Four myths about today’s strike: Busted.

1. Pensions aren’t sustainable at the level they are

As Stephen Henderson wrote in July:

The Office of Budget Responsibility’s July 2011 Fiscal Sustainability report (pdf) looks long into the future (2060) and guesses at the likely proportions of GDP that might arise as the population becomes more elderly.

The assumptions are based on current policies, not government proposals. Confirming earlier findings in the Hutton Report (pdf), they clearly predict the cost of public pensions will fall from 2% of GDP to 1.8% in 2030 and 1.4% in 2060 - without any of the current Hutton proposals.

Projected-benefit-payments-as-a-percentage-of-GDP

Even Hutton himself accepts that they are sustainable, although he attempts to draw a distinction between sustainable and affordable.

2. Public sector pensions are higher than private sector pensions

The reason for the disparity in average pension isn’t because public sector pensions are higher, but because so many private sector employers don’t offer any pension plan at all.

As Nigel Stanley revealed on Monday:

• Two in three private sector workers are not members of a workplace pension scheme;

• Private sector pension provision increases sharply with pay, while in the public sector it is much more evenly distributed;

• Two in three public sector staff earning between £100 and £200 a week are in a pension while only one in seven private sector employees in the same wage band are in a pension;

• Pension provision in the private sector varies hugely between sectors, with four in five workers in the energy sector having a pension, but only one in 16 in the hospitality sector having one;

• While senior public sector staff are in the same schemes as the rest of the employees in their sector and often pay bigger percentage contributions, top directors in the private sector (FTSE 100 directors) have pensions worth nearly £4 million on average.

3. Strikes are the work of ‘militants’.

Despite claims of “apathy” from politicians such as Boris Johnson, the response from the thirty unions which have been balloted has been strongly in favour of the strike. 78 per cent of Unison voted in favour of the strike, 83 per cent of the GMB, 75 per cent of Unite – all mandates which any politician would kill for.

Even when turnout is taken into account, the unions still exceed the mandate of prominent politicians such as, well, David Cameron and Boris Johnson:

You may remember, of course, that Johnson was elected Mayor of London in 2008. He gained 42.48 per cent of the first preferences in London, on a turnout of 45.33 per cent. So London has a mayor triggered by less than a fifth of the voting population – just 19 per cent.

David Cameron is the head of the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by virtue of his being the head of the largest party in the commons. He achieved this feat thanks to his party getting 36.1 per cent of the votes cast, on a 65 per cent turnout. Which means that, like Unite, just 23 per cent of those balloted voted in favour of a Conservative government.

In addition, the strikes are hardly the work of militant unions. Even putting aside the fact that calling Unite, the largest union in the UK, ‘militant’ stretches the definition, the headteacher’s union has voted for a strike in the first time in its 114-year history. The only militants involved are Michael Gove and the rest of the Tory cabinet.

4. Public sector pensions should be made more like private sector pensions

This is, at it’s head, the argument being made by the government. Every time they talk about ‘gold plated’ pensions of the unions, it is an attempt to divide and conquer.

As Owen Jones argued at Labour List:

Private sector pensions are one of the great scandals of our age. Only 40 per cent of private sector workers are now in an employer-sponsored pension scheme. It’s even worse with low-paid workers: only 20 per cent of those earning between £100 and £200 a week are in an employer-backed scheme.

But the argument should not be to drag down the pensions of public sector workers: it should be to drag up the pensions of private sector workers. Why punish public sector workers for the bad practices of private sector employers? If we do, we end up in a race to the bottom.

And as we said in October:

The claim that public sector pensions should be low because private sector pensions are low is often heard. But why should it be true? Why not instead make the opposite argument: that the only reason why private sector pensions are as high as they are is because they face competition from the public sector.

Some business may offer a fair pension out of the goodness of their heart, but many more offer the lowest that they can get away with – and if workers aren’t offered a better alternative in the public sector, then that low will be much, much lower.

Anonymous

Absolutely fantastic piece and should be more widely distrubuted.
Anonymous

Really. And you believe Hutton and the Treasury?

Why would they assume they are holding AA corporate bonds with no risk of default, instead of using an RPI linked instrument to calculate the present value of the liabilities?

Ah yes, the rate is higher, so it makes the problem smaller.

That’s why the liabilities don’t appear on the books. They, Labour, Liberals or Tories have no intention of paying out in full.

So an extra year on the state retirement age for many. Another 5,000 plus stolen because they spent all the contributions.

So here’s the question. How much would it take to buy a public sector worker out of their pension?

1. 10% extra on salary
2. 20% extra
3. 30% extra
4. 40% extra
5. 50% extra

What’s a fair trade off? No future pensions, but extra salary now and the worker makes their own provision.

At which point are they better off opting out?
Stephen Thoms

What a load of rubbish. Has nothing been learnt from the incompetent Gordon Brown days?
http://twitter.com/drchristinehill/status/141696574844698624 Christine Hill

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/w1Ks7YKo #n30
http://twitter.com/Newsbot9 Newsbot9

Market equivalent pay to the private sector would mean an average 80% rise.

And you’re still always better off opting out, given your Tories mean to make pensions worthless one way or another.
http://twitter.com/christhegoth/status/141718156245876736 Christian Wilcox

A myth-busting article on the Pensions strike: http://t.co/3Ziibr64. What would you do if it was your pension? #Croydon #Labour #n30
http://twitter.com/45apl/status/141725897916026880 45apl

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/RUqPKZnP #n30 #NewsClub
http://twitter.com/richpriest/status/141729213802758144 richard

Good luck today in the UK. Go to it. Don't believe the hype: http://t.co/36CJqcE8 #Nov30
http://twitter.com/simonzec23/status/141765173114441730 Simon Zec

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/podwangler/status/141773013434642434 Pod Wangler

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/markadams60/status/141773640667643904 mark adams

“@leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/E4W1uEcF #n30”
http://twitter.com/katie3059/status/141775229293826048 Katie Smith

“@leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/E4W1uEcF #n30”
http://twitter.com/mrskhorne/status/141775301586862080 Karen Horne

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/3ZmPN5LR
Anonymous

You’ve not quite answered the question, so you’ve leaped to the wrong conclusion.

To be as well off as they are now with their pensions, by how much would we need to raise their pay, so that it was equivalent?

No comparison being made with the private sector.

The reason is that the public should know the true cost of what it takes to employ someone in the private sector.

Second reason is that I think just as debt slavery in the third world for errors of politicians is wrong, its also wrong in the UK.

Why is being born into debt wrong in the third world but not in the UK?
http://twitter.com/memories_child/status/141786328802148352 Bethan Jones

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/dubious1977/status/141789058354515968 David Dubost

Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. http://t.co/1fRRw9uP
http://twitter.com/cherries_r_yum/status/141790286773878784 Dianne Reidlinger RD

Doom gloom on economy, worth reading this > ST @leftfootfwd: 4 myths about today's strike: busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/1ZEhO92y
http://twitter.com/rchrisp/status/141790299142893568 Rachael Chrisp

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/orientbeast/status/141790571776851968 Stuart East

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/nishsr/status/141791273014149120 Nisha Rahim

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/bUZQKkoN
http://twitter.com/therightarticle/status/141791429725913088 Michael

Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. l Left Foot Forward – http://t.co/HaBqpLi1
http://twitter.com/napierbones/status/141792183983415296 Napier Bones

"@TheRightArticle: Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. – http://t.co/lFa9Vg0J" » Strike doubters get the facts – please read this!
http://twitter.com/cathithalia/status/141792386308259840 Cat

Four myths about today's strike: Busted. From @leftfootfwd #N30 http://t.co/1XeF8AjS
http://twitter.com/lost_sophist/status/141793919049543680 Lost Sophist

Four myths about today's strike: Busted. From @leftfootfwd #N30 http://t.co/1XeF8AjS
http://twitter.com/pinners/status/141793971000184832 pinners

Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. l Left Foot Forward – http://t.co/HaBqpLi1
http://twitter.com/ermintrude2/status/141794214668275712 Moo

"@TheRightArticle: Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. – http://t.co/lFa9Vg0J" » Strike doubters get the facts – please read this!
http://twitter.com/bigraff8/status/141795268260675584 stephen rafferty

“@CathiThalia: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. From @leftfootfwd #N30 http://t.co/kzufBAKC”

Read this
http://twitter.com/virtualresistan/status/141795635937558528 VirtualResistance

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/sarahpofficial/status/141795699066028032 Sarah

"@TheRightArticle: Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. – http://t.co/lFa9Vg0J" » Strike doubters get the facts – please read this!
http://twitter.com/redtom64/status/141797331174572032 Tom Walker

"@TheRightArticle: Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. – http://t.co/lFa9Vg0J" » Strike doubters get the facts – please read this!
http://twitter.com/claireot/status/141797327835889665 Claire OT

"@TheRightArticle: Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. – http://t.co/lFa9Vg0J" » Strike doubters get the facts – please read this!
http://twitter.com/miss_pamela_a/status/141797362657001473 Pamela H

Well worth a read…. RT "@CathiThalia: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. From @leftfootfwd #N30 http://t.co/rMsBUUfN"
http://twitter.com/mrshaycock/status/141798504237502464 Catherine Haycock

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/tom_chance/status/141798866780557312 Tom Chance

Good article on some pensions myths here – http://t.co/8sPE6cX5 #strike #nov30
http://twitter.com/haymoncollins/status/141800017064243200 haymoncollins

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/jon_bartley/status/141800647073873921 Jonathan Bartley

RT @tom_chance: Good article on some pensions myths here http://t.co/60JJJt0O #strike #nov30
http://twitter.com/dave_squire/status/141801266207657984 Dave Squire

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/katybrickley/status/141801704587923456 Katy Brickley

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/madammiaow/status/141805466534686720 Madam Miaow

This needs an RT @leftfootfwd Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/kdrXWfR0 #n30
http://twitter.com/unitetheunion/status/141806129104687104 Unite the union

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/living_as_if/status/141806300068720640 Lisa Chalkley

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/howardricketts/status/141806378577707008 Howard Ricketts

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/living_as_if/status/141806408915107840 Lisa Chalkley

Four myths about today’s strike: Busted.: http://t.co/ml3OIZAM (@leftfootfwd)
http://twitter.com/deardaveandnick/status/141806524644339712 Bern O’Donoghue

This needs an RT @leftfootfwd Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/kdrXWfR0 #n30
http://twitter.com/_jack_graham_/status/141806558274260992 Jack Graham

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/realdavidcarter/status/141806577245097984 David Carter

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/iainpics/status/141806656739745792 Iain Peacock

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/aledwg/status/141806747487715328 Aled™

This needs an RT @leftfootfwd Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/kdrXWfR0 #n30
http://twitter.com/clur_roberts/status/141807183896641536 Claire Roberts

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/dreddiepuss/status/141807347055083521 Mel

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/3tWHc2ra
http://twitter.com/jambinjamin/status/141807362729185280 Jambinjamin

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/benjaellis/status/141807527670190081 Ben Ellis

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/digitalraven/status/141807656103985152 Stew Wilson

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/thislast/status/141807953303961600 Sam Saunders

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/raiderfra/status/141808295940857857 Francis Loughlin

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/mazzawoo/status/141808322469826560 Maria Harvey

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
Anthony Masters

In the report itself, it states:
Future costs are inherently uncertain and sensitive to assumptions on life expectancy,
size of workforce, earnings growth and the implementation of reforms. Chart 1.B
demonstrates the possible impact of altering some of these assumptions. Given the current
design of public service pension schemes, the general public cannot be sure that schemes will
remain sustainable in the future.

I have to say I have not read the full report, but I imagine he is referring to final salary pension schemes, which are likely to run into higher and higher costs as top public sector were forecast to keep rising.
http://twitter.com/cherrymakes/status/141808930455166976 Tania

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/janieface1/status/141809026286632960 Jane Emson

This needs an RT @leftfootfwd Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/kdrXWfR0 #n30
http://twitter.com/extraditiongame/status/141809033337253889 Extradition Game

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/manmadesumo/status/141809063775318016 Matthew Simpson

"@TheRightArticle: Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. – http://t.co/lFa9Vg0J" » Strike doubters get the facts – please read this!
http://twitter.com/srcav/status/141809073346719746 Cav

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/lawteacher/status/141809249847214080 Andy Howells

Four myths about today's strike busted: http://t.co/xHKjfR4V #n30
http://twitter.com/lansburygmiss/status/141809305010704384 Georgina Lansbury

This needs an RT @leftfootfwd Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/kdrXWfR0 #n30
http://twitter.com/carolatack/status/141810214054805504 Carol Atack

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/vaPE7TZp (About the strike I would be taking part in, if I had a job)
http://twitter.com/robmyers/status/141810563339649024 Rob Myers

Good article on some pensions myths here – http://t.co/8sPE6cX5 #strike #nov30
http://twitter.com/cathyby/status/141811317714591744 Cathy

@Michael_Merrick @His_Grace eg this? http://t.co/E2SxQzHx
http://twitter.com/mnods/status/141811343224340480 Mike Nodding

This needs an RT @leftfootfwd Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/kdrXWfR0 #n30
http://twitter.com/redheadfashion/status/141811361620557824 Jo

I get it now RT @madammiaow: This needs an RT @leftfootfwd Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/YPrzOF5O #n30
http://twitter.com/karentb57/status/141811896780206080 Taylor Burge

We can get to the bottom of the truth RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/KyhGiPwo
http://twitter.com/lawntanks/status/141811987326840833 john webb

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/cathyby/status/141812485962469376 Cathy

@artsyhonker @blondpidge http://t.co/E2SxQzHx (was also covered on "More Or Less" by the well-known Marxist Tim Harford
http://twitter.com/untypicalboro/status/141814375534166016 anthony vickers

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/staggerlee30/status/141815215766503424 Christopher Leathley

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/ayakas/status/141815253133565953 Ariana Yakas

“@leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/5taNXOZJ #n30” #ukuncut
http://twitter.com/atraphoenix/status/141815659049914368 Emma

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/rkazandjian/status/141815713601032192 Robert Kazandjian

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/rednax42/status/141815990328635392 Xander

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/michaelleam/status/141816295367770112 Michael Branson

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/kim_harding/status/141816648964374528 Kim Harding

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/ayakas/status/141817381218549760 Ariana Yakas

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/kaysillars/status/141818293781659648 Kay Sillars

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/bengatewood/status/141818959530958848 Ben Gatewood

Sure does. RT @MadamMiaow: This needs an RT @leftfootfwd Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/XTVXPHu9 #n30
http://twitter.com/martinblakelock/status/141820288450035712 Martin Blakelock

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/djmgaffneyw4/status/141820716168396800 Declan Gaffney

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/abiyooooo/status/141822885621809152 abi ramanan

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/rich_collins/status/141824206622048256 Richard Collins

Superb piece from @leftfootfwd busting myths around the strike which I urge everyone to read http://t.co/qZCOk0ak #N30
http://twitter.com/sortified/status/141824345617072129 Sortified

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/pjakma/status/141826413794820097 Paul Jakma

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/MovingManUK Handy Removals

Public sector workers should be grateful they still got a job. How about those that are out of work and struggling to provide to their families?
http://twitter.com/thegreatmcginty/status/141827495895904256 MichaelKing

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/stampoutpoverty/status/141829025504043008 Stamp out Poverty

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/dHzwL9sq
http://twitter.com/coalition_watch/status/141829893632696320 CoalitionWatch

If you're struggling to understnd the reasons for today's strike, @leftfootfwd mythbusting article http://t.co/X6kEU5CU is worth a read
http://twitter.com/m_bromley/status/141830179654860801 Matt Bromley

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/alan_199/status/141830185791135744 Alan199

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/padbrit/status/141830269983391746 Padbrit

RT @MadamMiaow: This needs an RT @leftfootfwd Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/sCslEFaC #n30
http://twitter.com/thephoenixtree/status/141830806380359680 THE PHOENIX TREE

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/XUkhJmS3
http://twitter.com/coalition_watch/status/141830874420355072 CoalitionWatch

If you're struggling to understand the reasons for today's strike, @leftfootfwd's mythbusting article http://t.co/waGeuu3W is worth a read
http://twitter.com/june4th/status/141832113656823809 Noxi

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/SXyto1QW #n30
http://twitter.com/markrbowyer/status/141833542723305473 Mark Bowyer

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/madmazzah/status/141834273186525184 Marina Khan

Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt #n30
http://twitter.com/williamnb/status/141837141805252608 William

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/corvinemus/status/141837248873234432 Chris Renshaw

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
http://twitter.com/threadbarepanda/status/141838062618550272 Panda

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
dahndra

All the public sector workers I know are grateful they still have a job, all the more now that their jobs are under serious threat and they’re seeing so many of their colleagues losing theirs as budgets are slashed and services to the most vulnerable in society (including the homeless and those struggling to provide for their families) are cut. Devaluing public sector jobs, wages and pensions is damaging for all those that rely on the vital services they provide.
Blarg1987

I agree it is bad people are out of work and struggling to provide for their families, but if we go down the route you are saying, it is a very slippery slope, which your point has just confirmed.

If we notice more jobs are going here then on the continenet might it be because they have stronger trade unions and employment protection law which makes it more expensive to sack people on the continent then here?

Now if we want to change things to have better employment protection laws, pay and conditions then we should encourage the growth of trade unions, if however we go down the route you suggest one day people will be saying be greatful you dont have to do unpaid work for a year, which is something that is likely to happen next.
http://twitter.com/spacecadetrik/status/141839172557225984 Richard Bryce

Supporting #N30?: Read how four right-wing talking points on public sector pensions and strikes are myths: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc
Blarg1987

That they followed policies from the previous Goverment in both economic and monetry terms as to say at the time, your lifestyle won’t improve but you will have better services would not have one them the election?
Sam

I will accept the forecast of the share of GDP taken by public sector pensions, but what proportion of that share is paid for by those who will benefit from the pension, and what proportion is paid for by those who will not benefit? This is the key issue on affordability, and I have not yet seen an answer. If the beneficiaries share is static or increasing, then there will be no problem. On the other hand, if non beneficiaries are going to be expected to pay a greater share then there will be a problem.
http://twitter.com/cathithalia/status/141842043067564032 Cat

In case you missed it before.. 'Four myths about today's strike: Busted'. From @leftfootfwd #N30 http://t.co/1XeF8AjS
http://twitter.com/alexhern/status/141842416817807361 Alex Hern

I don't RT my pieces often, so when I do… RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted by @alexhern: http://t.co/sWTaeBJA #n30
http://twitter.com/chrisjwilkinson/status/141844569397526529 Chris Wilkinson

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/Sxw8F65a
http://twitter.com/alexhern/status/141844589337255936 Alex Hern

@miss_mcinerney Well then, have a second version of the link: http://t.co/7LIYd6NV
Does that work better?
http://twitter.com/mabonapgwynfor/status/141845577548832768 Mabon ap Gwynfor

@DarrenMillarAM Interesting Info relating to public sector pensions and today's strikes on the @leftfootfwd website http://t.co/5P5mPnU8
http://twitter.com/how_upsetting/status/141847005080207360 Philip

Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. http://t.co/20xdCOUp #n30 #strike
http://twitter.com/how_upsetting/status/141847005080207360 Philip

Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. http://t.co/20xdCOUp #n30 #strike
http://twitter.com/drmaplewood/status/141847052089950208 Jonny

Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. http://t.co/20xdCOUp #n30 #strike
http://twitter.com/drmaplewood/status/141847052089950208 Jonny

Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. http://t.co/20xdCOUp #n30 #strike
http://twitter.com/craigbonesjones/status/141848014368161792 Craig Jones

Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. http://t.co/20xdCOUp #n30 #strike
JohnT

Would you trust the OBR projections on pensions? These are the guys that have had to revise growth forecasts downwards continuously this year and for the next 3 years…..

Better to rely on some independant calculations that put future public sector pension liabilities in the trillions not billions.

Whilst I don’t agree with the strike action you have to consider that when you accept a job in the public or private sector you do so based on the package presented at the time and the future potential. I can see how frustrating it is to see your pension provision being messed with but what would you say to those in the private sector who don’t have final salary schemes that over the last few years have seen pension values reduced massively as the stock markets have fallen.

I agree that the real problem is that there is massive inequality in the private sector regarding pension provision and the government’s NEST provisions will go some way to counteract this but the contribution levels will still be well below those in the public sector. This does little to allay the green eyed monster!

The term “gold plated” pensions is erroneous but when you have an inflation proof, risk free pension in the public sector compared to an investment linked pension in the private sector that relies on economic growth and savvy investment choices you can see how the term has some meaning.

After all, which would you prefer:
- a pension in the public sector which you have to pay more for but is only effected by who the masses vote for and therefore you have a modicum of control over; or
- a private sector pension, if you enrol, that relies on governments, individuals and investment choices to predict and manage the macro and micro economic effects likely to occur over a persons working life.

The real scandal on public pensions that no one seems to mention is the governments willful attack on the un-educated, ill-advised or vulnerable. There has been a programme of systematically approaching workers in the public sector to offer them lump sums and buy them out of their pensions early and then transfer their pension pot to private providers. These schemes are there for one reason only – cost reduction – and if you are knowledgeable enough to do the numbers are a massively bad deal for individuals.
Blarg1987

I do agree with your statement, I also think the goverment should make it law any CEO / executive / non executive in a PLC should have the same pension rights and entitlements as those who are on the shop floor of the company, as these people only manage an exisitng company and have not built it from the ground up.
It is a scandal that people in the private sector are told their final salary schemes are being closed while the executive pay skyrockets and they retire on final salary scheme. It is of no coincidence that large pay rises happened at the top when there were pension holidays and closing down of final salary schemes. It is nice to know that share dividnds skurocketed at the same time, products were cheaper and employers terms and conditions improved, sorry, my mistake thats what should have happened.
http://twitter.com/tommy5dollar Tommy Long

What a ridiculous article. It’s been stated at least a dozen times that Chart 1B above is using CPI not RPI and therefore only shows pensions dropping as % of GDP under one of the reforms that the Unions oppose.

Also, comparing public sector pensions to the pensions of FTSE directors… well, it’s just meaningless, I’m really unsure what you’re trying to prove.

Finally, I personally think striking is quite different to voting in an election. We’re meant to vote in new people every 5 years but striking is meant to be a last resort. If only 40% of people turn up in an election we have to choose a government from that, we don’t have to strike. Only 34% of Union members voted for this strike, most of them don’t care.
Penny Unison

Many people I met today while picketing are not just worried about their pension. They do not know how they will pay increased contributions. If they are in jobs which are physically and mentally stressful they do not want to have to work full-time until 68, especially in shift work.
Retired people are often doing unpaid work looking after elderly relatives and grandchildren and voluntary community work. Who will do this in future?
http://twitter.com/oldmanmackie/status/142002316445351936 Alan Mackie

@AParry9 @ninasachen No need for compromise, as is noted in point 1 – http://t.co/xHYUFfAz But let's not allow facts to get in the way #YAWN
http://twitter.com/nixeepie/status/142011597748060160 Nicola Thomson

One last #n30 #mythbusting: A race to the bottom will not help the public or private sector: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt and http://t.co/OyFEiiC8
http://twitter.com/justanonpg/status/142011769852936192 Justanother Postgrad

Four myths about today's strike: Busted. | Left Foot Forward http://t.co/dsgjp2DE #n30
http://twitter.com/lighthearteddan/status/142012229238272000 Daniel Weichman

One last #n30 #mythbusting: A race to the bottom will not help the public or private sector: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt and http://t.co/OyFEiiC8
http://twitter.com/space318808/status/142020442318835712 Bobbie

Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. http://t.co/20xdCOUp #n30 #strike
http://twitter.com/nickboalch/status/142026139924307968 Nicholas Boalch

Also worth reading if you have a moment: http://t.co/COIQsthS (via @libcon).
http://twitter.com/spotmonkey/status/142029189200101376 David

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/mk4PSnjg
http://twitter.com/Newsbot9 Newsbot9

There’s a simple answer, sam.

If the pensions and general wages are slashed repeatedly, and people stop paying in (both because the pensions are a scam, and because they can’t afford to), then the majority will be paid for by the tax payer. If they’re left at reasonable rates, and wages are reasonable, then the majority of the cost will be paid for by the recipients.
http://twitter.com/Newsbot9 Newsbot9

“comparing public sector pensions to the pensions of FTSE directors… well, it’s just meaningless”

To the 1%, yes.
http://twitter.com/orwellaintdead/status/142037441681965056 Tom.

@phoebe_m http://t.co/zhjuaHKr
http://twitter.com/orwellaintdead/status/142041473037250560 Tom.

@phoebe_m did you even read? http://t.co/zhjuaHKr &think 700,000 public sector workers losing their jobs in next few years reduces bill too
http://twitter.com/jp966/status/142148943499890688 José Pedro

Four #myths about today’s #strike http://t.co/YcxPLgPg (via @NewLeftProject @leftfootfwd) – A fine analysis, valid not only for #UK…
http://twitter.com/richardbrennan/status/142153099467964416 richardbrennan

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/xRQLkpZX
http://twitter.com/pinners/status/142162681313501184 pinners

Busted. | Left Foot Forward http://t.co/7r2M05TT "Private sector pensions are one of the great scandals of our age"
http://twitter.com/pinners/status/142162868333330432 pinners

Busted. | Left Foot Forward http://t.co/Hx6Uxymg "Private sector pensions are one of the great scandals of our age" #N30
http://twitter.com/tarcusnotoeu/status/142163483549642752 kevin leonard

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/tSnhFfRj
http://twitter.com/labour52rose/status/142189419816960000 Alex Braithwaite

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/766T4eTu
http://twitter.com/blogsir/status/142198920737599488 blogsir

Four myths about today's strike: Busted: http://t.co/sESs1kr6
http://twitter.com/ollythesquid/status/142308418466750464 Simon Darnley

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/cmRnzjND
http://twitter.com/spangletart/status/142341944377487360 m phillips

Four myths about today's strike: Busted. | Left Foot Forward http://t.co/oKQhtxBo
Anonymous

HR you are looking in the wrong direction. Unemployment is caused by weak demand in the enconomy (well it’s a factor). The more the public sector earns the greater the demand the lower unemployment.
http://twitter.com/nilamatodaria/status/142377745765240832 Nilam Atodaria

By the way, don't get pulled into the bullshit on #bbcqt, four wrong myths about pensions by @leftfootfirst http://t.co/OfQDwH8n
http://twitter.com/nilamatodaria/status/142378427872313344 Nilam Atodaria

Don't get pulled into the bullshit lies on #bbcqt Four wrong myths about pensions by @leftfootfwd http://t.co/OfQDwH8n
http://twitter.com/gregory_mcbride/status/142380791765274626 Yusuf Molade-Matthew

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/QPPJCUmA
http://twitter.com/ninasachen/status/142506730780237825 Nina Sacco

@AParry9 @ninasachen No need for compromise, as is noted in point 1 – http://t.co/xHYUFfAz But let's not allow facts to get in the way #YAWN
http://www.leftfootforward.org/2011/12/look-left-02-12-11/ Look Left – Does Labour need its own Plan B? | Left Foot Forward

[...] Alex Hern busted four of the anti-union myths being spun by the angry right, namely that “pensions aren’t [...]
Violetkathy

I’m a SRN and I couldn’t get a job as a nurse. My husband had just left the RAF and neither could he in 1991 when Margaret Thatcher was in charge. This time I’m fighting for my rights.
http://twitter.com/ceriwhite/status/143409686702587904 Ceri White

#bestoftheweek #1: Four myths about Wednesday's strike: Busted.
http://t.co/DzcSUQAt
http://twitter.com/jaymckenna87/status/143409947798028290 James McKenna

#bestoftheweek #1: Four myths about Wednesday's strike: Busted.
http://t.co/DzcSUQAt
http://twitter.com/jaymckenna87/status/143410402884206592 James McKenna

@dstewart80 Here is a link to some 'myths' on the strikes mate http://t.co/sncsYn9y
http://twitter.com/lydiatered/status/143412767548911616 David Bannister

#bestoftheweek #1: Four myths about Wednesday's strike: Busted.
http://t.co/DzcSUQAt
http://twitter.com/b_kilcran/status/143414187094315008 Benjie Kilcran

#bestoftheweek #1: Four myths about Wednesday's strike: Busted.
http://t.co/DzcSUQAt
http://twitter.com/yrotitna/status/143415790752907264 Juan Voet

#bestoftheweek #1: Four myths about Wednesday's strike: Busted.
http://t.co/DzcSUQAt
http://twitter.com/ziggy7/status/143418477665976321 Tania Ziegler

#bestoftheweek #1: Four myths about Wednesday's strike: Busted.
http://t.co/DzcSUQAt
http://twitter.com/davypianista/status/143419856199487489 David Allsopp

#bestoftheweek #1: Four myths about Wednesday's strike: Busted.
http://t.co/DzcSUQAt
http://twitter.com/alanamurf/status/143424800889647105 Alana Murphy

#bestoftheweek #1: Four myths about Wednesday's strike: Busted.
http://t.co/DzcSUQAt
http://twitter.com/unisonnuth/status/143474296252141568 UNISON NUTH

#bestoftheweek #1: Four myths about Wednesday's strike: Busted.
http://t.co/DzcSUQAt
http://twitter.com/le_nom_de_plume/status/143643091298037761 Rebekah

RT @leftfootfwd: Four myths about today's strike: Busted. http://t.co/zC5mZeLd
Rob

Thanks for the headsup – I will share
http://twitter.com/westernshores/status/144399654883303425 Pen

Sorry, Dave, it's a myth that public sector pensions are better than private sector: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc #pmqs #N30
http://twitter.com/blue4butterfly/status/144401189264568320 Rose

Sorry, Dave, it's a myth that public sector pensions are better than private sector: http://t.co/xzzmHfDc #pmqs #N30
http://twitter.com/skiptonriponclp/status/151649089052876800 Skipton&Ripon CLP

#LFFMostRead2011: #7: Busting the myths about the #N30 strike: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt by @AlexHern, November 30th
http://twitter.com/shesgotspies/status/152289722344030208 ShesGotSpies

#LFFMostRead2011: #7: Busting the myths about the #N30 strike: http://t.co/DzcSUQAt by @AlexHern, November 30th
http://www.leftfootforward.org/2012/01/government-gold-plates-private-pensions-while-cutting-public-ones/ Government gold-plates private pensions while cutting public ones | Left Foot Forward

[...] also: • Four myths about today’s strike: Busted. – Alex Hern, November 30th [...]