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You don't see me striking, says man who can't

A MAN is claiming to be morally superior for not taking industrial action, neglecting to mention there is zero chance of his office going on strike. 

Browbeaten administrator Martin Bishop, who has no union representation, has instead turned his frustration on strikers, who he has described as ‘entitled’, ‘pampered’ and ‘fat skivers’.

Bishop said: “Look at them. Causing a fuss with plenty of notice so they can secure a fair wage. You wouldn’t catch me doing something so reckless and selfish. Although mainly because I’d be let go instantly.

“Don’t they know it’s honest, hardworking, tax-paying drones like me who keep this country going while complaining about it constantly? 

“If I were to make a demand as unreasonable as a pay rise in line with inflation there’s a risk I’d have some self-respect. Welcome to the real world.

“Instead I’ll show those workshy layabouts what a proper worker looks like by trudging into the office, resentfully doing my eight hours of thankless graft and being poorly compensated for it. They could learn a thing or two by following my example.

“Of course I’m not jealous of them. I’m the winner here with my pointless, underpaid job. It’s very secure so long as I keep getting treated like dogshit.”

Why can't unions make their point in a way that doesn't inconvenience anybody?

By Donna Sheridan

STRIKING? Childish I call it. Causing major disruption to millions to make a pathetic point. Why can’t they protest in a way that doesn’t affect anybody?

Teachers, for example. We’re always hearing that their day doesn’t end at 3.30pm, that they’re marking books all evening at home. So why don’t they do their striking then?

If they were picketing in their own homes at evenings, weekends and during school holidays they’d have my full backing, which I’m sure would do more to sway the government than any amount of closed schools.

The same goes for train drivers. Instead of losing everyone’s goodwill by refusing to drive trains, why not make announcements? ‘The next station stop is Wolverton, and a public sector pay freeze has meant a real terms wage cut of 15 per cent for us.’

Commuters would certainly listen and then lend their weight to the cause, perhaps with an Instagram post. You won’t get that by cancelling trains. If anything that makes commuters like them less.

And nurses, instead of sullying their angelic hands with industrial action, could wear a special uniform that would really catch the eye, perhaps in bright red. Like when kids wear yellow to raise awareness for mental health or bullying or whatever.

Simply refusing to work until you get more pay? It’s a bit primitive, isn’t it? And frankly smacks of blackmail. If my son refused to do his homework until I increased his pocket money I would certainly not give in.

So come on, strikers, use your imaginations and find ways of registering your displeasure that don’t involve causing any inconvenience to your bosses, your customers and society as a whole. Then you’re sure to get what you want.

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