Public Sector Pension Strikes – A JOKE !

ILW

MsSupertech wrote: »

For many in the public sector this will be the third time their occupational pensions goal posts have been moved in recent years - in addition to the changes to state pensions. (Yes, I know the private sector has had changes too)
One thing to remember is that many public sector employees (particularly the professionals) don't really have an alternative employer. The NHS, education etc are overwhelmingly in a 'monopoly' situation as an employer. Opportunities for jobs in private healthcare or education are few and far between. This means that, unlike private sector employees, many public sector staff can't simply decide go elsewhere to try to improve their pay or conditions. Which helps explain why they're angry..

You appear to be saying that they should get much higher pensions etc, because nobody else wants them. Rather strange argument.

sheffield_lad

ILW wrote: »

You appear to be saying that they should get much higher pensions etc, because nobody else wants them. Rather strange argument.

Its the same with the working age we hear

'I can't possibly teach at 68' yet they don't give a damn about anyone in the private sector working until 68.

What they can't get their head around is leaving the PS before retirement age and do a less stressful/less manual job. Its like 'no I work for the public sector, I can't possibly do another job in the real world'

jem16

howee wrote: »

I can't possibly do another job in the real world'

Ok in this "real world" of yours, how many employers do you think would take on an ex teacher at age 65 whilst they wait on their pension at age 67/68?

It's not a simple case of public sector vs private sector being able to work at whatever age. It's a case of anybody finding a job at age 65 because you are no longer able to do the job you are trained to do and spent a lifetime doing.

sheffield_lad

jem16 wrote: »

Ok in this "real world" of yours, how many employers do you think would take on an ex teacher at age 65 whilst they wait on their pension at age 67/68?

It's not a simple case of public sector vs private sector being able to work at whatever age. It's a case of anybody finding a job at age 65 because you are no longer able to do the job you are trained to do and spent a lifetime doing.

Plenty of companys out there who would look for older more experienced workers and again my point why is any different for private workers?

I work as a Surveyor and often crawl through lofts to get to the eaves, I carry my ladders and often have to lift myself into the loft. Will I be doing this at 67? I doubt it hopefully either at a desk or in a managerial role. Will it be with current co? Who knows I may go back into retial managment.

I am sick of hearing why PS workers are a 'special case' we are all getting older and living longer. If I have to change job later in life like millions of others why should it be different for the 'special ones'?

tartanterra

ILW wrote: »

You appear to be saying that they should get much higher pensions etc, because nobody else wants them. Rather strange argument.

They are correct that other employers don't want them.

http://www.uswitch.com/news/money/private-sector-businesses-not-prepared-to-hire-public-sector-workers-17755/

"The survey, conducted by uSwitch, reveals a widely spread perception that public sector industry has developed over-indulged staff with unrealistic expectations of the work place."

jem16

howee wrote: »

Plenty of companys out there who would look for older more experienced workers and again my point why is any different for private workers?

Did you read my post?

I said it's the same for anyone. The chances of finding a job at age 65 are much less than finding a job at age 45.

ILW

jem16 wrote: »

Did you read my post?

I said it's the same for anyone. The chances of finding a job at age 65 are much less than finding a job at age 45.

But you do appear to think the PS should be treated differently.

jem16

ILW wrote: »

But you do appear to think the PS should be treated differently.

Perhaps you could point me to the part of my post that says that?

J_i_m

I do think there are too many cases here of trying to put words into each others mouths. I certainly don't see myself as a special case or any more deserving than anyone else.

Howee, I definitely wouldn't expect you to be crawling through lofts into your twilight years however jem16 does have a valid point. You simply don't know that you'll be able to find another job when that time comes. And that goes for anybody regardless of what sector they happen to work in.

That's one of the majorly dissapointing things about this thread. There are some really well constructed arguments from both perceptives but they are like the needle in the haystack of people trying to win the argument by shouting the loudest.

dizzie

MsSupertech wrote: »

For many in the public sector this will be the third time their occupational pensions goal posts have been moved in recent years - in addition to the changes to state pensions. (Yes, I know the private sector has had changes too)
One thing to remember is that many public sector employees (particularly the professionals) don't really have an alternative employer. The NHS, education etc are overwhelmingly in a 'monopoly' situation as an employer. Opportunities for jobs in private healthcare or education are few and far between. This means that, unlike private sector employees, many public sector staff can't simply decide go elsewhere to try to improve their pay or conditions. Which helps explain why they're angry..

There are still some opportunities for employment in the private sector....even if you are a teacher or in healthcare. We do have independant schools and hospitals. I began life as a pharmacist in the public sector but now work in the private sector for example. But really, how many people are serious about even trying to jump ship? On balance, I think most people wouldn't because they know that their benefits package in the public sector far outweighs anything the private sector has to offer. I have spoken with many teachers, doctors, dentists etc who complain like mad that they hate their job...but they won't look at the alternatives. They admit that they are only "hanging in there" for the pension. I find it sad that there are so many people who feel like this.

Yes, I realise how frustrating it is to work in an environment that is so inefficient and paperwork heavy - I've been there and done that! (e.g. having to get half a dozen different people to authorise the spending of £5 in the NHS....private companies know that they would go out of business pretty quickly if they operated on those lines). But it still saddens me to know that for many, the only motivation to continue plodding along in the public sector is the pension at the end.

On the subject of alternative employment, the days of a "job for life" are long gone and these days, people are expected to be much more flexible. In the private sector when there has been a slump in one area for example, with associated job losses, people have often had to retrain to do something else in order to gain employment elsewhere. We also know that there are plenty of well qualified graduates who can't get a job relevant to their skills (I spoke to a chap today who told me his grand-daughter - a law school graduate is wrapping fish and chips because she can't get a job)...And look what happened to all the people that had trained in providing the dreaded Home Packs...which eventually got watered down and there were not enough jobs for the people that had trained to provide that service!

My point is that stuff like this happens...and it happens as much in the private sector as much as anywhere. At least the public sector workers have a job....but if they are so desperately unhappy then at least they have the option of looking at other alternatives and comparing them for palatability. Perhaps having done so, many do actually realise that they are better off where they are!

On the subject of a pension, public sector workers get a blinkin' good deal and should thank their lucky stars that they will STILL get a good deal even after reforms. For many of us, we're often watching our pension funds flatline despite continuing contributions. We have no security for our retirement years. Labour also had their hands in our private pension pots and made things worse...but I don't see you public sector workers offering to pay more taxes to contribute towards our helping us.

Sorry, but you guys just live on another planet!