Dear The Great British Public (oh and Mr Cameron and your bumbling Tory colleagues),
As a public sector worker of 10 years, I feel the need to have a rant; my contribution to the strike action that happened today.
I didn't strike but I whole heartedly support the action and am glad that it was significant and caused disruption. If I didnt really need the days wages I would have been out there with my placard so just because I am making my contribution through the media of Blogging doesn't mean to say I am not as passionate.
The issue is far greater than just the pensions. However let me start with that.....
When I signed up for my pension in 2002, it was a good choice. State pensions (even back then) were heading towards a bit of a disaster so I thought better opt in so that when state pensions disappear, I will be left with something to show for my working years. Credit should be given to the fact we will be helping save money to the system..... just not yet.
In 2008 I endured the first round of changes to the terms and conditions of my pension. I was less than pleased. I don't know anyone who has purchased a private pension only to be told the company providing it that the terms have significantly changed and you cant retire until 10 years later than the scheme originally stated. Anyway there is rising youth unemployment so don't they need people to retire to free up jobs?!
Oh and matters were made worse as my particular pension scheme had been invested in a rather infamous Icelandic Bank that collapsed. Why was this allowed to happen - the public were made to pay for that cock up which could have been avoided if there wasnt such a gross mismanagement.
As I said, the issue really isn't just about pensions, it is about the way the government is squeezing the hard working public of the UK. Public sector workers are mainly middle earning people, the type of people most suffering. The majority aren't rich enough to have a plush lifestyle and we are not poor enough to obtain benefits. Most have had a pay freeze since 2008.
This however is the same for hard working private sector workers so I am not going to distinguish. The benefit of our unionised way of working is that we have a voice to demonstrate our discontent, the rest suffer in silence (or apathy). Earn between £16,000 and £40,000 you are likely to be hardest hit at the moment, whatever you do for a living.
The public sector hemorrhages money in other ways - sort this out before you make us pay more and work longer. Needless bureaucracy, deadwood, overpaid chiefs, expenses (MPs I am talking about you)..... I wont go on. But the teachers, nurses, policemen and women and all other hard working public sector employees should have the support of the British public.
You should not believe everything you hear in the media.... money hungry and greedy..... you are having a laugh right?!
0 comments:
Post a Comment