Friday, January 16, 1976
Traffic Controllers salaries are better than those of similar
staff in the region, including New Zealand; and are comparable
with Australia; and this does not take into account tax effects,
non-contributory pensions, and subsidised housing," he pointed out.
On changes in workload, the government view is that the
1971 Salaries Commission considered most carefully the position as
at that time. The Director, as government's professional adviser
in the field, has reexamined with considorable care the whole
position, and considers that the 1971 Commission was not out of
line in its assessment; and that the position has not significantly
altered since 1971.
On medical and proficiency tests, the facts do not support
what would otherwise be a valid matter for concern by the Association.
Mr. Scott noted that in the last 25 years, only two officers have
been invalided out, and both, he said were reemployed on Air Traffic
Control duties elsewhere.
"A clear assurance has been given by the Secretary for
the Civil Service that any officer in this position would be most
sympathetically treated and other employment found, if at all
possible, in the civil service. The same would apply to any officer
who failed to pass the proficiency tests. No officer has ever been
retired on this account."
Mr. Scott went on to say that the Air Traffic Control
Officer is trained from the age of 18 or 19 at government expense
and his time of training is pensionable service. The salary
structure enables the typical Air Traffic Control Officer to reach
the main professional maximum ($6910) at age 32, which is earlier
than other professions. These factors recognise adequately the
stress and complexity factors in their work.
"The Government