Public Sector Strike(s)

oldvicar

When Equitable Life broke its promises to future pensioners, there was an outcry. Why shouldn't there be when an employer (the government in this case) breaks its promises to furure pensioners.

noodle_doodle

Solidarity brothers! Fight the power! A unilateral offer by the unions to accept pension cuts in exchange for MPs ending their own final salary scheme and not tapping into it till they're 68 would soon test if we're all in it together.

julieq

oldvicar wrote: »

When Equitable Life broke its promises to future pensioners, there was an outcry. Why shouldn't there be when an employer (the government in this case) breaks its promises to furure pensioners.

Because there isn't a promise or a contract. You get a projection based on the current scheme, your contributions, and an explanation that situations may change.

Equitable Life was about an actual contractual obligation.

DCodd

abaxas wrote: »

I totally agree.

Stop breaking your contract/promise by striking.

They are not. The Public sector employers accept collective agreements and it is written into the contracts that they accept legitimate Union activities as a reason for time off work (this applies to the private sector too where such Union agreements are in place).

While there is no actual legal right to strike, it is inferred and would be unlikely to be challenged in a court (unless the Government of the day decided to try and make it illegal) so it is unlikely that there is an actual breach of contract as the implied terms would allow for it.

StevieJ

oldvicar wrote: »

When Equitable Life broke its promises to future pensioners, there was an outcry. Why shouldn't there be when an employer (the government in this case) breaks its promises to furure pensioners.

Why? what was the promise to future pensioners?

pillion

julieq I am not employed in the public sector. I do believe though that we should retain large parts of the public sector, if only to be sure those services will remain available. I think the government should actually put their energies into improving the private sector and getting people back to work. This should not be a race to the bottom.

Jennifer_Jane

OptionARMAGEDDON wrote: »

Didums. The people they need to go after are the boomers. All those NHS workers should be getting the decimal point in the wrong place when administering medication each time they get a boomer to treat. Within 5 years, those that have stolen this nations wealth would get the message.

Ha Ha! I'm sorry I thanked your earlier post now, OpArm. But actually, judging from some of the hospitals here in the North West and their recent levels of death, it seems that this is already in place.

Nevertheless, I am just back from the swimming pool having swum my usual mile and more, so not planning a hospital visit just yet. Plus, I am a taxpayer - doesn't that make me a worthwhile member of society? Rather tackle the long-term lifestyle benefit scroungers, if you can, or people in jail, perhaps?

julieq

pillion wrote: »

julieq I am not employed in the public sector. I do believe though that we should retain large parts of the public sector, if only to be sure those services will remain available. I think the government should actually put their energies into improving the private sector and getting people back to work. This should not be a race to the bottom.

Public service pensions return about 40% on average of salary. The government and public service employees pay half of that amount, and the taxpayer pays the rest, i.e. it comes from wealth generated by the private sector.

So really, it's not appropriate to suggest you might improve the private sector, which is already straining under the weight of legislation and the costs of its own employees pensions, as well as generating returns for pension funds. It''s already doing a good job.

"Race to the bottom" is becoming the new mantra of apologists for the public service, and was used by Hutton - the new pension deal is MASSIVELY better than most private sector deals, and is nowhere near anything approaching the bottom.

In fact this is about understanding the reality of the world we live in where we have an aging population and we need to put more away for our retirement. That is a resolutely positive message. What I am against is the public sector unions sticking their fingers in their ears up to the knuckles, claiming that the pensions are sustainable, and expecting me to pick up the tab. Sorry.

OptionARMAGEDDON

oldvicar wrote: »

when equitable life broke its promises to future pensioners, there was an outcry. Why shouldn't there be when an employer (the government in this case) breaks its promises to furure pensioners.

because there is no more money! The boomers stole it all and still want more!

grizzly1911

OptionARMAGEDDON wrote: »

If you think that the public sector going on strike is going to be well recieved by the majority of private sector workers who are facing all the pain, think again. The government knows this. The government wont break the strike. The furious middle class private sector will when they get absolutely no support and everyone is baying for further state sector cuts.

Other interesting note, I dont know many in the public sector who CANT strike (police and military) that support the strikers either. Most I speak to think they should rot, be sacked and rehired on 75% of their original pay. Its not as if there is much work outside for them all, is there?

I wasn't really referring to the strike tomorrow more the general point the OP is making re the onslaught on public sector.

Fine sack the lot.

So the individuals get payed less.

We will still pay the same- taxes aren't going to come down ever.

Wonder where that 25% saving will go, that will just about make up for the margin Serco and Capita will take.

Those services will still have to be paid for and for the individuals that get stung the cost will be heavy. Of course we could all insure ourselves and pay financial companies even more because they offer such good value.

Heard on the Radio that there is a £4.5bn bonus pot in the city this year......