Public And Employees Used As Political Pawns

Federal law and many states prohibit strikes by government workers. The rationale for not allowing work stoppages by public employees is that there are certain essential services citizens rely on that should not be interrupted.

By contrast, when the Congress and the President of the United States fail to reach an agreement on a budget to fund a vast array of public services used by families, disabled Americans, senior citizens and businesses, the government shuts down. Aside from urging a speedy resolution so appropriations can pay for civilian employees and certain private contractors to perform needed services, the public and federal workers have no recourse. They become political pawns in the process.

In Wisconsin and Ohio, politicians asserted fiscal reasons for outlawing public sector collective bargaining. And while no one has yet exhibited the audacity to blame unions for the 2011 closing of federal offices across this country, the behavior of our elected officials leaves a bad impression of government workers.

It is wrong for the public to be used as hostages in the budget reconciliation process. It is equally wrong to treat public employees as valueless pieces on a political chess board.