couldnt agree more.... if we start high we can then negotiate.
as for having to cope with living in the current economical climate on a so called 'average salary', if i didnt want a well paid job, i will go and get a £20k a year job and do bugger all every day. are we meant to settle for less than we should get just because we get paid more than most for a job that most havent the aptitude or balls to do? this argument comes up every now and again that we dont really need the money etc.... its not about what we already get, its the big picture and the long term effects. if in the many years to come the company know then can bend us over whenever they like as the union is to week to play hardball.... say 'goodbye pensions and current T&C's'