Champagne Socialism?

[Snowy]

Right result in the end but it does seem that anyone will try it on these days with the expenses scams:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20303797

Sounds like he's going to appeal the decision.

[Nelly]

Just goes to show the "peoples" arfur, wasn't so "for the people" after all
:(

[Snowy]

I think it just goes to show that the human race is imperfect whatever side of the political divide we fall, and when the motivation and opportunity presents itself, people will abuse the system if allowed to do so. Its those in positions of power who generally speaking get the opportunity to do it.

[redken1]

Graeme,

Right result for who?

[Snowy]

Graeme,

Right result for who?




In this case the NUM and their members.

[redken1]

This case had nothing to do with an ‘expenses scam’ – it was about an employee (Arthur Scargill) taking out a civil action against his former Employer (NUM) for what he believed to be a breach of an employment contract. In my view, the original post implies that Scargill was in the dock.


The NUM lawyers drafted up the contract at a time when the union enjoyed a membership of 187,000 members. IMO, Scargill has come out of this very badly – he should have recognised and accepted that The NUM could no longer afford to pay the rent with only a few thousand members contributing to union coffers now, instead of initiating a civil action.

That said however, in light of all the recent corruption and lies in public life, I will take some convincing that this decision was a sound legal judgement and not a political one.

Interestingly , Thatcher’s ‘hatchet’ man Ian Macgregor, The Chairman of the National Coal Board during its bitter fight with striking miners in the early 80s, enjoyed, thanks to the taxpayer, a very comfortable lifestyle in retirement until his death in 1998. He was responsible for axing tens of thousands of miners’ jobs and was rewarded with a knighthood a year after the strike ended.

I very much hope that this ruling has set a legal precedent, and on behalf of the UK taxpayer, the courts can now look at the retirement packages awarded to the likes of former CEO of the RBS Group, Fred Goodwin, and the £450,000 pay-off to former BBC Director General George Entwistle, despite only being in the position for 54 days. >:(

[Snowy]

This case had nothing to do with an ‘expenses scam’ – it was about an employee (Arthur Scargill) taking out a civil action against his former Employer (NUM) for what he believed to be a breach of an employment contract. In my view, the original post implies that Scargill was in the dock.


The NUM lawyers drafted up the contract at a time when the union enjoyed a membership of 187,000 members. IMO, Scargill has come out of this very badly – he should have recognised and accepted that The NUM could no longer afford to pay the rent with only a few thousand members contributing to union coffers now, instead of initiating a civil action.

That said however, in light of all the recent corruption and lies in public life, I will take some convincing that this decision was a sound legal judgement and not a political one.

Interestingly , Thatcher’s ‘hatchet’ man Ian Macgregor, The Chairman of the National Coal Board during its bitter fight with striking miners in the early 80s, enjoyed, thanks to the taxpayer, a very comfortable lifestyle in retirement until his death in 1998. He was responsible for axing tens of thousands of miners’ jobs and was rewarded with a knighthood a year after the strike ended.

I very much hope that this ruling has set a legal precedent, and on behalf of the UK taxpayer, the courts can now look at the retirement packages awarded to the likes of former CEO of the RBS Group, Fred Goodwin, and the £450,000 pay-off to former BBC Director General George Entwistle, despite only being in the position for 54 days. >:(


Ken, I think from all that we actually agree. The only point I'm trying to make is that there are those in all walks of life and political persuasions who will abuse or use the system if allowed to do so to their advantage. I make no political distinction here, the corrupt are there regardless of party politics. Those in power whether they're leaders of unions, commerce or government can all be swayed by the trappings of that power. Scargill is no different in that respect than anyone else, just because he used to be a union leader doesn't make him immune.

[redken1]

I am not a fan of Scargill - although I think he is selfish, self-centred and egotistic, he is not and has never been found guilty of corruption or of anything illegal, as far as I’m aware.

I was trying to make the point that in my view, the law does not always apply to the wealthy and ruling class – was certainly not defending Scargill.

Anyway, sure he can still afford a Turkey for Xmas, and even if he can’t there are plenty of former miners who will invite him round. :D ;) ;D

[Col]

Old Scargill was worth every penny---absolutely laugh a minute hysteria--

-don't the coal come fronm Poland but we gotta shut the coal fired power plants down because of the imbecilic Liebore goons who ar5e licked their Euro masters.

Makes ya fookin weep >:(