Unfortunately, where I completely support the strike and all that it stands for, I shall be crossing picket lines because I have little choice in the matter. As a non-union member and a self-employed contractor and consultant, If I don't work not only do I not get paid but I also severley damage my chances of ever being asked back to that location again, which would mean that I would have to actually find a real job.
Good luck for the strike and I hope that you win.
Un-ashamed Bump.
Remember to beep, wave and support those out on a protest (I wont call this one a Strike) tomorrow
Phredd (he will be out on the line)
Just like to wish all those picketing tomorrow well, and hope the weather warms and clears for you.
I have the luxury of being able not to have to cross the line but for those who have no choice, I'm sure those picketing will understand.
Good luck and I hope someone up there notices.
H
Hope that all of you did beep , express sympathy etc when passing the places on strike!
To all of you who were on strike, I hope the day went well and not too many poeple passed your picket lline.
I'm a nurse and even though I don't work for the NHS, our pay awards are governed by their legislation. I've just had a letter form the powers that be stating that as the NHS haven't made any decision on the pay awards, we won't get anything yet. In the meantime, my car tax has risen, I noticed an increase in my insurances on all fronts and the cost of petrol is still creeping up.
I passed a picket today at our local bus depot and honked them though I'm considering giving my full support and undivided attention to the firemen just down the road :twisted:
As a fireman I emapthise with your situation entirely we were very nearly striking with you but won our case in the 25th hour, although we have had to make huge concessions and all new employees are on a differentpension scheme, I justify this to myself by saying that at least they know what they are signing up for, but in reality it was a selfish choice not to fight for them but after the damage done to the service as a result of the last strike, not to mention firefighters homelifes and marriages, we were very reluctant to strike. I am aware of the negative image presented by the media of the fire service during the strike, and I'm also aware that the public began to view us a s greedy. But in reality most are kind caring selfless individuals and that is why we joined the job. I hope this strike is more succesful an dpeople realise that th epeople involved have a valid reason to fight. In a time where taxes are high and the cost of living let alone owning a house are astronomical the last thing people need to hear is that the retirement they have been scrimping for has just been cut short. Especially when the misters who set the policy only have to work for seven years to obtain there full pension.
Are we back to the 1970s?
Do we really still have industries where taking a day off and leaving your customers in the lurch is considered a sensible way of resolving disputes with management?
Sorry, but I'm on the side of the children who are being deprived their education for a day, and the families who have suddently had to arrange to look after them at their expense.
If you have a beef with your employer, go to court, go to dispute resolution, or simply go work somewhere else, don't take it out on everyone else.
Call me a silly billy ........... but why is it wrong for public sector workers to have to work until they are 65 ............ same as the rest of us ?
What did I miss ? Does a Council employee work harder and longer hours than a Private sector employee ??
Sam xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
sorry .......... please dont jump on me .............. or maybe thats why I posted it :rascal:
As I understand it, people were told "pay into this optional extra pension and then you can retire on half your final pay at 60", and that's why they signed up to it and made many years of payments... now the government is trying to wriggle out of it's obligations.
for my two peneth worth (and I'm glad I could type that not have to say it)
I've never been employed. Since I left college 1st time I've only ever worked for myself. I've never had sick pay - holiday pay - company pension - union membership. My hourly rate was well below the minimum wage.
Yes you should be able to take action if you feel you've been duped by your employer, but as employees, many people take things for granted that should not be taken for granted.
Just thought it was worth metioning, don't hate me - beat me yes - but don't hate me.
H.
:(. I agree with what the strike is about but I can't afford to lose a days pay!! SORRY
