Striking firefighters had support of the public, "Organiser at Newbury Fire Station, Robin Whitman" says they d Options

[Biker1]

I think you'll find it isn't just about pensions.

They claim that it is!
(Unless the newspaper report is wrong of course!)

[dannyboy]

They claim that it is!
(Unless the newspaper report is wrong of course!)

Surely not. Would a news paper do that?

The Fire Brigades Union has organised a national demonstration in London on Wednesday 16 October. This is an opportunity for firefighters, our families and friends to tell the Westminster government to stop cutting our fire and rescue service and to provide decent pensions for all.

Wasn't Supergarvie on the case a few years back when Newbury lost a pump?

[On the edge]

I think you'll find it isn't just about pensions.

The only other issue the Neanderthal FBU is moaning about is that firemen might have to work beyond 50. Apparently no one would want to be rescued by a fireman in his 60s. Oh no? My grandfather was a 60 year old plus London fireman during the blitz. Can't recall either him or (hearing about) his 'customers' complaining. Fire Service staffs are fast losing credibility let alone sympathy.

[dannyboy]

The only other issue the Neanderthal FBU is moaning about is that firemen might have to work beyond 50. Apparently no one would want to be rescued by a fireman in his 60s. Oh no? My grandfather was a 60 year old plus London fireman during the blitz. Can't recall either him or (hearing about) his 'customers' complaining. Fire Service staffs are fast losing credibility let alone sympathy.

Ah, the grass is always greener, eh?

[dannyboy]

The only other issue the Neanderthal FBU is moaning about is that firemen might have to work beyond 50. Apparently no one would want to be rescued by a fireman in his 60s. Oh no? My grandfather was a 60 year old plus London fireman during the blitz. Can't recall either him or (hearing about) his 'customers' complaining. Fire Service staffs are fast losing credibility let alone sympathy.

Teachers are all out next week to. Fuel prices up almost 10%


A winter of discontent!

[JeffG]

There's a teachers strike? All of them? Or just the usual NUT lot?

[dannyboy]

There's a teachers strike? All of them? Or just the usual NUT lot?

Thursday. 17th. Winchcombe School is shut for instance.

No idea which Union.

[Nothing Much]

I've heard that bar staff are taking action on Monday 14th October at The Swan.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances..." The NWN were un-reliably informed today.
ce

[On the edge]

Ah, the grass is always greener, eh?

Nicely cut and boarders weeded too!

[On the edge]

Teachers are all out next week to. Fuel prices up almost 10%


A winter of discontent!

How short our memories!

Sad really, public servants actually had good reason to complain back then. If memory serves, the Trades Unions drove a coach and horses through the Labour governments pay policy for private sector car workers etc. They got pay rises which would seem unbelievable these days. When the public sector direct labour force wanted a bit more, the Labour government refused. Mrs Thatcher was the result!

[On the edge]

I've heard that bar staff are taking action on Monday 14th October at The Swan.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances..." The NWN were un-reliably informed today.
ce

Can we help settle the dispute? Beer and sandwiches on the management!!!

[Biker1]

FGW next eh OTE?

[On the edge]

FGW next eh OTE?

Well Biker1 given the way FGW treat their customers, I'd even be willing to contribute to the strike fund! Zero hour contracts are a vile concept and one of the nastiest manifestations of our sick society.

Our poor regulatory arrangements have just rewarded FGW another 2 years; reward for failing.

Would be interesting to see what our feather bedded firefighters would make of FGW conditions. In my view, continued Trades Union focus on higher grade public service conditions significantly damages and detracts from the very real issues in other places.

[Biker1]

Teachers go on strike "with heavy heart"
"Both unions are in dispute with the Government over what they claim are excessive workloads and bureaucracy, cuts and changes to pensions and performance-related pay"
All things that folks in the private sector have had to endure in recent years?

[dannyboy]

Teachers go on strike "with heavy heart"
"Both unions are in dispute with the Government over what they claim are excessive workloads and bureaucracy, cuts and changes to pensions and performance-related pay"
All things that folks in the private sector have had to endure in recent years?

but bent over & took it with not a murmur.

[Biker1]

but bent over & took it with not a murmur.

I think most had no choice?

[dannyboy]

I think most had no choice?

I didn't realise we had Gulags in this country. Labour mobility is pretty good in the UK.

[Biker1]

Put it this way.
In my job I had to put up with excessive workloads and bureaucracy, cuts and changes to pensions and performance-related pay.
Yes I know I could have resigned, but I would then need another job!
Frying pan into the fire?
Unless, of course, I became a teacher or found work with the Council!

[dannyboy]

Put it this way.
In my job I had to put up with excessive workloads and bureaucracy, cuts and changes to pensions and performance-related pay.
Yes I know I could have resigned, but I would then need another job!
Frying pan into the fire?
Unless, of course, I became a teacher or found work with the Council!

So why don't you become a public sector worker if it is so great?

You can't moan about one group of people deciding that they have had enough & getting to gether to sort it out if you yourself didn't bother.

[The Hatter]

So why don't you become a public sector worker if it is so great?

You can't moan about one group of people deciding that they have had enough & getting to gether to sort it out if you yourself didn't bother.

I think it's the protection public people get that is the issue. No teacher is likely to loose much going on strike and there isn't a boss finding foreign teachers to come and do the job for less. Let's even work out so teachers are on zero hours. Have two weeks holiday and no sick. I can't be a teacher because you need a degree to look after six year olds!