to ask if you agree with the teacher's strike upcoming

[AuntiePickleBottom]

i am on the fence about it, due to not understanding pensions.

[rainbowinthesky]

Hurray, MilaeMae said I dont need to pay for childcare!!!

Does that mean I can get rid of my childminder and breakfast club?
You know, the ones where dd starts between 7.30 and 8 and then goes to childminder till 6 each night. Oh, and I dont have to pay my childminder during the holidays either anymore even though I dont need to use her as I still have to pay her???


Oh, wait....

[sausagesandmarmelade]

goblin What would working to rule involve...and why would it have a greater impact on parents?

[goinnowhere]

Of course it depends on your degree. That is what I am saying, the people doing the same degree as myself, and other similar (fairly traditional) degrees generally earn more than I do. So comparing like with like...As I said I am not complaining. I'd rather do my job. But to say I am paid more than the average similar graduate is not true in my experience. I am the only one who has never had a bonus either. Maybe I know too many well off people?

[trixymalixy]

And when it comes to hysterics, I do feel slightly hysterical with worry about how we will survive in retirement. I can't afford the extra 24% of my salary needed to give me any hope of a reasonable retirement, so forgive me if I'm not keen to pay more in taxes to maintain the standard of living gap in retirement between public and private sector workers.

[Feenie]

Indeed, rainbow, it was a stupid thing to say - I pay a sodding fortune in childcare, and it was treble that before ds went into Reception. Stems from the idiotic myth that teachers work 9 - 3.30p.m., buit even would require childcare costs!

[goinnowhere]

It's not fair Trixy. There are lots of things that are sadly not fair. I don't think it is fair that care workers receive such awful wages, while some others in offices get perks and high pay. Surely the least we can expect is for people who work for 45 years in any job to have few years of retirement. I am not convinced that it would take an increase in your taxes to fund public worker pensions though. I am sure there are other things we are paying for that I would like not to.
My DH has also had his pension slashed (public). With the increases for both of us, the below inflation rises we have had for years, and now freeze, as well as wanting to save more for DC future, we will probably look to cut back on about £250 per month from our current spending. We will manage, just. Local businesses may feel the effect too though.

[Goblinchild]

'goblin What would working to rule involve...and why would it have a greater impact on parents?'

We did it in the 80s instead of striking. Teachers did exactly what they were contracted to do and nothing more. We planned, taught, marked and assessed. We were arguing for the right to have a lunchbreak. Children were sent home for lunch because there was lack of supervision.
No extra curricular, no clubs, lost property became a sentient lifeform in a corner of the playground. No laces, ties, buttons, informal parent meetings, productions, assemblies, training courses other than in school time, lots of stuff that we did unrecognised as part of the job.
Left school on the dot. Arrived on the dot.
Huge number of tiny impacts every day for weeks.
I have a lunchbreak, we have MDS.

[sausagesandmarmelade]

On course goinnowhere....these things do have an impact on businesses.
It's inevitable...

Was just reading yesterday how company's like Mobens (kitchen designers) are going to the wall.

There's less consumer confidence, less spending....and things are set to get worse (much worse) with these changes. So we will all be affected in the long run.

[trixymalixy]

As do the rest of the working population. But we get 5 weeks holiday a year, school holidays are 14 weeks ( I think), it's very stressful for parents trying to cover that holiday. I know teachers don't get all that holiday, I know my SIL works a lot in her holidays, but she admits it can be a lot more flexible, she can do a lot a home or in the evenings so doesn't need childcare during the day or takes the kids into school with her. I know she does arrange at least a full weeks holiday club, but it is definitely easier for teachers with school age kids.

[goinnowhere]

I think any teacher who says childcare is not easier in the holidays would be a liar! What Mila Mae said earlier was that teachers never pay for childcare. PLainly that is silly. I've always paid, but not used. The hoilday is a huge bonus!

[sausagesandmarmelade]

Thanks Goblin for that insight...

Whatever it takes I think.

Apathy unfortunately does not effect change....
If nothing else, striking and working to rule show the Government the strength of feeling.

I support the teachers...I think they do an admirable (often thankless) job...

[trixymalixy]

I agree, I don't want anyone to lose out, I want fair pensions for all, but the fact is we can't afford it. There are plenty of things the government pay out for that I would prefer not to, but if they didn't I'd prefer the money to go to improve schools or hospitals not into the pockets of private individuals.

[BoattoBolivia]

goblinchild I would like to thank all of you who worked to rule in the 80s. It shocks me how many young teachers don't realise how hard you fought for the right to a lunch break and will happily give it up when management ask. It did affect my a levels, but I remember understanding it at the time and being sympathetic.

[twinklypearls]

If I just compare people with my particular degree I suspect I would end up worse off. Most went into the city.