This Week's Strike

[rhondda rudie]

The government is adopting a strategy of divide and rule.They are trying to turn private sector workers against those who work for the state.They are backed by right wing columnists who love using phrases like "The strikers need to live in the real world".That's just the point,they do live in the "real world".

Far from "living off the fat of the land" (another insulting phrase I've seen this week) these workers are often lowly paid and currently enduring a 2 year pay freeze.The proposal announced by the government would mean an effective 3% pay cut and still lead to a lower pension eventually,and having to work longer to get it.

Pension provision has always been better in the public sector and was not begrudged by the vast majority because of lower wages.This is no longer the case but not because of any surge in public sector pay but because of the collapse of private sector pay and conditions.Such workplaces are far more likely to be non unionised,might I be so bold as to suggest a link!

GOVERNMENT STATEMENTS ON THIS DISPUTE ARE A SMOKESCREEN.Why should dustmen,caretakers and care workers pay for what the bankers did with the complicity of the politicians.

If you see a picket line,please honk your support,especially if you are in a car.

[Dean M]

Tom
i dont entirely agree with you here
both my mum and aunt work for schools as cooks
they both want to work but basically been told that thier caretakers will not be opening the school, so they both lose a days wage
they are being held to ransom by a caretaker
if my sons school is shut, it will cost me extra money for child care or i have to take a day of work..which again costs me

[Starshine007]

Originally Posted by rhondda rudie

If you see a picket line,please honk your support,especially if you are in a car.

I will be bibbing my horn as I'm driving around. As for any other honking, I don't have any geese











Mind you I'll knock em all down if they don't jump out of the way

[rhondda rudie]

Originally Posted by Dean M

Tom
i dont entirely agree with you here
both my mum and aunt work for schools as cooks
they both want to work but basically been told that thier caretakers will not be opening the school, so they both lose a days wage
they are being held to ransom by a caretaker
if my sons school is shut, it will cost me extra money for child care or i have to take a day of work..which again costs me

My wife is in exactly the same position Dean.Now we are lucky,as I'm in a reasonably well paid job but to some of my wife's colleagues every penny counts.However,they see the bigger picture.Better to make the sacrifice of a day's pay (or more if the dispute goes on) now than be ripped off when they enter their hopefully 20-30 year retirement.Nobody wants to lose pay,indeed many can ill afford it,but what do you suggest,just roll over and take it.It's ok for the politicians to criticise but they would do well to remember that these people have to buy their own television and three piece suites.

[Dean M]

Originally Posted by rhondda rudie

My wife is in exactly the same position Dean.Now we are lucky,as I'm in a reasonably well paid job but to some of my wife's colleagues every penny counts.However,they see the bigger picture.Better to make the sacrifice of a day's pay (or more if the dispute goes on) now than be ripped off when they enter their hopefully 20-30 year retirement.Nobody wants to lose pay,indeed many can ill afford it,but what do you suggest,just roll over and take it.It's ok for the politicians to criticise but they would do well to remember that these people have to buy their own television and three piece suites.

why should my mum and aunt suffer because a caretaker refuses to open the building
i agree that it is thier choice to strike...but ..the choice has been taken from them
they cant get in the buildings...they will not be paid..NOT THIER CHOICE

[JB40]

I don't think the loss of a days pay can compare with the need to defend pensions from being reduced for MILLIONS of workers.

what public sector workers are being asked to do is to subsidize the deficit.

the 3% tax being levied by the government is nothing to do with making pensions 'affordable'. It about reducing the deficit.

why should public workers pay more than private sector workers towards bringing down the deficit.??

3% extra taken from people's wages, over decades, adds up to a hell of a lot more than a days wage.

it may be inconvenient for a lot of people, but for public sector workers it's about trying to protect their futures.

[rhondda rudie]

Originally Posted by JB40

I don't think the loss of a days pay can compare with the need to defend pensions from being reduced for MILLIONS of workers.

what public sector workers are being asked to do is to subsidize the deficit.

the 3% tax being levied by the government is nothing to do with making pensions 'affordable'. It about reducing the deficit.

why should public workers pay more than private sector workers towards bringing down the deficit.??

3% extra taken from people's wages, over decades, adds up to a hell of a lot more than a days wage.

That was going to be the crux of my reply to Dean Jimmy,you beat me to it.

[rhondda rudie]

Just did a bit of research on school caretakers.Average salary for a school caretaker is £14,980.Their average pension is £5,000 per year.Hardly "gold plated" is it.

[oLdbOi]

Striking....Dean..., there will be many losing out a days wage ,.... It's myself and others who are being ripped off and are deffending our right to make a statement in this way.

oLdbOi..... Striking and joining forces

[nephertiti]

Respect