On Balance...

The 80's were like a corridor. Filled with doors, all opening and closing.

I'd left the Census, worked briefly for Manpower Services Commission and returned to the Inland Revenue on a permanent basis. In the first few months I was working alongside a colleague called Diane, learning all about New Schemes.

Having a father who was politically and socialist idealistic meant I had an interest in politics without the usual or associated pressure to conform to any party. Socialism intrigued me in practice, we had largely Labour controlled councils in Merseyside. There were still Conservative pockets, although those who did support this political perspective were generally far quieter within the area of Merseyside.

However, these were the Maggie Thatcher years.

1982

Conservative Conference (after the Falklands War)

Throughout the 80's I was particularly interested in what the Social Democratic Party had to say.



I also remember attending a Union meeting for Civil Servants, outlining (during 2 hours) their discussions with the Government and the resulting '1st' derisory pay offer, the proposed schedule introduction of new technology and the effects of the new Data Protection Act. I listened very carefully to the Union's recommendations after hearing what they (and the government) were forecasting in relation to the immediate and long term effects of this act.

Essentially they advised the members that, where there were currently four members of staff - through new technology, natural wastage, early retirement and the ban on promotion/recruitment - this number of staff would reduce to One in the following 5-10 years.

They then urged the members to accept the pay offer made by the government, which ushered in these additional policies, almost matter of fact, as a side issue. Looking around the huge gathering of people that surrounded me at this meeting, I was both surprised and appalled by the lack of dissent. Was I the only one there who understood the implications?

Mentally pinching, I reminded myself that this was Liverpool - a socialist stronghold - and wondered why I seemed to be the only person alarmed by the Union's stance and advice.

As the meeting drew to a conclusion I asked colleagues nearby,

"This is our Trade Union?"....
.........

"Whose side were the Union on?"

"Who were they acting for?"

More worrying were the disinterested replies.

It seemed that colleagues were concentrating on the percentage increase in salary being offered

(to be introduced over 4 years!)


They seemed to think it was a good offer


... maybe I'd misheard?