Public sector strikes on Wednesday

[marky2484]

The private sector -pulling together for the common good. I know it's only chat on 'tinternet, but that did, genuinely, make me chuckle....

Could be like a corporate motto, bit like " we're all in this together"

 

[Rumble]

The tone of your post certainly suggested otherwise. I've never even heard the term "the bosses" except from unions or public sector workers. You still haven't cottoned on to the fact the what is happening around the world is a massive, game-changing event. All bets are off, that's why the promises you were made can't be honoured. You don't have to look too far (Greece, Italy) to see what happens when a country doens't react and do what it can to cut deficits.

You should realise that compared to many (like the 1 million unemployed, or the millions who've never had decent pension contributions from their employer), you've actually got it pretty good. That's no kind of jealousy speaking, good for you, I enjoy my job too and I wouldn't want to work in the public sector. Just don't expect everyone to cry you a river now you won't be getting it quite as good as you used to.

 

[marky2484]

So, was it the cleaning ladies then?

 

[Neil]

I started a new job 2 weeks ago. Before accepting I considered the long term prospects and what it means for my financies (and retirement, if anyone of my age is ever going to retire...)

Here's the thing I struggle with, in the pension debate.

For a little over 20 years, all the time I've been in full-time employment, I've always paid into a pension scheme. And in those years, there's been plenty of instances where I'd have liked to have that money that was going out, free to spend elsewhere. But personally, I've always viewed those deductions as essential at source - right from the outset, from back when I was 18, earning very little, right up to today, earning an adequate amount.

Over those years, I've encountered colleagues who've suprised me in saying they don't / haven't / never have (clearly it's varied) pay / paid into a pension scheme - based on them apparently not being able to afford it. In a lot of those instances, these would be people earning as much, and in some cases, notably more than me - and not seemingly having significant other commitments. I have to say, some of the people who've claimed not to be able to afford it, have often caused a Roger Moore-esque raised eyebrow from me - 'cos it's often given the impression of being more about not wanting to pay the money and use it elsewhere, as opposed to not actually being able to truly afford it - but then, that's just my experience.

From where I'm sat it's choices. How many people saying they can't afford to contribute to pensions, spend X amount socialising, going to the pub, spending Y on retrobikes or parts, spending ZZZ at the curry house, or that elusive Q amount on car payments, iPhones (/contracts) or other lifestyle choices.

As the politics of envy seem to be used as a valid standpoint, and affordability are being questioned, then surely it's equitable to point that spotlight in both directions...

 

[marky2484]

Surely you're not suggesting that all those people in the private sector now whinging, actually CHOSE to spend their cash on something else ??

 

[Gadro]

Interesting debate but what I wish people must realise is that you can actually choose between a career in Private Industry or the Public Sector. The junior magement and above jobs in the Public Sector are simply not as well paid as Private Industry. Also very rarely do any Public Sector workers get any cash bonuses or like.

The underlying factors when choosing a career within the Public Sector are Job Security and Pension.

From my own view I took a £10k pay cut p.a. when I moved from the Private to Public Sector. I pay 11% Pension contributions which I thought would give me a pension after 30 years (of putting up with sh*t). Currently got a 2 year pay freeze and recommendations for my pension contributions to go up to 14.2% !!! Will end up having to work 5 years longer, pay more money in and get less out. Seems really fair at the moment and will seem even fairer when we do come out of recession (which we will - even if its in 10 years time) and Private Industry starts raking it in. It looks like I'll be doing this job until I'm 60 which is totally unrealistic as due to the pressures and strains of the 'job' I probably have to finish on ill health grounds before then. Those in Private Industry who are jealous of Public Sector Pension schemes then why didn't you get a Public Sector job if it means so much to you. It's just sheer jealously as some people just don't plan for their financial future even if those plans means hardship now. I can think of far better things to do with £400 a month than sticking it in a pension. Hows about enjoying the here and now. But I realise with each passing year that the decision I made was the right one BUT now this Government will take it all away.

I fully support the strike action even though it is unlawful for me to strike. For those that walk spare a thought for the men and women on the other side of the 'line.' We support you even if we are not allowed to say it publicly. The Government will use us to break you and we must follow orders or lose our jobs. The Government will use us until either the Unions break or they do. For those in other Public Sector jobs and the other emergency services please remember that we support you albeit silently

We are to pay for mistakes made in boardrooms and cabinet meetings and pay we will Oh to be young again this Country wouldn't see me for dust

 

[maverick]

As a public sector worker i have been offered the chance to make my statement lawfully. I am not allowed to strike by law, i was offered the chance to work at in London on 29/11/11 for extra cash. I declined it on the basis that we will be used to break the action and seen as sleeping with the enemy. This is my silent protest.
I do not agree with the governments actions and just want what i was told i would get after putting up with restrictions on my private life, working long shifts, putting up with working conditions that are sometimes dangerous, being attacked at work and generally being considered as the enemy by those that i deal with.
Its not much to ask, stick with what you agreed too, afterall, I keep up my side of the deal!

 

[BoyBurning]

Certain posters on this thread have been mocked for blanketing all 'Public Sector' workers as being blue collar / desk jockeys...

On the same token, could I request some clarification as to who all the 'Private Sector' workers are?

• Is the Private Sector seen purely as 'The City' or those involved in banking?

• Is the Private Sector seen as being anywhere outside of London?

• Is it directors? employees? both? Is it purely companies which provide services used by the public sector, or which bid for private sector work?

• Foreign companies?


Not wanting to flame anything, purely a neutral comment to clarify how different 'sides' view each other...


Cheers,
BB

 

[marky2484]

Simples (as far as I'm concerned).

Private sector=Not in public sector. Simple as that.

Don't hate them, don't want them screwed over. We all need both. Just wonder at the contempt I see all over the place at the mo for my lot.
:cry:

 

[BoyBurning]

Maybe Marky, but...

...very, very few of the private sector workers I know have ever had the huge pay bonuses and perks etc. alluded to in this thread.

And I'm presuming the private sector isn't entirely made up of Accenture employees?

Hence my request for clarification as I'm trying to picture the 'public sector' various posts have been about...

BB