It’s no bargain
In Wisconsin, Gov. Scott Walker proposed a budget that limited unions’ collective bargaining power, saying it was necessary to close the state’s budget gap. Opponents labeled it union busting. American City & County asked the readers of its weekly e-mail newsletters if it is necessary to limit public employee unions’ collective bargaining ability to help states balance their budgets. Below are some of the responses.
“I believe that unions have outlived their existence and need to [be] reigned in.”
— Raymond Andreno, former Franklin County, Pa., emergency management coordinator, Ephrata, Pa.
“The collective bargaining gives too much power to the union.”
— David Balsamo, cash and debt administrator, Arlington, Texas
“The elimination of padding overtime in the final years of retirement [is one] better alternative.” — David Bernier, superintendent, North Conway, N.H., Water Precinct
“The Wisconsin governor is more than justified in his attempts to reign in the corrupt system.”
— T.J. Jemetz, borough manger, Edinboro, Pa.
“We must limit the influence of these unions or limit the rights of the unions.”
— Tom Little, salesman, Bristol Manufacturing, Howell, Mich.
“Yes, it is necessary to eliminate collective bargaining.”
— Lt. Burke Morin, Green River, Wyo., Police Department
“Is it necessary to limit? My short answer is’ no!”
— Paula Rickman, senior procurement analyst, Multnomah County, Ore.
“Public employees should not form unions.”
— ElJay Waite, treasurer, Caldwell, Idaho
“Collective bargaining should not be taken away from public employees.”
— Carol Mason, owner, My Storm Water Solutions, Marblehead, Ohio
