Originally Posted By bloona Well I knew something was going on when all of the children came out of school cheering today! They are closed tomorrow! There is a strike taking place here in the UK tomorrow, over pensions. We were told last week that the school would remain open except for the reception class, and all school lunches would be off, so packed lunches must be brought in. I heard of other schools closing for the day, some closing just over lunch time when there would be no staff to look after the children.So children would have to go home for an hour then return etc, all different ways. But today they had 3 out of the 7 teachers there off poorly, so a desision was made to close for the whole day. So poor Kieran has to go to the supermarket with me! ha ha. I know others were in a real panic today as both parents are working tomorrow. Some schools are closing for the odd day too here, as there is a terrible bug called the winter vomiting virus going around schools like wild fire.So many have had it that theyre trying to see if they close the entire school for the day that they can try to stop it transmitting so easily, it only lasted 24 hours when we all had it ( not pleasant ) so I guess if they close for a day it might break the chain.
Originally Posted By Dave Heck they've been walking out of our schools since Friday. We just locked up the office a few minutes ago because 2000 kids were heading this way from the adjacent cities.
Originally Posted By Elderp hang in there Dave. I am imagining Dave with his desk turned over manning a stapler.
Originally Posted By Dave No they wont get in here.. I promice you that! My ex said talk around her station is that if this continues it could end up in a hispanic version of the Watts riots.
Originally Posted By DlandJB Except these massive demonstrations have been, for the most part, very peaceful. Very powerful to watch.
Originally Posted By bloona here they're striking as they've said that the pension age will rise from the 60 that they were told, to 65. Thats the basic gist of it. Not surprised they're mad. Hows things Dave?
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ We had a two week strike here in British Columbia in October. Our last contract had been imposed by the government, and had run out. The government, instead of negotiating, tried to "extend" the end date of the imposed contract. We were threatened with jail time and fines, because it was an illegal strike, but finally the government was pressured by the public support of the teachers to relook at what they had done. I feel really empowered to be a part of that. But, now our contract is up again and guess what - the government is burying their heads in the sand again. So here's support for the teachers in the UK! Stay tuned in September for part two! PS I hope the do get rid of the winter vomiting virus!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Sorry - yesterday was a farce. I crossed the picket line at a County Hall, and in the building of 3000, only, 200 turned up to work. The sad part was, there were only about 100 people there - pathetic. If they are going to strike, they should do it properly. It was eary being in such a huge building so empty, it felt like a weekend. What is ironic is local government staff are told they have to retire at 65 instead of 60, and they go on strike. In the private sector, they tell us we have to retire at 70 instead of 65 and we say, oh well, people are living longer. Talk about a difference in attitude.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo sorry, I should have said there were 100 people picketing at the "Big" rally.
Originally Posted By bloona <<What is ironic is local government staff are told they have to retire at 65 instead of 60, and they go on strike. In the private sector, they tell us we have to retire at 70 instead of 65 and we say, oh well, people are living longer. Talk about a difference in attitude.>> I never though of that Dave..lol. My mum is a school cleaner and already 63, but was told she couldnt cross the picket line, they said they could find her somewhere else to clean if she wanted....lol.....if she wanted. No she had a day off. She lost £14 though. good luck in September tiggerdis!
Originally Posted By avromark We just had an 18 day strike at the Colleges in Ontario. It got to the point where the students were picketing the picketers.
