Had Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker been recalled from office, pension and other public employee reforms would be a dead letter throughout the country. But this union bit of muscle-flexing backfired, and it seems clear that the pendulum is swinging hard in the reform direction. But it's still worth picking nits. Most likely for political reasons, Walker exempted police and other public safety workers from his reforms, even though police, fire and prison guard unions are the most out of control and their members receive the most lush benefits. Here's a recent column I wrote arguing that reform must include these categories. I argue:
"We all appreciate the work they do, but police and fire unions are notorious at playing the "hero" card during contract negotiations. In reality, most city council members and county supervisors have no interest in taking on these politically powerful unions, which is why they have so often been granted massive retroactive pension increases in the past decade. We've seen the abuses. In Orange County, for instance, lifeguards sometimes earn compensation packages above $200,000 a year."
We need to have the courage to tackle public safety pensions and the special privileges these categories of worker receive. Fortunately, even the California Senate said enough is enough recently and rejected two police-union bills that would have allowed officials to exempt themselves from public property records and would have made 911 calls off limits to the media and the public.
We need to have the courage to tackle public safety pensions and the special privileges these categories of worker receive. Fortunately, even the California Senate said enough is enough recently and rejected two police-union bills that would have allowed officials to exempt themselves from public property records and would have made 911 calls off limits to the media and the public.
Join the conversation