Great educational video. Public sector unions.

[Patriot]

Simple, but very in tune with the reality of how it al seems all work.

[redcliffsw]

Good one!

[Diane Amberg]

Sorry, not even close.  Some states do not have public employee unions at all, and only 36 % of public employees in this country are in unions. Something like 7% of private employees are unionized. Wisconsin is unusual in what their public sector can collectively bargain for, a lot more than many. Most state and local Governments can only bargain for certain things, just as New Castle County workers can bargain only for working conditions and pay, that's all.  Health care, vacation time, pension,  sick leave etc. is not a bargaining option. The county offers several health and pension plans and one can pick which works best for them. Some do opt out.
  Private employers can do things differently.  For example, the DuPont company is a huge employer here. They pay very well, but expect their professional people to save and invest.Their pension is just so-so. But, there are stock options, bonuses and "perks" that public employees never see. How about going out on the company yacht, or staying in the company condo in Florida or Mexico?  How about having a car as a perk? They also have restrictions on their employees...can't own or ride a motorcycle, no skydiving allowed, or hang gliding or freebase jumping, plus more that I've forgotten.  You must wear your seat belt and the guards at the gate do check! If you want to advance in the company, don't put down roots...you will be transferred all over the country many times, including Europe. But if one is transferred, they move you, lock, stock and the dust in the drawer...seriously! In some divisions ,if you travel a lot for the job, you get to keep the frequent flyer miles and take your honey with you sometimes at no cost. I have a friend who went to the Netherlands for a month with her husband (kids are all grown).
It may seem like the other guy has it better, but look deeper. Often it's not better or worse, just different. You know what they say, if the grass is always greener on the other side, water your grass!

[Mom70x7]

If the grass is always greener on the other side, water your grass!

Always a good saying, whether it applies here or not doesn't matter. It's still true!