Everyone OUT!

Acrylic-bob · 24-02-2005, 17:44

600 pampered jades are about to pick up their handbags and bottles of designer H2O, and waddle their pricey fat backsides out of Scaitcliffe House in High Dugeon to stage a one day strike over the plans by HM Government to change their pension entitlements. The poor dears are incensed that the change in retirement age from 60 to 65 should apply to them as well as to the rest of us mere mortals. Let's hear it for them, altogether now, AHHHHHHHH!

Oh, but that's not right, is it? Us mere mortals already have to work till we are 65.

Unison Branch Secretary, Area Councils Manager, and Sh*t Stirrer in Chief, Steve Watson said: "We feel that we are getting a poor deal. It's planned to strike for a day and we hope it won't be too disruptive for residents". Coming a week after what I discovered of the deal this lot are getting, I think that this is a bit rich. A pity his scruples about being disruptive to residents doesn't extend to the people of the borough who are compelled to apply for Council Tax and Housing Benefit. Because of the incompetance of the people who are about to go on strike - his members - benefit claims are to suffer delays of 80 days. For those of you in private rented accommodation, perhaps you could try explaining the stress that council employees are under when the landlord comes banging on the door demanding the rent.

But the thing that really gets me about this whole sorry story is the revelation that most council employees only joined the council's workforce for the pension. Not because they have any particular vocation or desire to serve the people of the borough, just for the pension.

And then you wonder why the service they provide falls so far short of anybody's standards.

Sparkologist · 24-02-2005, 17:48

I hope it's pi$$ing down when they are on the picket line. A deluge of God's H2O and perhaps a wind delivered from the Arctic will surely test their resolve!

lindsay ormerod · 24-02-2005, 18:01

Here's hoping!
It took the powers that be 3 whole months to process my housing benefit....for the princely sum of £12 a month! When they then decided I wasn't entitled to it after all but could appeal I nearly lost the will to live!Like I'm gonna go thru all that again for £12!
Stuff 'em ;bring on some serious blizzards!

WillowTheWhisp · 24-02-2005, 18:24

600 work at Scaitcliffe House?

Acrylic-bob · 24-02-2005, 19:25

Artistic license luv, it's actually at all council premises across the borough. I just thought one might be a reasonable symbol for all of them.

park381 · 24-02-2005, 20:01

Quote:

Oh, but that's not right, is it? Us mere mortals already have to work till we are 65.

I think most other local authority workers country wide have been hit with the same news, yes the retirement age is 65, but it has always been possible to retire(exit) apart from the normal VR thingi, before 65 with most local authorities. But, I think the problem is if they choose to go (retire) early they will not be able to draw their "LA pension" until they are 65. Have still one or two friends working in local gov. Every time I see them its always the same chant.............you lucky b****** you got out just in time, I'll be here until i'm 65!!!
But what are HBC workers both "blue & white collar" workers going to gain, its national, all they will do is loose money by being on strike

Please correct me if I am wrong on this.
Another thought.........if HBC workers go on strike, they could be breaking their terms relating to pensions i.e. "broken service", think about that one

StvKy · 24-02-2005, 20:12

they ought to try self-employment, no pension, no sick pay no holiday pay, that's a real thrill

park381 · 24-02-2005, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by StvKy

they ought to try self-employment, no pension, no sick pay no holiday pay, that's a real thrill

You'll have a private pension then

stanerlee · 24-02-2005, 20:21

its not just the council workers this applies to, some of us pay a higher rate of N.I. so we can retire early n the government r now trying to take this option away from us, but will they reduce our contributions, I doubt that.
Claim benefits and have no worries - no offence meant!

park381 · 24-02-2005, 21:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanerlee

its not just the council workers this applies to, some of us pay a higher rate of N.I. so we can retire early

Please explain, I thought the employee, and the emplyer paid standard NI

vorlon24 · 24-02-2005, 22:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by StvKy

they ought to try self-employment, no pension, no sick pay no holiday pay, that's a real thrill

You can cover the pension and sick pay through a pension plan and income protection.

slinky · 24-02-2005, 22:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp

600 work at Scaitcliffe House?

and not one can get it right!!!!

shiny gem · 24-02-2005, 22:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by slinky

and not one can get it right!!!!

lol...howdy slinky!!

chav1 · 24-02-2005, 23:32

i would liek to take this opportunity to speak up for the poor shovels and brooms who will not have anyone leaning on them for the duration of the strike

if they arnt working do we still have to pay council tax for the period they are striking as if they are not been paid for striking surely we dont need to provide wages for that day...?

slinky · 24-02-2005, 23:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by chav1

i would liek to take this opportunity to speak up for the poor shovels and brooms who will not have anyone leaning on them for the duration of the strike

if they arnt working do we still have to pay council tax for the period they are striking as if they are not been paid for striking surely we dont need to provide wages for that day...?

MMMMMMMMMMMM

NOW THATS A POINT!!