In my recent report on federal, state and local government unionization and how total outlays are about triple what they are for comparable private industry jobs, I mentioned how these unions control government. What, with their political contributions and the ability to close down government operations, along with their control of budgets because of their size.
I had not mentioned the powerful teachers’ unions. They have particular influence because they always have a good marketing ploy. Who wants to turn down funding when “it’s for the kids.”
But a good portion of that cost does not go to kids, it’s for teachers. And those costs can be budget-busting. Yes, the public probably knows how much is spent per student. But how about salaries and pensions? For a part time, nine months of actual total work?
I’m not picking on teachers. The same holds for other government employees. Especially the ones who retire well before age 65, and are double dippers on grandiose pensions.
There is a solution. As a starter, publish wage and pension scales, along with fringe benefits of all unionized government workers. List only job description, for the public to see. Let voters know how private earnings and pensions compare to public earnings and benefits, that they, the tax-paying voters earn for comparable work.
If there is to be open government, why hide a major cost of government? Yet, this part of the budget is always hidden from voters.
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