Geek in progress

It will be clear to everyone who followed the news media the last few weeks that a major troublesome issue has risen in the financial world. Next to the fact that the economy seems to be grinding to a halt, idiots have been gambling with the money people have trust into their care. The Belgian government – insofar as we can call it one – has invested large amounts of money – or at least the promise to pay those amounts – into two large banks: Fortis and Dexia.

Traditionally, the fall marks the start of talks between unions, employers and the government, to decide if the wages should be adapted, i.e., if people should be given a raise, and under which conditions this should happen. It is usually a time when tough language is used, threats are outed and knives are sharpened – if not literally, then certainly as a manner of speech. Given that the purchasing power supposedly is on the way down – and looking at the piece of month I have left at the end of my paycheck, I must agree – the unions want a raise, such that employees can increase their purchase power. This seems reasonable, up to a certain point. But this year, the unions have announced preemptive actions (thank you Mr. Bush, to convey that notion). They do not call it a strike day, but actions will be held. If you can read between the lines, it obviously is meant as a national strike day. Even though I fully agree with the right to go on strike when all other options are exhausted, I still wonder what the rationale is behind this action.

It is clear that the economy will take another hit. The public transportation sector will most certainly join the strikers (they are well known for their solidarity in this aspect). So, a lot of people who do not have the luxury, or the common sense to have two cars per household will be barred for going to work, or at least from getting there on some reasonable time – let alone getting home before midnight (they are expected to show up the next day though – so much for rewarding people who are willing to work). But, the education unions have now also called for their members to join the action. This means, that people with kids, i.e., me, will not be able to go to work, even if I would have had a second car (which I don’t). So, will I get paid for the vacation day I will be obliged to take? I could of course sign up and join a union and get paid by them because I am on strike, but I find that to be immoral given my position, wage and freedom at work. So, next Monday, I’ll be home with two kids.

Idiots. Or am I the idiot?