Teachers union warns of 'longer campaign' following strike
Siew Peng Lee • Published 30 Nov 2011 14:30
46 Comments
Share this
click to enlarge
A picket line outside Fife Council's Baldridgeburn depot.
Picture: Jim Payne
SCHOOLS, hospitals, courts and libraries in West Fife were hit today (Wednesday) by the biggest day of industrial strike action in decades.
The strike, over proposed UK Government reforms to increase pension contributions, raise the age of retirement and introduce career average schemes, saw thousands of public-sector workers down tools across the Kingdom.
All schools - primary, secondary and special - and nurseries in the Kingdom were shut, although Dunfermline High was only partially shut and arrangements were made for prelim examinations to take place in three secondary schools.
Schools are expected to reopen tomorrow (Thursday).
A statement from the Fife branch of the EIS teaching union said, "EIS members voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action on 30th November in defence of public sector pensions.
"Fife EIS are expecting all of our members to be on strike and that schools will be closed on Wednesday.
"Obviously, taking industrial action is a last resort but the attack on public sector pensions must be resisted.
"Fife EIS see industrial action on 30th November as the beginning of a much longer campaign to defend public sector pensions and the future of the public sector."
Dunfermline Sheriff Court was also shut and over in Rosyth, Prospect union members at the MoD's naval base - including store and facilities managers and maritime specialists - were expected to form a picket line.
All local offices, with the exception of Inverkeithing and Dunfermline's Walmer Drive, were shut. Social work offices were also shut, although there was an emergency service to help keep people from harm.
Council offices, including the City Chambers, were closed to the public and while there was service disruption in leisure centres across Fife, ON at Fife venues, including Carnegie Hall, were open.
Fife Council chief executive Ronnie Hinds said yesterday, "Across the council we're checking how many employees are striking and who is reporting for work so that we can plan services accordingly today.
"We already know that some local offices and libraries are closed, as well as all of our schools.
"We're asking customers to help us by not phoning with routine enquiries, so that our available staff can deal with critical situations."
He also advised, "We might not manage to pick up all the bins scheduled for collection (on Wednesday).
"If customers leave their bins on the kerb we will get to them as soon as possible."
No information was available on the number of appointments cancelled due to the strike action or the impact on hospital care.
However, the health board maintained emergency and urgent clinical services and GP practices continued as normal.
A statement from the health board said, "NHS Fife is continuing to work closely with our staff side to ensure appropriate and safe levels of care are provided during the period of industrial action.
"However, regrettably, non-urgent routine activity has been cancelled for the day.
"Patients who are affected have been contacted directly and provided with an alternative appointment date.
"Patients should be reassured that emergency and urgent clinical services will be maintained and robust business continuity plans are in place."
Normal services are expected to resume today.
Fife Labour MSPs elected not to go into Holyrood in support of the industrial action.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP John Park said, "We moved not to have any business in parliament.
"We felt it was inappropriate because all the unions in parliament had balloted.
"But it's not about what happens in parliament, it's about what's happening in the community.
"It's about people in the public sector who don't do it for gold-plated pensions but out of civic pride in what they do.
"I'm quite happy not to go in and quite rightly not take a salary for the day and I hope this sends a message to the Government. It's an unjustified attack on on public sector workers.
"It's the Government trying to play off public-sector workers against private-sector workers and I think that's despicable."
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
-
jesstd
35 posts
Nov 30, 16:19
Report commentWhat about private sector workers, often lowly paid, whose pensions were wrecked by Gordon Brown a decade ago? I'm not unsympathetic to these protests, but there are vested interests involved in the unions and in political parties.
I can't see this going on as an extended campaign especially through December and January. Strikers lose a day's pay and national insurance. Maybe in February (short month) and March next year.
Recommend?
Yes 6
No 2
-
BobTheBuilder
111 posts
Nov 30, 17:43
Report commentBit of a misleading title, going by the subsequent article. The EIS want to continue, but UNISON is happy to give up then?
Recommend? Yes 2
No 2
-
NotHappyJan
192 posts
Nov 30, 19:54
Report commentDock them more than a day's pay, sack them. There are thousands of willing workers who would gladly take the jobs for a lot less than these ungrateful souls get paid now. They leach off the tax payer and throw a hissy fit when it does not go their way.
I urge the council and government to stick to their guns, let them strike for as long as they like, but do not give in.
Recommend? Yes 17
No 25
-
BobTheBuilder
111 posts
Nov 30, 20:13
Report commentBlah, blah, blah. You still forget the fact that public sector workers are taxpayers too, and that if they didn't pay tax then your tax burden would be even higher. Do you really think 3 million + workers will be sacked? Next you'll be greeting about all the unfair dismissal claims that would be lodged. Whether you like it or not, and clearly you don't, the right to strike remains as does the protection of not being dismissed for striking, provided it is not wildcat.
Recommend? Yes 16
No 4
-
Blackadder
272 posts
Nov 30, 20:35
Report commentOne day jan that big miserable bubble of yours is going to burst. Then maybe, but only maybe, will some commonsense penetrate that ignorant skull of yours. You profess to be above the ilk of the common man, so when you have your wish and there is no "leaching" public sector who will you have do all the work. That'll hit your hypocritical lined purse. Actually you would probably be happier wallowing in your own filth, it's more your level. There are people who have money and people who are rich. You do not fall into the latter.
Recommend? Yes 24
No 8
-
DrewCarnegie
67 posts
Nov 30, 20:57
Report commentEconomic Vandals manipulating small pawns in a big game, the unions puppets lost the election so they are now trying to cause bother.
In the real world most people who work for small companies, will not of had a wage rise since the credit crunch started (2007) and in most cases if they want a pension they pay it there selves.
With the country struggling and private companies hurting these small minded people in the unions are out to cause disruption, do they not realize that we do not live in the 1970's.
I would encourage any union member to ask to see the accounts of your union detailing junkets and leaders salaries, and you may have a different opinion of these outdated organisations run by power hungry wee men.
Recommend? Yes 15
No 7
-
BobTheBuilder
111 posts
Nov 30, 21:07
Report commentEqually, in the real world there are also many private pension schemes where employees and employers contribute equally. Oh, just like the public sector. Fancy that. What about all those people in private enterprises, eg banks, who secured non-contributory pensions before the schemes were closed. Will they be feeling any twinge of guilt when they draw their pensions funded on huge profits derived from screwing borrowers and savers? Pigs will fly first.
Recommend? Yes 12
No 9
-
DunfermlineEast
137 posts
Nov 30, 23:01
Report commentThe fiscal deficit is a result of paying the public sector more than we can reasonably raise in taxes. It can't go on for ever. http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/05/09/article-1384963-0BF8524C00000578-474_468x322.jpg. they had it too good for too long. Facts are facts. I do not want to see anyone losing their jobs but lets be reasonable about the futility of striking in the current climate.
Recommend? Yes 8
No 8
-
SmarmyGit
344 posts
Nov 30, 23:53
Report commentDon't you just love the "public sector bad, private sector good" all encompassing argument. Makes for such a rational and balanced discussion.
Not all productivity can be measured purely in financial terms. A large number of public sector workers work on a part-time basis - the vast majority of those people will be severely and disproportionately hit by these new pension arrangements, not to mention around 6 years of effective pay freeze. Private sector workers of course get their own pensions increased to the tune of 25% of contributions made courtesy of tax relief - for the better off, higher rate taxpayers, make that 50%. Oh, hang on attacking that with vigour might just result in the loss of a large proportion of the Tory vote - silly me.
No-one in the public sector is suggesting that cuts aren't needed, but the combination of reduced services, severely reduced staff numbers (on top of reductions already made), higher pension contributions (on top of the increase already levied), lower pensions received, more working years, and a prolonged pay freeze is just too much to bear - particularly when it's plain for all to see that the fat cats are not suffering a jot
Recommend? Yes 14
No 4
-
SmarmyGit
344 posts
Nov 30, 23:58
Report commentOh and while am on the subject I was speaking to a fellow public sector worker the other day who has paid their pension contributions for about 30 odd years while they were working as a school crossing patrol ....and was wondering where this gold plated pension everyone keeps talking about is......hers is £3000 per annum
Recommend? Yes 22
No 3
-
NotHappyJan
192 posts
Dec 1, 03:05
Report commentOh dear, have I upset the public sector.....yawn! Get a new rocord. Blackadder, say what you like but fairs fair, I am more than happy to pay privatley for all the services I need. As far as I am concerned there is no need for them.
Happy to pay them a pittance, understanding there are thousands lining up to do the simple jobs and live on easy street.
Lazy and incompetent, thats what public sector workers are.....oooops hang on my bubble might burst and I will see a shining example of the loyal employee well versed in what it does and not milking the system......pigs might fly!
Recommend? Yes 16
No 22
-
SirSided
11 posts
Dec 1, 09:48
Report commentBasically the srtike in principal was effective as it brought mass media attention to the Unions all over the country but unfortunately whether it has had a effect is yet to be established.
At the end of the day its in the hands of the Union officials who brush cheeks with the MP's etc...
Recommend? Yes 4
No 0
-
SirSided
11 posts
Dec 1, 10:58
Report commentFinally the public are seeing the problems civil sevants etc face each day,
Unions have stood up for the little people keep society slowly ticking over,
Cameron has got a lot to answer for and its shockng that this strike caused the whole
Kingdoms schools to close and services to be restricted.
It should never have got to the point where there was a mass walk out UK wide.
Today media is pushing pressure on the goverment to take evasive action.
Recommend? Yes 2
No 1
-
Blackadder
272 posts
Dec 1, 11:03
Report commentHappily pay a pittance? You already do jan, you're just too self absorbed to see it.
Recommend? Yes 9
No 5
-
NEILYJ
91 posts
Dec 1, 11:35
Report commentNot happy jan is an absoloute baffoon!!!
Recommend? Yes 17
No 8
-
jesstd
35 posts
Dec 1, 12:54
Report commentI wholeheartedly support the principle of trades unions and the achievements in terms of employment rights over the past century or so. The strike yesterday was certainly not a damp squib and demonstrated outrage at the cuts to pensions of public sector workers. I support the right to take industrial action, and also those people who took to the streets.
However, there is another side to this strike, and we need to be aware of this.
Apparently some shop stewards were compiling lists and naming and shaming those who did not participate. Now, if this is unions talking about union members in the context of the union, fair enough. But if it is unions talking about employees in general, then this is totally unacceptable, threatening, intimidating and should be grounds for instant dismissal.
Some people said that those who weren’t striking or didn’t support the strike should relinquish the rights that unions have fought for over the years. A good comment, but what did the unions say on 17 March 1998 when Gordon Brown raided private pension schemes? Forecasts at the time (released under FOI) showed there would be a pension fund shortfall of £75bn and employers would need to contribute an extra £10bn per annum over 10 to 15 years to make up the difference. The result has been a collapse in employer pension schemes. Some 23 million people are employed in the private sector. Of these, only 3.2 million contribute to a workplace pension scheme that also includes a contribution from their employer. The number of people actively saving in company pension schemes has halved since 1991. This is a catastrophe waiting to happen… my guess is that the majority of people entering the employment market over the last decade have no pension provision So where were the unions for the 99% on that occasion? These are office administrators, call-centre staff, technicians, not high-flying lawyers and bankers. The 1% can look after themselves, of course, and always have done.
Recommend? Yes 3
No 1
-
MissyC
5 posts
Dec 1, 13:36
Report commentWhat the government are trying to do here is shocking, good on those individuals who are standing up for themselves.
People who have been working in these public sector jobs for a long time have been making large contributions to their pensions, they have an agreement on that pension and they have expectations on what they will get when they retire. For the government to come along and move the goal posts like this is disgusting. They want individuals to pay more money into the pensions so they can get less out of it, they are also increasing the age in which people can retire so less people will claim their pensions! If these changes were brought into place only for new staff in public sector jobs that is one thing because at least then they can choose to agree or look elsewhere. For those who have spent years in those jobs only to be short changed is insane and should not be tolerated.
I don't understand how anyone can be offended by these strikes. The issue is not about people who are willing to work and people who are not willing to work. The issue is simple, you spend years of your life paying into something to secure a good retirement for yourself after years of dedication to your job only to be told that you need to pay even more but you will get less out of it! Its like going into a shop, paying a good sum of money to get yourself a decent washing machine and then being given a bar of soap and then being told to jog on. Unacceptable.
Lets also remember its not the nurses, teachers or council workers who have caused the country to be in this crisis...but yet again everyone else is being made to suffer apart from those actually responsible.
Recommend? Yes 7
No 6
-
jesstd
35 posts
Dec 1, 14:06
Report commentThis happened over a decade ago to the private sector, a pensions raid by Gordon Brown. Schemes were closed to new members, frozen and replaced with new schemes, or wound up completely. Employees had no say and it reduced the value of pension funds by £100billion... the only obligation to employers is to provide a scheme, even if it is rubbish. At the time the prediction was £75billion. We can only wish that the Brown-supporting unions had spoken out at the time. There is public support for striking public sector workers, but it only stretches so far, some sort of change is inevitable as more people are taking out than paying in, so the system may even collapse. When you look at the forecast payouts from private sector pensions and the cost needed to buy a basic pension, you can understand why few young people bother paying in. This is a ticking time bomb for all employees... I'm lucky to have a preserved pension that is not much but which is better than nothing... which is what a lot of people will end up with.
Recommend? Yes 2
No 2
-
jesstd
35 posts
Dec 1, 14:11
Report commentWhat the Treasury said on behalf of Gordon Brown in 2006:
""A Treasury spokesman said: "This methodology totally fails to recognise that, by establishing a stable macro-economic framework and cutting corporation tax alongside reforms to remove the distortionary impact of dividend tax credit, the Government created better conditions for investment and growth and hence greater investment opportunities for pension funds.""
Like chewing a Highland Toffee. But we certainly don't have a stable macro-economic framework! We'll be lucky if we're not being paid in barrowloads of Euros by the end of the year.
Recommend? Yes 0
No 2
-
bicyclebob
159 posts
Dec 1, 15:03
Report commentCan anyone tell me why the government should contribute to theses pensions
Recommend? Yes 2
No 11
-
NEILYJ
91 posts
Dec 1, 16:47
Report commentaye coz the folk work for the goverment, just like any company would contribute to anyone elses pension that work for that company, dafty min
Recommend? Yes 6
No 6
-
bicyclebob
159 posts
Dec 1, 17:37
Report comment -
NotHappyJan
192 posts
Dec 1, 20:12
Report commentThese idiots deserve nothing. If you strike you should automatically lose your job. Overpaid blubbering baboons who whinge at the first opportunity. The public do not owe you a living when you retire! You are lucky you are getting a pension at all.
The only reason anybody works in the Public Service (apart from the medical professions) is because you are unemployable in the private sector.
If you strike, then go work elsewhere. The council and government must not cave in.
Recommend? Yes 9
No 11
-
DrewCarnegie
67 posts
Dec 1, 20:36
Report commentI was going to suggest Jeremy Clarkson for the next Prime Minister, however I think NotHappyJan should get the job and tell some people some home truths, This is Britain that we live in not Greece or Spain, Britain that used to to be a world powerhouse until the unions decimated our industrial core. Lets put the Great back into Britain and ditch the nonsense PC'ness and get the whole country working and loose the entitlement culture
Recommend? Yes 10
No 6
-
Blackadder
272 posts
Dec 1, 20:57
Report commentJan, I doubt that you could make yourself look any more stupid. The council must not cave in? There is only one idiot/blubbering baboon on here, actually make that sycophantic idiot/blubbering baboon (apart from the medical profession). Your family really do not deserve you. No, really, they don't.
Recommend? Yes 10
No 7
-
NotHappyJan
192 posts
Dec 1, 23:34
Report comment -
376 posts
Dec 2, 15:06
Report commentCommunism: a theory or system of social organisation in which all property is vested in the community and each person contributes and recieves according to their ability and needs.
Socialism: a political and economic theory of social organisation which advocates that the means of production, distribution and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.
DrewCarnegie, you are either trolling like NotHappyJan or you haven't thought through what you posted. Britain was never "Great" it was and is warmongering, exploitative, corrupt and violent; just like Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. What you are advocating is Fascism. You will get a lot of support for that from the military, the police, the media, the banks and the likes of NotHappyJan. One day YOU will need some assistance yourself. I hope there is still resources there to help you!
Recommend? Yes 0
No 4
-
376 posts
Dec 2, 15:23
Report commentYou can put this on your tombstone DrewCarnegie:
First They came... - Pastor Martin Niemoller
First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
Recommend? Yes 0
No 5
-
376 posts
Dec 2, 15:24
Report commentAnd when they came for NotHappyJan everyone cheered.....Fascism was finally vanquished!
Recommend? Yes 7
No 2
-
Blackadder
272 posts
Dec 2, 19:11
Report commentHa ha, it's back. Morphing as a hack, but his written word betrays all. It's triskell, he's behind you! Oh no it isn't, oh yes it is! Let the pantomime season begin (this one has a well worn script)..... Ice cream anyone?
Recommend? Yes 14
No 0
-
376 posts
Dec 2, 20:31
Report commentSo! Do you want a prize Blackadder? What's you're problem? You are not saying anything. You are just being insulting. You don't have a script! Quick, run and tell your Aunty Jan you've found a trislel now. Watch me change my name again. It's easy. You could do it too if you didn't live in a tunnel wearing blinkers. You are quasi-troll.
Recommend? Yes 0
No 3
-
376 posts
Dec 2, 20:36
Report commentThe RAF and The RN weapons platform operatives. The Royal Playstations.
NOT IN MY NAME!
Recommend? Yes 0
No 8
-
376 posts
Dec 2, 21:48
Report commentSo what are you saying Blackadder? Public Sector workers don't have a right to strike? That they are dispensable? That you can empty your own bucket, sweep your own street and wipe your old granny's bottom yourself? Or have you got a triskel fixation? Do you think war is a good thing? Bankers aren't greedy and the media aren't smut peddlers? Surely you've got a view about something other than triskel, Blackadder?
Recommend? Yes 1
No 8
-
Blackadder
272 posts
Dec 2, 22:37
Report commentWhy are you talking in the third person triskell?
Recommend? Yes 8
No 0
-
376 posts
Dec 2, 22:42
Report commentGuess!
What's my name uncle tom.....
"I ain't got no quarrel with the Vietcong. No Vietcong ever called me Nigger."
"No, I am not going 10,000 miles to help murder, kill, and burn other people to simply help continue the domination of white slavemasters over dark people the world over. This is the day and age when such evil injustice must come to an end."
"Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?"
The Champion of The World
Recommend? Yes 0
No 10
-
DunfermlineEast
137 posts
Dec 2, 23:04
Report commentTriskell/whatever name you are today, you are not illuminating or some sort of voice of reason, you do not even espouse your own thoughts - you just quote randomly from others and troll. You do not add, only detract and thus I speak for everyone here, go so completely away.
Recommend? Yes 14
No 0
-
376 posts
Dec 2, 23:55
Report comment -
376 posts
Dec 3, 00:44
Report commentYou think up eveything yourself EsseQuamVideri don't you.....and you've never read a book? A bit of a judge aren't you? Did your mummy never tell you not to feed trolls?
Recommend? Yes 0
No 5
-
376 posts
Dec 3, 11:00
Report comment"Everyone here"? Is that 6 of you or 2 of you.
My first 2 posts dealt with the topic of Trade Unionism, my third post gave NotHappyJan a slap which is a tradition here I believe, my next four posts answered Blackadder's problem and the two after that sorted you out. Now can you explain what you mean by "not illuminating" or "some sort of voice of reason" when, if you look around you, illumiinating voices of reason are in short supply on these forums EsseQuamVideri. Whose thoughts am I espousing now if not my own? Quotes are to reinforce my own senitments and are not chosen at random. I'd be interested to hear what you mean by detracting and adding, it seems to be a bit subjective, a way of putting me down without actually saying why but sounding clever. What have I detracted and not added too? If you cannot engage but only ignore and tick the Yes/No options it doesn't say much for your debating skills chum! This is not twitter, you are allowed more than a few ugly grunts!
Recommend? Yes 0
No 2
-
kaka30
327 posts
Dec 3, 13:25
Report commentI attended "Gig For Gambia" at Queen Anne High School last night.
If any of the above people had attended they would have seen for themselves the time, energy & passion put in by Teachers for their pupils.
A fantastic night for a good cause, Queen Anne, teachers & pupils should be proud of themselves.
Recommend? Yes 5
No 1
-
bicyclebob
159 posts
Dec 3, 15:42
Report commentthinks triskell is saying the RN are useless,agree on that one
Recommend? Yes 0
No 2
-
376 posts
Dec 3, 16:23
Report commentCongratulations to Queen Anne High School but it is not up to children and teachers to solve Africa's problems. Africa's problems are due to colonial exploitation, debt that has been designed to KEEP them in debt, a rigged market and arms manufacturers using the continent as a playground.
Queen Anne's pupils would be better addressing the root of the problem instead of prolonging peoples suffering by only throwing a few pennies into the hat.
Recommend? Yes 0
No 6
-
Blackadder
272 posts
Dec 3, 16:41
Report commentYou blinkered buffoon. Kaka30 was bringing the thread back on track and highlighting the effort and dedication which they'd seen. This was in support of the teaching profession. Not answering your ramblings prior to this.
Recommend? Yes 9
No 0
-
376 posts
Dec 3, 17:21
Report commentI was pointing out to Kaka30 that although what the pupils and teachers did was praiseworthy it was also futile and patronising. If they really want to help Africa they have to focus on the root of the problem. I gave money for the "black babies" when I was at primary school 50 years ago and "poverty" is still here. All the "charity" did was reinforce the idea that Africans are basket cases and they can't manage their own affairs. I congratulated the staff and pupils but it was necessary to burst the bubble of illusion otherwise things won't get better. You have to understand Blackadder, that our high standard of living has come off the backs of 500 years of exploitation. Throwing a few pennies in the hat only keeps the Africans "in their place" and the wealthy north wallowing in a smug sense of superiority. You obviously haven't understood my posts on other forums about how "charity" stinks.
I fail to see how I am off thread. Read my post from 11:00 and you will see it is you and EsseQuamVideri that or off thread and on my case!
Recommend? Yes 0
No 6
-
kaka30
327 posts
Dec 5, 10:56
Report commentWhether people agree or disagree about raising or donating money for Africa, wasnt really my point, although i personally feel Queen Annes efforts were praiseworthy.
My point was the dedication of the Teachers & the results of their dedication on the pupils.
Here is one parent that appreciates their efforts.
Recommend? Yes 3
No 1
-
376 posts
Dec 5, 11:18
Report commentQuite right. Since 1997 and New Labour's privatisation agenda Education has become riddled with bullying managers and ridiculous amounts of paperwork. Teacher's are definitely undervalued and under-resourced. When you consider that a nation's most valuable asset is it's children we are neglecting the future by allowing economic concerns to hinder their development.
Recommend? Yes 0
No 4
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
