For me, the problem is that the like for like jobs ( NOT jobs like nurses, soldiers, policemen etc.)
Traditionally the attraction of these kind of jobs was the job security in return for a relatively smaller salary.
The problem is the salaries in these jobs have increased well in excess of the private sector. To my mind it is these kind of jobs that is where the argument of the unions falls down.
The civil servants have currently pension rights and job security that could only be dreamed of in the private sector.
Yes I agree in an ideal world these pensions would not be reduced, but these are not ideal times.
Look at the states, where jobs are being lost just to pay pensions for ex-employees!
I think the unions have completely misjudged the mood of the country in general.
Whilst its true that there is support for prevention of cuts, but it is an untenable position to totally shield civil servants pensions, when others have effectively no pension.
Bear in mind that these were jobs that Labour created. They were only created to curry favour, rather fulfill a need.
The fact that the councils can still operate with these cuts PROVES that they were unessential.
Like it or not, these are essential cuts.
I feel sorry for you losing some of your pension, but would you be prepared to go into the private sector if you disagree with the terms?
Personally, I would protect rights for anyone under £20k, (insulating the lowest paid), but hey I don't have the power to do it!
Mike Parker - 12 years ago
Most people would say that nurses are not paid enough for the job they do but when they get called 'public sector workers' all of a sudden they have well paid jobs with gold plated pensions! Maybe some parts of the Civil Service could do with being reduced but the Government has merely decided that there should be cuts to reduce the county's debt (partly caused by the bail out of the banks) with no regard for the impact these cuts will have on services.
Edwin McGarrity - 12 years ago
A lot of these workers were found to have been underpaid under equality laws. The powers that be (local authorities ) procrastinated for two or three years. They then plucked a figure out of the air to cover the amounts unpaid during this procrastination. Under pressure to accept what was placed in front of them they took these seriously underestimated figures that paid no regard to any extra hours worked. Their jobs constantly threatened these low paid vulnerable people were further squeezed a staff left, transferred or retired were not replaced.
Their pay is being frozen and threatened with a further 3% virtual tax. Not to pay for the pension but going straight to the exchequer.
Do you think the have a grievance?
Michael Mccourt - 12 years ago
Thank God something is starting to happen. Again the Working Classes are going to pay for the outright mismanagement of the banks and the greed of Capatalism!
For me, the problem is that the like for like jobs ( NOT jobs like nurses, soldiers, policemen etc.)
Traditionally the attraction of these kind of jobs was the job security in return for a relatively smaller salary.
The problem is the salaries in these jobs have increased well in excess of the private sector. To my mind it is these kind of jobs that is where the argument of the unions falls down.
The civil servants have currently pension rights and job security that could only be dreamed of in the private sector.
Yes I agree in an ideal world these pensions would not be reduced, but these are not ideal times.
Look at the states, where jobs are being lost just to pay pensions for ex-employees!
I think the unions have completely misjudged the mood of the country in general.
Whilst its true that there is support for prevention of cuts, but it is an untenable position to totally shield civil servants pensions, when others have effectively no pension.
Bear in mind that these were jobs that Labour created. They were only created to curry favour, rather fulfill a need.
The fact that the councils can still operate with these cuts PROVES that they were unessential.
Like it or not, these are essential cuts.
I feel sorry for you losing some of your pension, but would you be prepared to go into the private sector if you disagree with the terms?
Personally, I would protect rights for anyone under £20k, (insulating the lowest paid), but hey I don't have the power to do it!
Most people would say that nurses are not paid enough for the job they do but when they get called 'public sector workers' all of a sudden they have well paid jobs with gold plated pensions! Maybe some parts of the Civil Service could do with being reduced but the Government has merely decided that there should be cuts to reduce the county's debt (partly caused by the bail out of the banks) with no regard for the impact these cuts will have on services.
A lot of these workers were found to have been underpaid under equality laws. The powers that be (local authorities ) procrastinated for two or three years. They then plucked a figure out of the air to cover the amounts unpaid during this procrastination. Under pressure to accept what was placed in front of them they took these seriously underestimated figures that paid no regard to any extra hours worked. Their jobs constantly threatened these low paid vulnerable people were further squeezed a staff left, transferred or retired were not replaced.
Their pay is being frozen and threatened with a further 3% virtual tax. Not to pay for the pension but going straight to the exchequer.
Do you think the have a grievance?
Thank God something is starting to happen. Again the Working Classes are going to pay for the outright mismanagement of the banks and the greed of Capatalism!