Bloody cheek!

[Easy_Rider]

The comment wasn't directed at you personally, but I believe many do not know.
As I understand it work contracts aren't set in stone as many believe, you either need money to defend it or a union. I will say however that there are always flip sides to every story, while many really didn't want to move to shifts and it may affect their personal lives (kids school, partners work pattern etc) there have been benifits. As a result the company has employed more people for the shifts to work, the majority of which were currently unemployed, and now the company's sales have increased significantly therefore securing the jobs of all employed, and they will receive a shift allowance. Still many dont like it, but in the bigger picture it has worked out for the better.

 

[technodup]

We are not on the whole well paid, some are but certainly not the majority, we often do the really tedious jobs that you demand are done and our contractually agreed pension, one of the only genuine perks of public service, is being f***ed around with by the government.

Apart from the last bit that applies to the private sector too. In fact since Brown shafted pensions that bit pretty much applies as well.

Don't remember businesses striking at the time.

No sympathy whatsoever for teachers. And I shudder to think what sort of leftish propaganda they are brainwashing the kids with when they ask about their extra day off. :roll:

 

[brocklanders023]

We are not on the whole well paid, some are but certainly not the majority, we often do the really tedious jobs that you demand are done and our contractually agreed pension, one of the only genuine perks of public service, is being f***ed around with by the government.

Apart from the last bit that applies to the private sector too. In fact since Brown shafted pensions that bit pretty much applies as well.

Don't remember businesses striking at the time.

No sympathy whatsoever for teachers. And I shudder to think what sort of leftish propaganda they are brainwashing the kids with when they ask about their extra day off. :roll:

Businesses don't usually strike because they do not have effective Unions to do all the work for them. People that do not have the bottle to stand up for what they believe should not have a go at those that do. To argue that everyone should accept sh*t conditions of service because you won't fight for yours is laughable.

Since when did every person that takes industrial action become a 'leftie'?

 

[technodup]

People that do not have the bottle to stand up for what they believe should not have a go at those that do. To argue that everyone should accept sh*t conditions of service because you won't fight for yours is laughable.

Firstly I made no comment about me, or what I do, have done or would do, so wind your neck in. I equally didn't say anyone should accept shit conditions of service. But if that is what you are seeing teachers having then I think many in the private sector would happily trade. I don't see the public sympathising with teachers on this one. I'm not denying the right to strike but I do believe it should be an absolute last resort, and as I understand it talks were ongoing and the bigger unions were against it.

Most people in this country work for small businesses. The sort of small businesses where a few people taking a day off to strike could result in orders missed, deliveries not made, payments not processed etc etc. That sort of disruption could easily lead to redundancies, especially at the moment. Is that preferable?

Since when did every person that takes industrial action become a 'leftie'?

Again I didn't say that, as you well know. However in a two sided dispute between a Tory(ish) government and public sector unions where teachers are feeling hard done by I'm not sure they'll be giving quite as balanced an opinion as we might otherwise hope. Maybe like a scientist taking an RE class for the day.

 

[brocklanders023]

I did not say it was directed at you. My point was that people who give their conditions away without a fight should not have a go at those with the balls to take a stand. I have no idea what you do.

Striking is a last resort and I personally think the Unions involved today have gone too early. If these pensions changes are forced through the real action will take place in towards the end of the year. As I have said before, we have been told to expect a ballot around sep/oct time. The scale of that strike will make this one look like small fry is it comes to be.

As for the ongoing talks.... The government has made it clear that the bulk of the proposals are not up for negotiation, just the faff round the edges.

 

[MikeD]

Businesses don't usually strike because they do not have effective Unions to do all the work for them.

I'm not sure what point you're making here. Industrial action is hardly unique to the public sector, and there are plenty of active trade unions representing private sector workers.

(I don't get holiday pay, sick pay, overtime, healthcare or anything and my pension is lousy. Being self-employed, though, I don't think striking is the way forward for me )

 

[technodup]

The scale of that strike will make this one look like small fry is it comes to be.

I've heard that said before. I can't help feeling it sounds like certain sections are spoiling for a fight. Which will be interesting if nothing else. I think Cameron's up for it though- we'll see.

The government has made it clear that the bulk of the proposals are not up for negotiation, just the faff round the edges.

If the government had to negotiate every decision they'd never actually do anything. The constant consultations, reviews, 'conversations', negotiations, reflections etc are a farce. We voted for them (alright maybe not a good example this time but it was as bad with Labour before), let them govern.

 

[velomaniac]

Heres a thought-

Public pensions are good, private pensions are bad.
Why not make public pensions bad to level the playing field :shock:

Public pensions are good, private pensions are bad.
Why not make private pensions good to level the playing field

If you agree with the first point your an idiot and if you agree with the second you get more support from the masses

We need to wisen up and fight for the betterment of all not the degrading of some :!: :!: :!: :!:

 

[Neil G]

Speaking as someone who is employed in the private sector with zero employer contributions I must say that I am a little aggrieved that there are people employed in the public sector who receive a greater contribution from their employer than the employee pays in, this contribution is coming from all our taxes, including mine. At the very least employers could match employees contributions up to whatever agreed amount. The disparity is like a slap in the face for me and then to strike is like a kick in the balls.

Agree

I think a £500,000 pension pot for the average teacher on 32k (20 times more than the private sector) isn't really that bad, in fact I think it's a f**king discrace that they can make such a fuss about something we're all having to deal with (increasing pension age).

Spare a thought for some people with homes on a single income or low wage families...I can barely afford to contribute into my pension at all!

 

[brocklanders023]

...And I won't be able to afford to pay in to mine if they increase it like they want to. I guess it'll make you happy to know that another person's been priced out of a pension?