I don't know if anyone else saw the article in Prospect on Page 12 - just opposite the one about us lot:
It seems a little at odds with what Prospect seem to be trying to achieve for us. This is the interesting bit in my opinion:
All the indications are that the UK will move into the uncharted territory of negative inflation by early Spring and this could continue until the turn of the year. According to Incomes Data Services, the low point is expected in September when RPI could fall to -2.7%.
The obvious danger is that employers will seize on this opportunity to curb pay increases. But while recognising that some sectors of the economy are genuinely hard pressed, it is as well to remember that for the majority it should be business as usual.
Whether preparing to negotiate a new settlement or mid-way through a long-term RPI linked deal, there is a good case to be made for a decent pay rise in 2009.
First, experience from recent recessions when inflation has fallen sharply is that settlements reach a floor above inflation - usually around 2%. Although these did not involve negative inflation, the fact that the government's own inflation target is 2% provides a compelling reason not to dip below this level - not least for it's own employees........
.......Second, economic recovery - and hence the profitability of business - depends on stimulating demand or......So, in the current climate, wage growth is good for the economy. Indeed, except perhaps at the very highest income levels, it provides a much more direct stimulus than cuts in indirect taxes such as VAT.
As I said, taken from the same issue of Prospect. Based on this I want to see a decent pay rise negotiated, or do Prospect have two different sets of ideals and use whichever one suits them at the time.
Time for our union to grow a spine and stand up for the members.
As another thought, I understand GATCO offer the insurance cover that the union was offering - which incidentally was the main reason I joined. Seeing as our union doesn't appear to represent the feelings of its members, I feel I'm paying them £15 a month for a pretty magazine which isn't that exciting at the best of times, and the main reason behind my joining can be found somewhere else.
Am I right in my last assumption or does the legal assistance package, in case of a "whoopsie", offered by GATCO differ to the one offered by Prospect?