Posts tagged ‘Brendan Barber’

It is only someone else’s money…

As we know tomorrow sees a nationwide strike by many members of the public sector. As a consequence of this those that do strike will lose their wages for the day, leaving their employers – us – with a small windfall of cash.

What then to do with it?

Oh come on, you didn’t really think we were going to get a refund, did you?

Instead those who steal the money from us will spend it themselves and we can only hope it gets plough back into ‘services’. I won’t hold my breath though.

Still, at least I’m not living in Newcastle. The council there has, in an astounding lack of concern for those who pay their way, decided to give the money away to local charities:

Newcastle Council has pledged to hand over the wages it saves as a result of Wednesday’s national strike – potentially up to £100,000 – to good causes.

Typically this throwing away of other people’s money finds favour amongst rent seekers and unions.

Brendan Barber, TUC:

Other public services employers up and down the country should now consider following their example and direct savings from next week’s strike to help those hit hardest by the government’s policies.

Clare Williams, Northern Public Services Alliance:

It is a sign of trade union members’ ongoing commitment to helping the most vulnerable that they’ve led the way with this groundbreaking initiative in Newcastle.

Jo Curry, VONNE:

We encourage other public service employers in other areas across the region to follow Newcastle’s lead.

*speechless*