Strike Out

One side call it sound political protest, the other says it is self-serving disruption at a time when least we need it and least we can afford it. Either way, next Wednesday could see the biggest day of strike action in the UK for a generation.

The Unions are right to do their best for their members, but members should also take personal responsibility for their individual actions during a time of crisis. I am mindful of the huge number of hardworking mums and dads in Maidstone and the Weald who will be severely affected. And as thousands of teachers go on strike it will be our children who truly suffer.

Strike action is inexcusable whilst negotiations are ongoing, and there remains the inconvenient truth that pension reform is unavoidable because the current system is unaffordable. Public sector pension costs have risen by a third over the last decade to £32 billion. That's more than we spend on police, prison and the courts combined. And people are living longer too. This is not reform for reforms sake. Changes have to be made and the Government has tabled a serious proposal.

Public sector pensions will remain among the most attractive in our country, and the Government is committed to protecting low and middle earners. Furthermore, no-one within 10 years of retirement will see any change in when they can retire nor any decrease in the amount of pension they receive.

For those who are affected, they are being asked to work for longer and pay slightly higher employee contributions. Compared with millions in the private sector these terms are very favourable.

No one enjoys tightening their belts, or taking a financial hit, but I say again; we must all take a fair, reasonable and responsible approach to the long term sustainability of pensions. If we fail the ultimate losers will be our children and future generations.

Back to all posts