Is it any wonder Labour are getting a good kicking in by-elections with comments like this from our MP?

   Dear Sirs

I would just like to say that I do not agree with the strike action taken by certain council staff. As a private sector worker who received a similar pay rise to that offered to your staff, I had two choices in the matter. I chose to stay in my current employment rather than leave. Strike action was not an option and would have been futile. In any case it would not have disrupted 1000's of people who had nothing at all to do with my employer. I am also aware of recent discussions regarding final salary pensions. Again I had no choice when my employer had to withdraw this scheme. Had it not it, it would have become bankrupt. However, it is the tax payer that has to pick up the bill for public sector workers, those people who are most affected by such strike action. This was not the decision of the company but was necessary to ensure the long term employment of the remaining staff. Again, I was not happy with the decision but there was no alternative. Why do public sector workers believe they have the right to be treated differently? It seems to me that civil servants/council workers believe they should be treated as special cases. I am sorry to say that is not the case. Is it any wonder this country is in the state it is? The Public sector needs to move with the times and eradicate unnecessary waste, complacency and bureaucracy that is clear for all to see.

Im sorry to go on like this but I am not alone in my thinking. With everything else going on in this country and world at the moment, the last thing we need is strike action from people who we pay for through our excessive taxes. There is enough waste without adding to it in this manner. I for one hope the strike action doesn't work as it will mean my tax bill will go up or there will be a further reduction is services.

A VERY disgruntled tax payer

p.s. I totally agree with C Armitage, Heywood