Every time I've moaned about working in the public sector the usual reply is "well change your job then..." Valid argument, but the same can be used for those in the private sector who think all is fine and dandy where we are.
Look at what came out in the news today...a police officer holding the gunshot wound of that little Liverpool girl, trying desperately to keep her alive in the back of that police car. Imagine reliving THAT everyday for the rest of your life.
I know that is an extreme example, but try living with seeing a colleague punched in the face so hard it broke her cheekbone, a heavily pregnant colleague who was informed she would have her throat cut and multiple stand offs between security guards and people who are either mentally ill or just nasty horrible bastards.
We understand why our pay is low...we don't produce "profits" in the way most people measure that. However, please don't lecture me that we don't deserve to be able to negotiate for more pay or, indeed, strike.
This rant wasn't aimed at you by the way, just the poster you had answered. The tosser.