The UK tax payer cannot afford public sector pay increases at more than half inflation. Its possible there is an argument for the lowest paid workers. But they aren't train and tube drivers.
I've always believed that work should pay & hard work should pay better. I was raised in an environment where doing nowt' wasn't an option, if you couldn't find something to do then something would be quickly found for you.
In the days when I worked for a regular wage, I don't think there was ever a day when I came home with a feeling that I'd not earned that wage.
As a property developer & business investor, then the lifestyle I currently enjoy was won by entirely by my own wits.
Almost every day of my life has been better than the previous day. Sure, there have been days I don't want to relive, but generally my life has progressed & I like to think that it is MY efforts & ambitions that have helped it along the way.
I don't know any train drivers but I do know a firefighter. Can you please explain to me the reasons why you think his lifestyle should slowly regress year on year because he chose a profession that has very little chance of monetary progression?
I can walk into a building & confidently make a few changes that will increase that buildings value, I can walk into a business & confidently make a few changes that will strengthen that business & make it a little bit more profitable for everyone concerned. I cannot ever imagine walking into the fiery hell of a burning building, not even to rescue a child.
Can you imagine that Mr MoTorBiKinG? Sure you can, 'cos this is t'internets & txt on a screen is just txt on a screen.