Who says these drivers are paid too much? (The Times)

Hugh

Nurses' pay would seem to be a fairly bad example given that the public pick up the tab. It is their business and, furthermore, public support or otherwise for their claims has an impact on their negotiating position. In fact, the same is true but to a lesser extent with regard to striking tanker drivers since Shell will also have an eye on its reputation.
Even if this were not the case, it doesn't seem very irrational when you are inconvenienced by another's actions to air a view on whether you consider those actions justified. Nor does it mean you don't understand the free market.
I agree that the government should stay out of it, but are many really calling for them to interfere, rather than just offering an opinion as to whether the drivers are greedy or not? You'd be out of a job if you had to stop commenting on matters that weren't any of your business.

Chris

'contracts between the drivers and their employers are a private affair and it is no business of mine or anyone else how much the drivers earn'

When they start to cut off the supply of fuel thus causing great difficulties in an already fraught transport situation they MAKE it my business.

And doesn't morality have any kind of purchase on this whole subject? Is what they are paid fair or not? If it is or is not, we are perfectly entitled to have an opinion on, and to voice it.

For the record I think they are grabbing grasping unreconstructed 70s wreckers.

Lee Jakeman

This is COMMON SENSE.... which means it hasn't a cat in hell's chance of being accepted.

Verity

Chris, who apparently did a pantomime leap onto the stage before reading what Stephen wrote, says, "Is what they are paid fair or not?"

Fair according to whose lights? It was apparently judged "fair" by both the drivers and the employer and they are the only ones involved in the deal.

Mr Bill Morrison

It was stated on radio 2 by an informed source that 15 years ago the drivers were offered a lump sum of £17K when they became sub-contractors to Shell. This roughly equates to a wage rise of 2% per annum for 15 years which would take them to approximately what they are asking for. So assuming the ones who took the money at the time invested it over 15 years at approx 4% they are now worth around £30K and on top of this they want a wage rise to take them to what they would have had. Greedy or what!!!!

David Lucas

I profoundly agree with Stephen, except that since in striking they are enjoying a specific legal exemption from various conspiracy charges there is a reasonable basis to restrict the right to (be exempt from conspiracy to) strike if used unreasonably.

Which is the same justification for Thatcher's strike-vote reforms. Which I approve of and suspect that you do to.