Topic ID 6046
I have been told that Bengeo Primary School will be closed due to industrial action. Just out of interest are any other schools closing?
Reply ID 81831
Hertford heath is closed too, but most of years 3,4,5 and 6 are on residential trips, so it only effects infants and the parents of the children that didn't want their children to go on the trips.
Reply ID 81836
Abel Smith is also closed.
Reply ID 81840
And several individual classes at Morgans. Though if the class teacher is not on strike the children have to go in or it will be unauthorised absence !!!
Reply ID 81842
quote:I bet some of the chidren who have to go in wont be pleased. [:D] Bengeo has said that staff not on strike will be in but doing administration.
Originally posted by newgirl
And several individual classes at Morgans. Though if the class teacher is not on strike the children have to go in or it will be unauthorised absence !!!
Reply ID 81849
I think that's a bit harsh of Morgans. If you have two or more children in the school, how do you tell them that some get to spend the day with mummy and the others have to go to school.
Reply ID 81850
quote:Surely that will only affect a small number who have more than one child at the school and with those children split between classes run by striking and non-striking teachers. I find it commendable that the school has not taken the easy option of simply closing for the day and is endeavouring to provide education where possible and also not to unnecessarily impact children and parents.
Originally posted by Witch of the north
I think that's a bit harsh of Morgans. If you have two or more children in the school, how do you tell them that some get to spend the day with mummy and the others have to go to school.
Reply ID 81856
Head in sand time by another group of public employees. I agree with Ewoowar, well done Morgans. How many parents wont be able to go to work that day now?
Reply ID 81857
I agree that Morgans should be praised for doing it's best to open, but I do see what Witch of the North is saying about trying to explain to young children why some have to go in and others don't, be they siblings or not. I can't imagine many of them would understand.
Reply ID 81858
quote:Surely most working parents have some sort of back-up plan for days when their children are not at school, for instance what do they do when a child is off sick, at least this time there is notice and everyone has time to organise something. When we become parents inconvenience comes with the job description! [:)]
Originally posted by carlos fandango
How many parents wont be able to go to work that day now?
Reply ID 81859
Just as teaching is in a teacher's job description. I'm delighted that ALL Duncombe School teachers have determined to work for the day. They had just the same right to strike as their counterparts in other Hertford schools but like those teachers at Morgans have chosen to excercise greater levels of integrity and professionalism rather than attempting to hold us to ransom and allowing our children's education to suffer. Shame on the striking teachers of Hertford, I for one do not support you.[:(!]
quote:
Originally posted by gemipicornquote:Surely most working parents have some sort of back-up plan for days when their children are not at school, for instance what do they do when a child is off sick, at least this time there is notice and everyone has time to organise something. When we become parents inconvenience comes with the job description! [:)]
Originally posted by carlos fandango
How many parents wont be able to go to work that day now?
Reply ID 81860
quote:I can see their grievances over the changes to the pension scheme, but only because I was a pensions administrator at County Hall for many years so I actually understand what they are talking about! Having said that it is against my principals to support any industrial action of any kind. Well done to Duncombe.
Originally posted by Loving Whale
Just as teaching is in a teacher's job description. I'm delighted that ALL Duncombe School teachers have determined to work for the day. They had just the same right to strike as their counterparts in other Hertford schools but like those teachers at Morgans have chosen to excercise greater levels of integrity and professionalism rather than attempting to hold us to ransom and allowing our children's education to suffer. Shame on the striking teachers of Hertford, I for one do not support you.[:(!]
Reply ID 81861
quote:I don't think it's that difficult. Some teachers belong to a union, a kind of club. Their club has decided not to work today to show they don't like some things the government wants to do. Other teachers are not in the same club so they will be in school. Complicated? And if they don't quite get it yet I'm sure it won't give them nightmares.
Originally posted by gemipicorn
I agree that Morgans should be praised for doing it's best to open, but I do see what Witch of the North is saying about trying to explain to young children why some have to go in and others don't, be they siblings or not. I can't imagine many of them would understand.
Reply ID 81862
quote:I'm a working parent that enjoys a lot of felxibility from my employer. I cope with sicknesses, inset days, closures due to snow, closures when the boiler breaks down, the school performances, sports day, etc, etc. But, despite the advance notice I would prefer not to have yet another day to cope with. It all adds up. Inconvenience comes in large measures, tollerance has to be streteched to meet it.
Originally posted by gemipicornquote:Surely most working parents have some sort of back-up plan for days when their children are not at school, for instance what do they do when a child is off sick, at least this time there is notice and everyone has time to organise something. When we become parents inconvenience comes with the job description! [:)]
Originally posted by carlos fandango
How many parents wont be able to go to work that day now?
Reply ID 81863
Just recieved a letter from Hollybush. Four classes will not have a teacher and therefore will not go into school. Four classes will, so they have to go in.
Reply ID 81864
quote:I was going to say, christ almighty if a child over the age of 10 cant understand this then perhaps taking CGSE history isnt for them..
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:I don't think it's that difficult. Some teachers belong to a union, a kind of club. Their club has decided not to work today to show they don't like some things the government wants to do. Other teachers are not in the same club so they will be in school. Complicated? And if they don't quite get it yet I'm sure it won't give them nightmares.
Originally posted by gemipicorn
I agree that Morgans should be praised for doing it's best to open, but I do see what Witch of the North is saying about trying to explain to young children why some have to go in and others don't, be they siblings or not. I can't imagine many of them would understand.
Reply ID 81865
It's been known for years that public sector pensions were unaffordable and would have to be changed. Now someone has the balls to do something about it they start acting like the worst spoilt brats that they teach. No sympathy at all from this part of the private sector
Reply ID 81867
The Dell After School Club at Morgans and Abel Smith will be opening for the day. Places will be limited and priority given to existing users.
Reply ID 81868
quote:Oh I'm sorry, I thought the teacher strike concerned all years from Nursery up, I didn't realise that it meant year six only.[:0]
[i] I was going to say, christ almighty if a child over the age of 10 cant understand this then perhaps taking CGSE history isnt for them..
Reply ID 81869
quote:I rather think all the schools mentioned above are for children of 11 and under, are the senior schools affected?
I was going to say, christ almighty if a child over the age of 10 cant understand this then perhaps taking CGSE history isnt for them..
Reply ID 81870
quote:Why would Duncombe teachers strike? They are at a private sector school so changes to public sector pensions will have no effect on them We will have a child affected by the strike but I fully support teachers' right to take action over this issue (and I worked in the private sector).
Originally posted by Loving Whale
I'm delighted that ALL Duncombe School teachers have determined to work for the day. Shame on the striking teachers of Hertford, I for one do not support you.[:(!]
Reply ID 81872
quote:I totally agree with you there, really these changes should have been made a long time ago. However when I was adimistrating the scheme changes used be effective only from the date they were implimented. As it is based on service and salary the pension calculations would be based on what was in effect at the time of the service. For instance calcs for service prior to a change would be different for calcs based on service after the change so your pension would be based on multiple methods of calculation (if any of that makes sence). IMHO these changes should only effect service from the date they are made as before , from what I understand this isn't the case (I could be wrong though). Also, as far as I am aware it is not just teachers, it's everyone subject to the public sector scheme (except police and fire).
Originally posted by carlos fandango
It's been known for years that public sector pensions were unaffordable and would have to be changed.
Reply ID 81873
quote:We are talking about under 10's mainly, I haven't heard of any senior schools closing yet.
Originally posted by exiled_in_Reading
I was going to say, christ almighty if a child over the age of 10 cant understand this then perhaps taking CGSE history isnt for them..
Reply ID 81874
quote:Some years at Simon Balle have also been told not to come in. I too would like to add my support for the teachers taking action next week.
Originally posted by gemipicornquote:We are talking about under 10's mainly, I haven't heard of any senior schools closing yet.
Originally posted by exiled_in_Reading
I was going to say, christ almighty if a child over the age of 10 cant understand this then perhaps taking CGSE history isnt for them..
Reply ID 81878
quote:Me too.
I too would like to add my support for the teachers taking action next week.
Reply ID 81879
We probably won't find out until the day if Hertfingfordbury Cowper are closing. Sigh.
Reply ID 81880
why not?
Reply ID 81881
quote:Why? Most other schools have managed to plan and communicate.
Originally posted by Harran
We probably won't find out until the day if Hertfingfordbury Cowper are closing. Sigh.
Reply ID 81882
Believe it or not the Duncombe teachers are in the same union and many teachers move between the private and public sector as their career changes, so of course they are affected.
quote:
Originally posted by Andrewquote:Why would Duncombe teachers strike? They are at a private sector school so changes to public sector pensions will have no effect on them We will have a child affected by the strike but I fully support teachers' right to take action over this issue (and I worked in the private sector).
Originally posted by Loving Whale
I'm delighted that ALL Duncombe School teachers have determined to work for the day. Shame on the striking teachers of Hertford, I for one do not support you.[:(!]
Reply ID 81883
Parents of Hertingfordbury Cowper have been told this morning. The school will be open with the exception of the Ash class.
Reply ID 81884
quote:Are they on the same pension scheme as state school teachers and do their wages differ?
Originally posted by Loving Whale
Believe it or not the Duncombe teachers are in the same union and many teachers move between the private and public sector as their career changes, so of course they are affected.quote:
Originally posted by Andrewquote:Why would Duncombe teachers strike? They are at a private sector school so changes to public sector pensions will have no effect on them We will have a child affected by the strike but I fully support teachers' right to take action over this issue (and I worked in the private sector).
Originally posted by Loving Whale
I'm delighted that ALL Duncombe School teachers have determined to work for the day. Shame on the striking teachers of Hertford, I for one do not support you.[:(!]
Reply ID 81886
quote:From [url="http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/article-1364843/Hutton-report-public-sector-pensions-Q-A-How-affects-you.html"]here[/url]: "When the reforms arrive in 2015, all benefits accumulated by state workers in the existing final salary schemes will be ring-fenced."
Originally posted by gemipicorn
IMHO these changes should only effect service from the date they are made as before , from what I understand this isn't the case (I could be wrong though).
Reply ID 81887
quote:My mistake, I thought it was being done retrospectively. [:I]
Originally posted by newcomerquote:From [url="http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/article-1364843/Hutton-report-public-sector-pensions-Q-A-How-affects-you.html"]here[/url]: "When the reforms arrive in 2015, all benefits accumulated by state workers in the existing final salary schemes will be ring-fenced."
Originally posted by gemipicorn
IMHO these changes should only effect service from the date they are made as before , from what I understand this isn't the case (I could be wrong though).
Reply ID 81888
Richard Hale details: "We do not have to close the whole school but it will be necessary for some students to remain at home. The arrangements for Thursday 30th June are as follows: Year 9 students should not attend school Years 7, 8, 10 and 12 should attend as normal The induction course for Year 11 into Year 12 will also continue as per the published programme. In the majority of cases timetabled lessons will operate as normal, those students not being taught will have supervised private study. To this end it will help if students attend with a reading book and materials to support any homework or unfinished projects which they may have the opportunity to tackle. Any instrumental lessons missed by students in Year 9 will be rescheduled".
Reply ID 81912
Yes, their teachers do indeed take part in the national pension scheme - I can't speak for their salaries because I don't know the specifics. Even Eton's union member met at the weekend to discuss whether to join the walkout. Striking teachers let themselves and their pupils down. Perhaps those teachers in the independent sector are just better tuned in to the challenges and stresses placed on those who don't have any level of job security.... who are being asked to contribute more and more... who don't have 12 weeks holiday a year and are sick and tired of whingeing public sector workers who are now being familiarised with the concept that money doesn't grow on trees...
quote:
Originally posted by dennismoorequote:Are they on the same pension scheme as state school teachers and do their wages differ?
Originally posted by Loving Whale
Believe it or not the Duncombe teachers are in the same union and many teachers move between the private and public sector as their career changes, so of course they are affected.quote:
Originally posted by Andrewquote:Why would Duncombe teachers strike? They are at a private sector school so changes to public sector pensions will have no effect on them We will have a child affected by the strike but I fully support teachers' right to take action over this issue (and I worked in the private sector).
Originally posted by Loving Whale
I'm delighted that ALL Duncombe School teachers have determined to work for the day. Shame on the striking teachers of Hertford, I for one do not support you.[:(!]
Reply ID 81913
quote:Having lived with and socialised with those who work in education for more than twenty years I feel compelled to say that anyone who is ready to wheel out the old "12 weeks holiday a year" nonsense is ill-informed. It is a very cheap shot and the sort of comment Radio 5 presenters hope for in their provocative debates whenever teaching/education is discussed. Teachers don't get to book days or weeks off like people in most other jobs (and before I get the comment, yes I know some are able to get a degree of flexibility). Some of half term breaks, end of term breaks and the summer break is spent preparing for the next term. When do you think they do it? In the car on the way to work on the first day of term? I've even been with teachers in the summer as they painted and decorated the school, erected furniture, etc. In my own job we're not only not expected to do such tasks but we would not be permitted to them. Oh, and I don't think there will be overtime forms submitted for all the camps and trips that take the teachers well beyond their working day either. I've worked in many companies and the normal approach of most employees is to claim overtime for additional hours worked and expenses for costs incurred. Teachers put in that time as a norm and I know many who provide resources for their classes and schools out of their own pockets simply because they are that dedicated to educating the children. I am sure there are some teachers who are less conscientious than others and who spend less of their 'free time' on school activities but for the majority there is an expectation and need to utilise your own time for the benefit of the school and the children. I had a conversation with a friend of mine yesterday afternoon who is a teacher and asked what he was doing for the rest of the day. "Working", was the reply. His Sunday evening was to be spent preparing the weeks lessons at school. Some people used to assume I was a teacher as I mixed with so many. When they asked if I was a teacher, what age I taught or where I taught I had a stock reply. "I don't teach. I know too many teachers and it is far too hard a living".
Originally posted by Loving Whale
Yes, their teachers do indeed take part in the national pension scheme - I can't speak for their salaries because I don't know the specifics. Even Eton's union member met at the weekend to discuss whether to join the walkout. Striking teachers let themselves and their pupils down. Perhaps those teachers in the independent sector are just better tuned in to the challenges and stresses placed on those who don't have any level of job security.... who are being asked to contribute more and more... who don't have 12 weeks holiday a year and are sick and tired of whingeing public sector workers who are now being familiarised with the concept that money doesn't grow on trees...quote:
Originally posted by dennismoorequote:Are they on the same pension scheme as state school teachers and do their wages differ?
Originally posted by Loving Whale
Believe it or not the Duncombe teachers are in the same union and many teachers move between the private and public sector as their career changes, so of course they are affected.quote:
Originally posted by Andrewquote:Why would Duncombe teachers strike? They are at a private sector school so changes to public sector pensions will have no effect on them We will have a child affected by the strike but I fully support teachers' right to take action over this issue (and I worked in the private sector).
Originally posted by Loving Whale
I'm delighted that ALL Duncombe School teachers have determined to work for the day. Shame on the striking teachers of Hertford, I for one do not support you.[:(!]
Reply ID 81914
OK, so the 12 week holiday comment may be a bit stereotypical but I still stand by the fact that they receive more paid time off than most other full-time jobs, albeit with the penalty of less discretion over when they can take them. Your overtime arguement is completely flaccid - who, especially in these times of mass redundancies, company failures and 2+ years of zero percent pay rises isn't working hours above and beyond their contracted hours evenings and weekends? it's not a situation unique to teachers. Teachers are a valuable and treasured resource who spend their lives influencing the people who will shape the future of our society..... Which is why,when our country is in such a shocking state, teachers should be demonstrating that we're all in it together rather than attempting to hold others to ransom.
quote:
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:Having lived with and socialised with those who work in education for more than twenty years I feel compelled to say that anyone who is ready to wheel out the old "12 weeks holiday a year" nonsense is ill-informed. It is a very cheap shot and the sort of comment Radio 5 presenters hope for in their provocative debates whenever teaching/education is discussed. Teachers don't get to book days or weeks off like people in most other jobs (and before I get the comment, yes I know some are able to get a degree of flexibility). Some of half term breaks, end of term breaks and the summer break is spent preparing for the next term. When do you think they do it? In the car on the way to work on the first day of term? I've even been with teachers in the summer as they painted and decorated the school, erected furniture, etc. In my own job we're not only not expected to do such tasks but we would not be permitted to them. Oh, and I don't think there will be overtime forms submitted for all the camps and trips that take the teachers well beyond their working day either. I've worked in many companies and the normal approach of most employees is to claim overtime for additional hours worked and expenses for costs incurred. Teachers put in that time as a norm and I know many who provide resources for their classes and schools out of their own pockets simply because they are that dedicated to educating the children. I am sure there are some teachers who are less conscientious than others and who spend less of their 'free time' on school activities but for the majority there is an expectation and need to utilise your own time for the benefit of the school and the children. I had a conversation with a friend of mine yesterday afternoon who is a teacher and asked what he was doing for the rest of the day. "Working", was the reply. His Sunday evening was to be spent preparing the weeks lessons at school. Some people used to assume I was a teacher as I mixed with so many. When they asked if I was a teacher, what age I taught or where I taught I had a stock reply. "I don't teach. I know too many teachers and it is far too hard a living".
Originally posted by Loving Whale
Yes, their teachers do indeed take part in the national pension scheme - I can't speak for their salaries because I don't know the specifics. Even Eton's union member met at the weekend to discuss whether to join the walkout. Striking teachers let themselves and their pupils down. Perhaps those teachers in the independent sector are just better tuned in to the challenges and stresses placed on those who don't have any level of job security.... who are being asked to contribute more and more... who don't have 12 weeks holiday a year and are sick and tired of whingeing public sector workers who are now being familiarised with the concept that money doesn't grow on trees...quote:
Originally posted by dennismoorequote:Are they on the same pension scheme as state school teachers and do their wages differ?
Originally posted by Loving Whale
Believe it or not the Duncombe teachers are in the same union and many teachers move between the private and public sector as their career changes, so of course they are affected.quote:
Originally posted by Andrewquote:Why would Duncombe teachers strike? They are at a private sector school so changes to public sector pensions will have no effect on them We will have a child affected by the strike but I fully support teachers' right to take action over this issue (and I worked in the private sector).
Originally posted by Loving Whale
I'm delighted that ALL Duncombe School teachers have determined to work for the day. Shame on the striking teachers of Hertford, I for one do not support you.[:(!]
Reply ID 81915
I don't think anyone would accuse teachers of doing it for the money or holiday time. But the fact remains the same. Something has to be done about ALL public sector expenditure and pensions are one of the biggest drains. This was a problem well before the credit crunch of 3 years ago but successive governments swept it under the carpet. Now there is no money left and something must be done. It is pointless striking over this issue. Unless the teachers are happy to beggar the generation they are teaching now to pay for a comfortable retirement.
Reply ID 81916
Public sector pensions need to change but striking is far from pointless. If those who have a right to protest and strike if neccessary do so then even if the actions fail they deliver a message. If something as controversial as pension reform is pushed through without challenge then the workforce are seen as a pushover.
Reply ID 81917
My missus's mother is an assistant head of a primary school in London. She gets paid nearly £60.000.00 a year. She works hard, and does work weekends, but I think thats a decent salary for the amount of work she appears to do. In the private sector however at that kind of management level you would be on significantly north of 100k. The country is buggered financially anyway for the foreseeable, with immigration still out of control, the ****less out of work and on the sick, and houseprices still out of kilter. That said, with morale where it is, I can see how getting the pensions tinkered with must be a bit of a kick in the nuts.
Reply ID 81920
especially for the local government scheme which is self financing through investments but is being used a political football. [:(!]
Reply ID 81923
Having just worked for nearly 4 years as a "contractor / agency staff" in local council I can see very clearly both sides of the pensions argument. My argument is with those higher up in the Council echelons, who earn whopping salaries, recently (and there are many) took "early retirement/gardening leave" with a massive payment and 3 months later have come back into the council as "Consultants" on a whopping salary, under the radar of the National Audit Office, whilst telling staff on £12k per annum to work harder and lose their pension fundm for doing so! Believe you me, the ones that need hitting are not the ones striking and not the ones to lose out. I agree with the teachers on this, but frankly feel they won't succeed as the pot of money has already been eaten at the trough.. or lost in Icelandic banks !!! [:(!] I think the time has come for a big and brave central Government to really sort out the massive amount of wheeler-dealing in local government. It defies belief what is really going on and never gets to print.....
Reply ID 81924
There certainly is a massive distance between the top council earners (usually appointed by politicians, by the way)and the front line staff. It won't be the top bod who gets little pay and daily abuse from the public he serves.[:(!] On the other hand, I've often wondered how you can sign up to an insurance/pension scheme with set conditions and then get the goal posts changed when it comes to claiming. Its the same with National Insurance - you pay in, expecting something in return then you find you aren't getting any of it now. Surely its a contract? Someone ought to take it to Europe and challenge it [}:)]
Reply ID 81925
Flacidity is not something I have to worry about. Getting back on topic, as someone with visibility of overtime and expense forms I can guarantee that, even in such austere times, there are plenty who ensure they claim what they can and what they are contractually entitled to even when putting in the extra unpaid hours as well. The IT staff where I work are paid overtime for weekend work and call out rates for out of hours disturbance. Teachers do not have this luxury. And there is nothing wrong with openly demonstrating to children that people have a right to express themselves and protest if necessary. Far better a child who questions why the teachers are striking and sparks a discussion on the subject. Teachers are just too easy a target, as are most vocational professions. It's easy to hit these people because they love their jobs.
quote:
Originally posted by Loving Whale
OK, so the 12 week holiday comment may be a bit stereotypical but I still stand by the fact that they receive more paid time off than most other full-time jobs, albeit with the penalty of less discretion over when they can take them. Your overtime arguement is completely flaccid - who, especially in these times of mass redundancies, company failures and 2+ years of zero percent pay rises isn't working hours above and beyond their contracted hours evenings and weekends? it's not a situation unique to teachers. Teachers are a valuable and treasured resource who spend their lives influencing the people who will shape the future of our society..... Which is why,when our country is in such a shocking state, teachers should be demonstrating that we're all in it together rather than attempting to hold others to ransom.
Reply ID 81926
quote:Just to clarify that an experienced classroom teacher outside of London will be on far less than sixty grand, less than forty in fact.
Originally posted by exiled_in_Reading
My missus's mother is an assistant head of a primary school in London. She gets paid nearly £60.000.00 a year. She works hard, and does work weekends, but I think thats a decent salary for the amount of work she appears to do. In the private sector however at that kind of management level you would be on significantly north of 100k. The country is buggered financially anyway for the foreseeable, with immigration still out of control, the ****less out of work and on the sick, and houseprices still out of kilter. That said, with morale where it is, I can see how getting the pensions tinkered with must be a bit of a kick in the nuts.
Reply ID 81928
I used to rise to the 12 weeks holiday a year bait, but I don't anymore. If teaching is such a doddle, half eight until half three and you fancy the holidays, have a go. I will not be striking because my union did not ballot for a strike. If they did, I would. Teachers did not cause the problems we are having at the moment, I am prepared to take my fair share of the pain, but I resrve the right to try and protect the conditions under which I started my job. Teaching assistants in Hertfordshire are having a far worse range of cuts than we are, they earn less, work hard and also had no hand in the problems facing the country.
Reply ID 81930
quote:Well said.
Originally posted by Billywindsock
I used to rise to the 12 weeks holiday a year bait, but I don't anymore. If teaching is such a doddle, half eight until half three and you fancy the holidays, have a go. I will not be striking because my union did not ballot for a strike. If they did, I would. Teachers did not cause the problems we are having at the moment, I am prepared to take my fair share of the pain, but I resrve the right to try and protect the conditions under which I started my job. Teaching assistants in Hertfordshire are having a far worse range of cuts than we are, they earn less, work hard and also had no hand in the problems facing the country.
Reply ID 81932
I really sympathise for the teachers on an individual level but.......... There is no money. They are holding the innocents to ransom, the children did not cause this issue and if this is not resolved, this could impact their careers. Teachers may not have caused the problem but neither did the children and neither did I yet we are being affected by the strike action. The Civil Service has had it way too good for years, gold plated pensions, jobs for life, retire at 50 and then the tax payer pays for your pension until you die (and then your spouse gets a reduced pension). This is not pratical and cannot be supported in this economy. This is not aimed just at teachers but at the whole Civil Service. I work in the private sector, get my 6 weeks off as holiday (been there for years), I worked on Sunday and do not get overtime. When I joined the Company I was on a final salary scheme but this was eventually closed to new joiners and then it was closed all together and my pension was moved to Defined Benefits derived from your contributions. So my conditions under which I started the job have changed, because they had to. Where do you think the money for these pensions are going to come from? Why should I be cut to the bone yet still fork out for gold plated pensions via my taxes. This reform has got to happen. I am a governor at a school and see the hard work the teachers do in very trying circumstances indeed and admire their dedication entirely but striking just irritates the population as we have to find ways to deal with it (eg childcare). The union bosses earn a fortune,and I am not sure for what.
Reply ID 81934
Are any economics teachers on strike? If they are, they should clearly be questioning their ability to teach that subject. The changes to the pensions has nothing to do with credit crunches, or bankers or anything the government has or hasn't done. It's simply that people are living longer and pensions are going to cost more as a result. The private sector saw this years ago and final pension salaries are pretty much extinct now. The public sector needs to grow up, get rid of their sense of self-entitlement and enter the real world.
Reply ID 81936
Whilst I have some sympathy they really should be graetful they have secure jobs and any pension at all, so many people don't know if they will have a job in a years time or not. Back to the original subject, no one has mentioned Sele School I believe they are fully open on Thursday so either no teachers are striking or the classes are being cobered, not sure which.
Reply ID 81939
"Secure jobs"? I think some people are thinking of local government in the Fifties! There have been no "secure" jobs in the public sector for at least 25 years and if a lot of people "don't know if they will have a job in a year's time", well that's the reality of local government too and has been for more years than I can remember. I really think there are some misconceptions about the public sector which seem to keep on perpetuating but have no basis in this generation of workers (or the previous one if it comes to that). No pay rise either for the last two years and not likely to be next year either.
Reply ID 81946
quote:Teachers surely have to be more secure than those in for instance the retail or manufacturing sector etc. Ok maybe not guaranteed job for life like it used to be but better than many. Unlikely they will suddenly find their employers going bankrupt or into liquidation and they are out of a job in weeks or even days.
Originally posted by newgirl
"Secure jobs"? I think some people are thinking of local government in the Fifties! There have been no "secure" jobs in the public sector for at least 25 years and if a lot of people "don't know if they will have a job in a year's time", well that's the reality of local government too and has been for more years than I can remember. I really think there are some misconceptions about the public sector which seem to keep on perpetuating but have no basis in this generation of workers (or the previous one if it comes to that). No pay rise either for the last two years and not likely to be next year either.
Reply ID 81957
Sele school seems unaffected
Reply ID 81965
Having read through the whole debate again what this issue seems to be doing is polarize people into public/private sector with neither side seemingly able or wanting to understand the other sides argument. As I watch Greek police tear gassing demonstrators on tv I do wonder if that is the way we are headed.
Reply ID 81969
quote:I hope not, I understand what you mean though. "Agreeing to disagree" seems to gone out of the window. Not just over this issue but generally. Maybe it's a result of the austere times we all find ourselves in, it is all too tempting to think we each have it harder than anyone else.
Originally posted by carlos fandango
Having read through the whole debate again what this issue seems to be doing is polarize people into public/private sector with neither side seemingly able or wanting to understand the other sides argument. As I watch Greek police tear gassing demonstrators on tv I do wonder if that is the way we are headed.
Reply ID 81975
I hope not, I understand what you mean though. "Agreeing to disagree" seems to gone out of the window. Not just over this issue but generally. Private sector vs public sector is meaningless. A whopping red herring. It's a tactic called divide-and-rule. The British establishment have been using it for centuries. While one half of the population is set at the other's throat, the thieves walk off with the loot. It's amazing that we still fall for it. .
Reply ID 81989
quote:"thieves"?
Originally posted by Enoughofthat
I hope not, I understand what you mean though. "Agreeing to disagree" seems to gone out of the window. Not just over this issue but generally. Private sector vs public sector is meaningless. A whopping red herring. It's a tactic called divide-and-rule. The British establishment have been using it for centuries. While one half of the population is set at the other's throat, the thieves walk off with the loot. It's amazing that we still fall for it. .
Reply ID 81991
Please return to topic
Reply ID 82030
quote:In my experience it is like getting blood out of a stone when wanting information from the school. But it was a pleasant surprise to receive a letter from the school in good time advising about the strike.
Originally posted by minnie
why not?
Reply ID 82035
Why don't you tell your school that getting information is like trying to get blood out of a stone. They may listen and do something about it.
Reply ID 82157
quote:Already have (with regards to school places) & their reply was that they are voluntary aided & do not have to give out the information. Just seems odd since the council state you can obtain the information direct from the school.
Originally posted by Billywindsock
Why don't you tell your school that getting information is like trying to get blood out of a stone. They may listen and do something about it.