It is with reluctance that I am forced by an intransigent Government, hellbent on declaring war on public servants to withdraw my labour today. I cannot afford to strike as I will lose a days pay equivalent to my children's Christmas presents. However, I cannot afford to stand by and watch a Government demonise public servants and make them pay for other people's mistakes.
As a public servant I have accepted a higher workload, a two year pay freeze, (more pain on the way for a further two years until 2015)and the prospect of permanent job insecurity. But what I cannot accept is a Government that has taken billions from my pension fund to pay for the mistakes of the bankers. My pension will deteriorate by £122 a month until I retire in 2033 at the age of 68 I will receive on average 10% less benefits when I retire. I wouldn't mind if this was going back into my pension fund, but it isn't, it is going straight to the Treasury.
The Hutton Report has identified that public service pensions will cost the tax payer less in future years and pensions are sustainable. So why isn't the Government prepared to talk and take the Hutton Report recommendations on board.
My union, NAPO has existed for over one hundred years and has only ever went on strike three times. We along with 33 other public service unions are not moderates and we hate causing the public problems. However, we have to fight for our rights to a livable pension and we ask workers in the private sector to join with us so they can get the pension they deserve.
No comments:
Post a Comment