[Kizzy]

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

If you aren't privy to the teachers' thoughts - the ones that you are supporting - how can you possibly back and support them when you don't know the real reasons behind it, when you are unable to quantify what the goals are, how liable they are to be reached, and the actual real impact on them achieving what they are demanding. Or are you happy in being led blindly by the parts of what is being regurgitated through the media from Unions and their little sheep followers who pay their union fees every month: but when the push comes to the shove and they need their Union for personal matters - they Unions tend to be a waste of time.

I also trained for many years to be in my profession - and the qualifications I actually have: allow me to teach if that was my choice. That took the form of both Uni qualifications and on the job training.

I'm in charge of a budget of £1m per annum and I can tell you now: some teachers get far more salary (and pension plan) than I do. These same teachers that often teach arithmetic / maths to appallingly low levels at times. Spare me the bleeding heart stuff please.

In this economic climate - one of the unions, NUT I think it was, revealed that the monthly wage cut which will show in wage packets next month is an average of £30 per month - they also quoted that it was the first time since 1930 , that public sectors had to take a 'cut' in salary. First since 1930 !!!!

Conversely: I had to take a cut by £4k per annum. I work at least 45hrs per week - more often than not, far more - I am paid for 40 hours. Does it piss me off? Sure it does at times - but I'm also taking home a healthy salary in comparison to many around me and for that I am thankful. I'm also aware that salaries are on the decrease on the job market - plus I enjoy the challenge of my work - regardless - it's how you focus on getting over the hurdles..... not how loud you bleat about them. It's about growing backbones and being made of sterner stuff - and not wimping out - that's it how I see it: it's a bunch of wimps moaning about nothing in reality - given the grand economic scale. We are all suffering: and someone, someone moaning about a pension contribution of £360 less going into their pension pot a year - compared to £4k net salary per year - they don't deserve any sympathy never mind empathy! Not a chance.

Starting to sink in yet - because of the economic crisis currently - private sector doesn't have the luxury of someone handing wads on money out to those who come from a 'grab, grab, take, take but offer little back'. That is what is coming over loud and clear.

We aren't going to agree - that I agree on.

Is your own line of work in the teaching profession Kizzy - or in public service?

I know the reasons...I have quoted them many times...And they are apparent in the news items contained in the links I provided.
I do not however know their individual thoughts and feelings...Im not mystic meg lol.

I am not being led blindly...Don't worry I have formed my opinion very carefully thankyou.

Good for you, my heart is not bleeding...You made your career choice. Trying to discredit teachers by suggesting you could do a better job is ridiculous.

Have teaching standards, training, workloadpressures in the profession changed since the 30's ....yes they have.
How can you expect a teacher with a family of their own to take a cut of £30 a month?...Its unbelievable.

I watched the budget...and saw the tax rate fall for the top earners...and business tax fall too...I'm bleating at that Im sure many in public services are.
The rich get richer and those who look after the countries kids, and the 999 services get kicked in the nads!


When will it sink in that the se cost cutting exercises are detrimental to this country?

If that is how you feel about those in public service in the UK today I feel very sorry for you. And I feel you are very out of touch in your responses.