TODAY, many local teachers will be going on strike to protest against the extra pension contributions being forced upon them by the Government.
I know that my colleagues and I in the local Labour party are fully supportive of them.
Many of our members are teachers and are desperate to avoid strikes.
But faced with a complete lack of negotiation, a tactic that the Conservatives have transferred from their dealings with the LibDems, they are left with little choice.
The population’s increasing life expectancy does require a rethink on pensions.
However, the way to go about it is not to impose new rules but get a solution that all affected parties can support and agree to.
The previous Labour government put teachers’ pensions on a level footing and allowed for increased contributions in the case of a shortfall. This was all achieved via agreement and without strikes.
Instead, the Conservatives are falling back on their age-old strategy of divide and rule, so that society directs its anger inwards rather than at a Government imposing ideological cuts.
Tim Lunnon, Brighton Pavilion Labour Party
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel