Throwing down the pensions gauntlet

I am continually surprised at the inability of the trade unions to be able to successfully influence the government on the issue of reform of public sector pensions. Maybe I should not be so surprised really, there is far too much incompetence and political manoeuvrings within many trade unions rendering them mostly in-effective. Too often they are on the losing argument and mounting a shambolic campaign on various issues, completely failing to gain the support of the wider public.

So what would our Machiavellian Mandarin whisper in the ear of the trade unions on the issue of pensions reform?

“Hit the politicians where it hurts the most and do it loudly.”

To do that, what the trade unions should be saying and getting the mainstream media to quote repeatedly is, “Fine we are willing to accept pensions need reform, but we will only do so if every single MP in Parliament and every single Minister in Government is on the exact same pension scheme as the one you want the public sector to adopt. We are all in this together, you are public servants just as much as we are so let Parliament lead by example.”

Would you believe that MPs are still drawing upon some rather gold plated pensions? Don’t buy the spin doctored line that they are increasing their contributions, they will still come out with far more generous pensions that anyone else in the public sector. What is good enough for the public sector does not appear good enough for them.  The public, sickened by the MPs expenses scandal, are in no mood for excuses and so on this issue politicians are vulnerable. It is a gamble, but throw down the gauntlet, gain some public support for the idea and let’s see how enthusiastic they are about pension reform then.

So why is no one standing up and hammering this point home? It wouldn’t be because those trade union leaders are themselves sitting on rather similar pension arrangements would it? As the mainstream media itself is determined to run down the public sector this could be a hard message to get out there. Oh dear, looks like the public sector is screwed. Get better trade union leaders, they are badly needed!