payment, we believe it should be paid if these are met. These targets should be stretching and not expected as part of the normal functions of an employee’s role. What could be called into question is the level of the bonuses paid and whether or not they are proportionate to the additional benefit brought to the business.

The ATCO Branch will continue to campaign with NATS and its Shareholders (including the Govt) to ensure that promises made to members through pensions and our negotiated terms and conditions are not put at risk or eroded in the relentless pursuit of profit and dividends.