I was told, before joining the Services, that no profession should be entered for the money or the respect. It should be a worthwhile occupation that utilises enjoyable talents and has the respect of the people one is providing the service for (not necessarily the employers). When those factors no longer apply in comparison with other occupations, leave.
I think, historically, leaving is the only language the Government understands when it comes to pay negotiations. And it's pretty slow on the uptake.
Any arguments about pay and conditions are fruitless because employees will always have their sense of duty exploited by employers who have none. The same applies to teachers, nurses, firemen, etc.