Name:   MAJ USA RET - Subject:   The UNION class...gov't workers Date:   3/28/2011 9:51:25 AM

In my military and post-military careers, I have encountered many DoD and DoE (Energy) civil servants.  By and large, they are as dedicated as the private workforce.  However, the ineffective, recalcitrant, slothful civil servant cannot be fired (I know Hound will take exception).  It is possible but not without arduous, time consuming, and seemingly endless paperwork.  Now, they have unions which make the “release for cause” process even more odious.  Tenure is synonymous with union membership.

In the private work force, where unions are not involved, the firing process is (of course) much more efficient.  There are labor laws that prevent “unlawful termination.”  Some of us are “exempt”, that means that no cause is required… we work at the convenience of the company and can be released at the convenience of the company.  If we are productive and profitable, we get to stay.

I find MartinMan’s argument harsh, but defensible in terms of history.  I concur – when government work rules, compensation, and benefits are brought into parity with the private workforce, then the effective civil servant will have nothing to fear and the animosity between private and public sector will have no basis in fact. 

Our bloated government needs to go on a diet… for its sake… and ours.   Otherwise:  Greece – Ireland – Wisconsin – England – California (LA) – soon Portugal – Illinois  - and then the Untied States?