Cracking down on the Unions

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Union Meeting
All over the country you are reading how state and local governments are in a financial crisis and are cracking down on exorbitant Union pay and pensions. Florida's new governor has proposed that state employees contribute 5% towards their pension plans. Jeff Clemens is calling this a "tax." It was the Unions that gave Jeff a lot of money when he ran for office and some politicians always muddle the facts when money is in the mix.

While the rest of the private sector were not getting any raises over the last several years and have always had to pay towards their family medical and their own retirement with 401(k) programs (when their employer even offers one), government employees have been getting pay raises and everything has been given to them at no cost. It used to be they made less than those in the private sector--not anymore--not even close.

Here in Lake Worth, employees are demonstrating before every city commission meeting chanting that our city manager, Susan Stanton, must go. It seems that they and their union loving friends did not like what Stanton proposed. The link (an article from 2007 for fun) is to show that nothing has changed in 4 years and those hollering are just getting louder. Now we have to incorporate a Code of Conduct with them in mind as we all find it a little offensive that they are demonstrating at all. (Speaking of Code of Conduct, it should have been used at Tuesday's CRA issue at City Hall). You even have to wonder if employee performance is up to snuff. Attitude on the job means a lot towards the finished product. In a non-union setting, these people would have been gone eons ago.

Recommendations have been made to suspend the general employees Defined Benefit Pension Plan and adopting a Defined Contribution Plan with the City of Lake Worth contribution rate at 5%. Pensions, special pay and health-care benefits are the concern for the City. Unions are fighting all changes and recommendations. Layoffs will be inevitable if employees don't share the pain and it is apparent they they have no intention in accepting any cuts. The lay-offs are coming. Stanton mentioned Tuesday night that at least 45 positions will be eliminated. The demonstrations will intensify. Be prepared. Here is one in Wisconsin.

A Union Jerk

The fault in Lake Worth lies with past elected officials who counted on unions to get out the vote and then gave them their perks on the backs of taxpayers. You remember the Firefighters getting out there for Mayor Varela. A former candidate is STILL their favorite mouthpiece, bull horn and all, who wants to be on the Firefighter's Pension Board. Past administrations failed the taxpayer of Lake Worth when they forgot what "negotiations" meant and gave the Unions everything they asked. This blame is put squarely on past city managers and city attorneys.

The present Commission and City Manager, Susan Stanton, are now dealing with the reality of the situation and the mistakes of the past. With a 12 percent unemployment rate in Palm Beach County along with a foreclosure list with no end in sight and a budget shortfall estimated at $4.5 million this year, it will be interesting to see which commissioners will play politics with the taxpayers money. Follow the campaign money for a hint.

Read more: The Miami Herald