Civil servants vote for strike action
According to this piece in the Guardian, more than 750,000 public sector employees are to take part in strike action on 30 June; bringing many schools, colleges, universities, courts, ports and job centres – in fact all kinds of public facilities – to a halt.
The action is being taken in response to public sector cuts and reforms (including changes to pension schemes).
On the one hand, the main goal of reform from the Government’s perspective is to provide public services which have greater flexibility and are adaptable to individual needs. On the other hand, this shift towards a delivery-based philosophy has resulted in greater use of both the private and voluntary sectors.
This can work well and meet the complex needs of individuals. However, the instance of Southern Cross being dependent on property tycoons to reduce rents to enable them to carry on caring for 31,000 elderly and vulnerable people reminds us how situations can go horribly wrong. Importantly, these pieces illuminate the importance and vital role of “public service”.