The british way - good idea, Tony!
This week our trains and tube were on strike, this time because there was talk of privatize transports. I say "this time", because public services here go always on strike for whatever reason seems suitable in order to
have a day off demonstrate the unions' power over the government.
During the strikes we had english and norwegian business partners in Paris. The english guy told me this story:
Last time the tube drivers were on strike in London, it was for a raise in pay. It seems they already earn quite a lot and have many privileges, but they wanted almost double. The government couldn't give in because what they asked for was completely unproportional, but then they couldn't allow the transports to be off for long either.
What they did was simple:
They bought a double page in all major newspapers and simply published the tube drivers' income, a list with all the privileges they have, and what they actually asked for.
The strike lasted 2 days, because it was the tube drivers themselves that asked the unions to end the strike.
No wonder, when suddenly you are confronted by lots of people in the streets, telling you that they earn half what you earn, don't have 3 hours of leisure time for every 4 hours they worked; if you are not the least ashamed?
Though I am not *really* a fan of Tony Blair, I would like the french follow his example and see a list of all the public services privileges in the newspapers the day they are on strike.
I heard they plan to privatize the electricity company here: THEY can pass a pilot's licence for their leisure and have it paid with tax funds. This would look nice in the Figaro.
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