Union influence is out of control
Watching what’s going on in Wisconsin can remind one of the NIMBY phenomenon - Not In My Back Yard. As an example, people may want a new prison built, but not close to where they live. That is not unlike the unions, and the public employees they represent in Wisconsin, who know the state is in financial trouble, and know sacrifices must be made, but think “not at my expense.”
The benefit packages these union members enjoy far exceed those in the private sector. They are being asked to chip in toward the cost of those benefits, at a rate still much less than what private sector employees pay, and they are screaming bloody murder. Teachers are not showing up for work. Those teachers should be ordered back to work forthwith and any missed days should be added to the school year. To refuse should result in their termination.
Teachers in Milwaukee, a city which reportedly has very poor results in their public education system, are paid a salary averaging over $50,000 a year. OK, that’s one thing, but the cost of their benefits amounts to a total that is approximately 40 percent of their pay. Do any of you in the private sector, particularly if you work for an organization that produces questionable results, have it that good?
Union influence has gotten out of control. Democrats are beholden to them. Barack Obama wouldn’t have been elected without their help, and he has stuck his nose where it doesn’t belong by suggesting the actions in Wisconsin, a state that is simply trying to get its finances in order, is an assault on unions. It’s interesting to note that one of the most frequent visitors to the White House is the president of the service employees union.
While Wisconsin tries to restore fiscal responsibility, union leaders are fighting to keep their power, never mind what’s best for the state. Here’s a suggestion for them: Instead of giving millions of dollars to support politicians they prefer, how about using that money to help fund member benefits? And by the way, have they explained to their members that by holding firm in their demands they risk getting people laid off, as opposed to everyone contributing something and everyone keeping their jobs? These union bosses are even busing in people to demonstrate.
This is going to be a tough fight for Wisconsin, but they are a heavily taxed state as it is and can’t handle any tax increases. My brother-in-law, as an example, is a blue collar worker in that state, and although he makes a good living and owns a nice house, his property taxes add up to over $300 a month. Oh, by the way he contributes to his benefit package. How much is enough?
Giving hand-outs is easy; politicians have been handing them out in exchange for votes for years. Taking them back is going to be difficult, but it’s necessary in order to get their finances in order.
Gene Lemon
Yuma
