I posted a piece on unions in the city of Pittsburgh yesterday. As I look a bit further, I've discovered we are on the edge of a much larger problem then just parking lots and entertainment.
School has just started and teachers without a contract can legally strike for up to two weeks. From 1993 - 2002 one of every two school strikes happened here in PA. The result is the teachers union hold students, parents and taxpayers hostage every time a contract expires.
We have some parking lot workers who are on strike. Meeting their demands would mean a rise in parking rates at many lots. So while you are taking a loan to put gas in your car, you might as well tack on a few extra bucks to park the darn thing.
For those of you who grumble and say you just take the bus, not so fast. The transit union and the Port Authority may be hatching a strike of their own. Yes, we came very close to a statewide public transit shut down because of funding issues, but that does not seem to concern the unions.
Then we have the headlock and dirty deals that go on with police and fire unions. Not to mention public works contracts. When these sweetheart deals are made with public money footing the bill, the cost goes up across the board and lock out non union companies who may do a better job at a lower cost.
This is bound to be a painful piece of news to unions and it members, but the the time for unions has passed. They have lost their purpose, they have been corrupted by the power members have entrusted to union leadership all the while reducing themselves into failing political action committees who support self interest over the common good. Ironically, it is that common good that unions originally fought to promote and defend.
2 comments:
And then people wonder why Pittsburgh is a dying city.
Parking lot attendents on strike??? COME ON!!! Almost ANYONE could do that job!!! That is even WORSE than the turnpike workers going on strike!
It isn't the 1940's anymore people! We've actually got to compete in the world market, and high labor costs make you uncompetitive.
It's an unpopular thing to say in this town but it's true. I can't tell you how many roadblocks I've run in to when dealing with unions.
Think back to the Pittsburgh newspaper strike. Remember the Pittsbugh Press and the Post-Gazette both went on strike. The outcome was one paper (and all the jobs) disappeared. Then the union clebated a "victory".
I was at that clebration. It almost did not happen bacause of issues with the hotel unions where it was hosted. Unions members need to demand more from leaders and co-workers. DOn't slack becuse you are promised a pay rate no matter what. If you do, you contribute to your own extinction.
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