Emotive subject

[taff]

The pressure on our local council departments is unreal. The social security system is shambolic, our ambulance staff are falling sick, we have one pcso to cover 2 large areas and I havent seen the police since a neighbours car was set alight by unpoliced yobs. THE JUNIOR STAFF in all of these departments bear the verbal and physical repercussions and the pension fiasco is the final straw.

If you had a community where everyone was responsible for themselves and their own, where adults were respected, and they really were adults, not ageing teenagers, then I would bet money that half of the problems would disappear.

[Newton]

Being on strike is a thing of the past. Back then......in the 70s and before it was a legitimate form of protest as the workers had far far less protection than they do today.

[mothhawk]

Personaly, I would say Yes, as the majority with a preference have voted, the 95 who abstained clearly dont mind or they would have voiced an opinion, and in a democracy, theone who did vote against should accept the majority vote- surely thats the basis of democracy?

There's a quotation, though I can't remember who said it:

"For every hundred men, ninety are cattle, nine are organisers, and one is wise enough to keep himself to himself".

[baldrick]

If you had a community where everyone was responsible for themselves and their own, where adults were respected, and they really were adults, not ageing teenagers, then I would bet money that half of the problems would disappear.

Yes but the scroungers arent striking are they? Unless you count their entire lives as being one long strike for more pay!

[SarzWix]

Yes but the scroungers arent striking are they? Unless you count their entire lives as being one long strike for more pay!

I'm not getting into the strike discussion, but I HUGELY object to this label. And the 'scum' label

[Seahorse]

If you had a community where everyone was responsible for themselves and their own, where adults were respected, and they really were adults, not ageing teenagers, then I would bet money that half of the problems would disappear.

I do believe that's one of the definitions of anarchy!

[pigletwillie]

Good old Gordon Taxed my pension fund at 5% mid way through its life. I had no choice. The public sector pension is not paid through a bought annuity at retirement like everybody else so they didn't suffer that erosion of benefits. With people living longer and less taxpayers to fund not only pensions but services I feel that things need to change for newcomers to the public sector pension scheme but think its a bit harsh to change the amount paid in and received by existing members. The only thing I think they should take on the chin is a rise in the retirement age.

As for striking, whilst there is a majority of those who voted in favour, it's not a major endorsement when half don't bother. Nether the less they have my support.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Whilst I can see that existing workers feel they have been stuffed I don't think they will get anywhere as there is no money for leeway.

The private sector which must produce all the money used is just not big enough at this time to produce the wealth required.

My own personal opinion is that striker or not your on to a loser.

Colin

[SarzWix]

[...] there is no money for leeway.

The private sector which must produce all the money used [..]
Colin

And there is another 2 statements that I disagree with

There is money, it's just being hoarded. This article says much about the idea of 'wealth-creators': The 1% are the very best destroyers of*wealth the world has ever seen | George Monbiot

[pigletwillie]

Irrespective of whether the strike is just or not, I fear it does not have the support of the majority of the general public! Those in the private sector who have had pay cuts and pension reforms are going to be less inclined to offer support when they incur costs for child care or have to take days off during the strike. I think that whilst there is a good justification for action, this lack of public support may well sink their cause. All of the big union victories against governments have happened because of huge groundswell of public support. In this case, sadly I think they are fighting against the tide of public opinion which is a shame.

[taff]

Yes but the scroungers arent striking are they? Unless you count their entire lives as being one long strike for more pay!

Perhaps i should have been clearer. The community responsible for themselves means the entire community of everyone living everywhere in any kind of group. Being responsible means taking personal responsibility for your own actions, not seeking to blame someone else/something else, or make ezxcuses for them, the drink made me do it/I've watched too many episodes of jeremy kyle etc
It didn't mean misread what I wrote so thoroughly you could interpret it as meaning anyone who receives benefits. The fact that I replied to a specific quote should have made that clear.

Anyway, happy strike day. Not sure about the upswell of public support. The apathy of the general public is legendary, so they may well be behind it, just not actually saying it or showing it or wanting to remove the head in the sand about anything but bankers.

[Snadger]

I dread to think what my pension would be if it was based on my lifetime wage average.

I started work in 1970 when my take home pay for the week was only£5.50!!!!!!!

PS My pocket money was 50p per week and I payed a fiver board and lodgings to my Ma.

[piskieinboots]

I started work in 1970 when my take home pay for the week was only£5.50!!!

Exactly the same as me only it was 1972

[Two_Sheds]

... the workers had far far less protection than they do today.

That's a myth too. Just ask Mrs Dobby what protection she had, or what her years of service have been rewarded with.
The only real form of protection in your job is to be in with the boss

[Snadger]

Exactly the same as me only it was 1972

Just shows..................inflation wasn't rising so fast in the 70's!