Between the devil and the deep blue sea
Grandad May 22nd, 2008
Am I on strike?
I am in a bit of a quandary here, because apparently RTE is going on strike over pensions. Am I on the picket line? Where do I get strike pay?
I joined RTE in 1971, and retired in 2001.
But the problem is that I didn’t retire. I sort of left, but I haven’t retired yet. It’s complicated.
When I left, they agreed to pay me as normal, and I get my pay slip through the post every fortnight. So I’m still working for them, and I officially retire in a few months. I’m looking forward to that, because I get a pay rise.
Until then, I’m a paid up member of staff. But as part of the conditions of my leaving early, I’m not allowed to work for them. So even though I’m a full member of the staff, I would be breaking my contract if I did any work.
If there is a strike, I can’t pass the picket line. It’s not because I’m supporting the strike, but I would be breaking my terms of service if I did. So RTE can claim that I am supporting the strike.
On the other hand, if I did cross the picket line, I could be fired.
Even worse, I’m not a member of the union any more. I didn’t see the point of being a member if I’m not working. So I don’t get strike pay.
RTE have a habit of calling on all non-union members to work if there is a strike. They will probably call me. So what do I say? If I say yes, I’ll be breaking my terms of service, and they’ll stop paying me. If I say no, they can claim I’m on strike and they’ll stop paying me.
In Biffo’s parlance, I’m fucked.
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