I am disturbed by the notion that the USS ballot debate has been framed as one between polarized identity camps in the union. No good ever comes of identity-based disputes. 1/9 #USSballot #ussstrike #ussstrikes #nocapitualtion
It would seem that we are being asked to vote because our individual perspectives should have some weight. And thus, it should matter that some of us have calculated that we *simply cannot live in retirement* on what they are offering. 2/9
Nor did we sign up to be impoverished in retirement when we took our jobs - we were offered terms that have already been reduced twice, in 2011 and in 2014. Each time we were told that would be the last change to the scheme. Each time that was a lie. So we struck now. 3/9
It is this fact that our terms have already been reduced that has been almost completely absent from any discussion on how to vote. There is no acceptable compromise because we have already compromised, twice. 4/9
The debate has been framed completely in their terms, and we are simply discussing the details within that framing. Of course it is useful to consider both sides of those details. But I am worried that we are missing the larger picture. 5/9
We need to send a message about what can be afforded from *our* end, not theirs. They have violated the terms of our contracts already - a bait and switch move. I sometimes now wish I never took this job; in the US, DC pensions are often compensated for in higher salaries. 6/9
Striking has been the only way to have a chance of shifting the parameters of debate to *our affordability.* There are plenty of articles on how broad eliminations of DB pensions are producing a generation that can't afford to retire. 7/9
In the absence of a government that seems to have any idea how to deal with that looming crisis proactively, we have to do our best to defend our terms of affordability, sending a message that uni human capital should be a priority. Not just buildings and financial capital. 8/9
Voting no was my only chance to send that message. 9/9
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