On Friday, January 22, 2016 at 12:37:35 PM UTC, Norman Lynagh wrote:
On Fri, 22 Jan 2016 11:41:19 -0000, "Eskimo Will"
wrote:

Ballot papers are going out now.
Seems they are taking a lead from the doctors.
Members are being asked to vote on the following escalating action:
1. A three-hour walkout with some exceptions for critical staff

2. A three-hour walkout with no exceptions

3. A 24-hour stoppage with no exceptions

That's the first time I have seen "no exceptions" in a proposal.
Could be interesting as the mood is militant. In fact I have never seen such
anger amongst my former colleagues, who I still meet occasionally. The main
concerns are lack of progress on many geneder equal pay issues (yes some
women still get less pay for equal work and equal length of service -
unbelievable), falling pay levels compared to similar jobs outside and an
absolutely appalling internal progression system. Some staff who have been
at the MetO 10 years are still deemed to be "in development zone" even when
they are contributing a lot. Also the government still maintains that the
MetO is the "jewel in the UK crown of science", then if that's the case, pay
them appropriately Cameron, you tosser.

Will

The strikes might push some customers towards other providers :-)

Anyone who isn't happy with their lot in the Met Office is free to go elsewhere.
It's what I did 49 years ago and never retretted the decision. There's far more
opportunities today than there were when I jumped ship.

Too right. If you aren't happy in a very well-paid, degree+ level job, there are lots of opportunities to work elsewhere, but you have to put effort in to find them. The MetO employees want life as cushy as they can make it. No-one in the general public gives two hoots whether they strike, or not. Why not try teaching? There's a nice easy life for a good mathematician, or scientist?

Most MetO employees wouldn't last a day.