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The Legislature of the State of Wisconsin recently passed a law that restricts public employee unions from collectively bargaining for anything other than wages.As a public employee who does not belong to any union, I want to offer my perspective on this issue. While I believe Wisconsin (and especially its governor) went too far with this new law, public employees should hear the public's demand that we make some sacrifices and start offering them.
To restore a decent public image, public employees should agree to a cap on their pensions. Public employees should never receive more than $100,000 a year on a public pension. I did not go into public service to get a massive pension and am disappointed with anyone who did.
Furthermore, public employees should agree to a salary cap as well. This cap could vary based upon the size of their agency, but could be set around $100,000. The rate could also be indexed for inflation every five years. Like the pensions, big salaries that tower over what the average wage earner makes should never be the focus of one who wants to work for the public.
Public agencies need to be open to public scrutiny and asking all employees to put their money where their mouth is would be a good way to show openness. It also may head off a wave of reckless laws like the one in Wisconsin.
