Nicely stated WW.
"Why are people surprised about this?
It's because firefighters have a strong trade union that stands up to the government. We have spineless yes men. That is why they get better pension terms and the goalposts for our pensions get moved in 2015. "
If those pilots that leave can get an airline job, theirs may be the most militant of unions in the UK.
I worked for a police organisation for a few years at a senior rank and my "police civil servant" Pension from them earned more than twice that of a reputable large aviation company in 2/5ths of the time. That was the only good reason for staying there (but not enough reason for me).
Yes. I believe they are right to fight, and fight hard, for their pensions and conditions.