Since we’re on the topic of the UK in class, I figured I would blog about something that was going on with them.
A lot is actually going on with them. The Unions are planning a “one-day stoppage” on November 30 to protest the government’s plans to raise pension contributions.
According to the two articles that I read (the links will be at the end), the government is planning to lay off one million public sector workers “who are due to retire in the ten years from April 1, 2010.” These people won’t have to work anymore but will keep their salary. Additionally, the government is trying to get a more generous rate for pension value build-up. The government is doing this because people are living much longer and the government can no longer afford the system. The government argues that this is a good solution because the pensions are generous and comparable to those in the private sector.
The protestors say that this isn’t enough…it’s a good start but not good enough to convince them that they will have good enough pensions. Their plan for the protest is to gather at one o’clock and make as much noise as possible. They say the government has become deaf to their negotiations so that are forming One Voice at One to try to get the government’s attention through bells, whistles, car horns, singing, chanting, and many other obnoxious noises.
The government’s plan doesn’t sound that bad to me, but I don’t know how well it will hold up long-term. There is some improvement that needs to be made, but this seems like a good foundation. But it is slightly concerning that the government seems to be offering this up as a “this is as good as it gets” offer. But what more can they do? It doesn’t seem to me that the union protestors fully understand the economic situation in UK and the in the rest of the world, i.e. EVERYONE’S ECONOMY SUCKS (basically).
Also, these benefits are just for the public sector. Do these protestors know that no one in the private sector get this economic insulation and these benefits?
Now, what do you guys think?
Should the government just go on with their pension plan, work out the minor kinks, and risk having millions of public sector protesters?
Should the unions try to work with the government more before going to the extreme measure of protesting?
Is either side being unreasonable in the negotiations?
I feel like both sides have valid arguments to make on this topic. To me, there doesn't seem to be one clear group that's ahead, but I feel the UK public sector's protest is completely valid. If they believe that this is not a beneficial economic situation for them to be in, then they should have a right to protest it. Simple as that. However, I feel that sometimes we are resistent to change, even when change could bring about benefits. Perhaps the people are somewhat stuck in their ways, thinking "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but the UK government is simply trying to fix it before it breaks to avoid economic crisis.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, like Megan said, both sides have their arguments. And only time will tell how well the pension plan will hold up. The government is obviously trying to do what's best for the sake of their economy, even if the protesters don't agree, changes are going to be made regardless. I think the UK should speak out to the protesters and try to explain their exact plans, and keep them from taking extreme measures. Change has to be made to improve the economies in Europe, most people just don't want to deal with it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Megan that the people have the view of "if it ain't broke don't fix it," they just don't want to see that it's 'broke'. The UK government is trying its best to protect themselves under their current situation. The want-to-be-protestors have a valid argument but just may not realize that what is being done is to prevent further economic troubles.
ReplyDeleteI think that both sides are being unreasonable and I also think both sides have valid points! The economy is rough and there's no easy way out of it but I think fixing the minor kinks will in the long run help. If that means there will be a few protests so be it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, as everyone else has said, I can see it from both sides. The only solution is to sit down and have a civil meetin and let everyones opinions get out. That is the only way to move forward.
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