Abolishing Unions in Government: A Path to American Survival
Written on
The Impact of Unions in Government
What transformations might occur if unions were eliminated from our governmental framework — at local, state, and national levels?
Unions in the private sector emerged during the first Wagner era, spanning from 1935 to 1958, a period characterized by a "labor policy of a free society." After the New Deal under President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) from 1933 to 1939, a system termed "private socialism," or the "private welfare state," was established. This concept was championed by private unions, including the United Auto Workers (UAW), in collaboration with corporations like General Motors.
In this arrangement, unions supported predominantly Democratic candidates who subsequently passed laws like the Wagner Act of 1935. This legislation empowered unions to negotiate for higher wages and benefits from employers. However, this system began to deteriorate in the 1970s, with its decline accelerating through the 1980s, leading to the current diminished influence of private-sector unions in the American economy.
As private-sector unions weakened, the presence of government worker unions surged. According to a U.S. Board of Labor Statistics press release dated January 20, 2022, "In 2021, the total number of wage and salary workers in the U.S. belonging to unions was 14.0 million, representing 10.3 percent of all private and public sector workers." Notably, 7.0 million public sector workers were union members, equating to a union membership rate of 33.9 percent, significantly higher than the 6.1 percent rate in the private sector. The education, training, and library occupations represented the largest group of unionized public sector workers, accounting for 34.6 percent, followed closely by protective service occupations at 33.3 percent.
Public-sector unionism mirrors private-sector unionism but eliminates the intermediary. Instead of voting for politicians to enact favorable laws, unions directly elect their employers and negotiate with them. Victor Gotbaum, former head of the New York City chapter of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) from 1965 to 1987, famously remarked, "We have the power, in a sense, to elect our own boss."
The Influence of Public-Sector Unions
The most formidable public-sector unions are found in education, where union leaders wield substantial control over the public education system. If the government were to nationalize healthcare and healthcare workers were unionized, who would advocate for the interests of private citizens?
A significant portion, over one-third, of public sector employees in the U.S. are unionized. These workers often adhere to union directives, voting in alignment with the preferences of union leadership. Unions have no rightful place within our government, as they provide public servants with a security that is unavailable to the average citizen. In 1937, President Roosevelt articulated his concerns regarding public sector unionization in a letter to the President of the Federation of Federal Employees (FFE), stating:
"All government employees should realize that the process of 'collective bargaining,' as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service. It has its distinct and insurmountable limitations when applied to public personnel management..."
The Role of Public Sector Workers
While I have no objections to private-sector unions, especially in industries notorious for mistreatment, the various government levels and departments create laws and regulations. It raises the question: why do our "public servants" require protection from the very government they serve?
When public sector employees, such as incompetent teachers, abusive police officers, or corrupt administrators, face misconduct, their unions often shield them, providing legal defense funded by taxpayer dollars. These employees can continue to receive income during legal proceedings, even while suspended or incarcerated.
Moreover, public sector wages and benefits often exceed those of private sector workers, with the exception of corporate executives. Public sector workers, whether unionized or not, frequently enjoy enhanced job security. It's uncommon for government employees to lose their positions; instead, they face reprimands or transfers, while private sector workers risk termination and loss of benefits.
The principles enshrined in The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights emphasize governance "Of the People, by the People, and for the People." This ideal is compromised by the presence of public sector unions, which create a barrier between citizens and their government.
Additionally, many public sector workers do not contribute to Social Security like their private-sector counterparts. They often benefit from generous pension plans, funded by taxpayer contributions.
The Broader Implications of Public Sector Unions
What are the overarching effects of unionized public sector workers on our cities, states, and federal government? When teachers strike, the ramifications are felt acutely in the lives of our children. Countless cities and states struggle to remain solvent under the burden of future pension obligations negotiated through collective bargaining.
I appreciate your engagement with my insights. For unlimited access to all Medium content, consider supporting me and fellow writers by becoming a member for just $5 a month ($50 a year). Click this link now to join the Medium community.
Gratefully Yours — Stella
I am a digital nomad; please follow my travels along the Pacific Coast of America from the Southern to the Northern borders. Check out my YouTube channel for more content.
Chapter 2 Title
In this video, President Biden delivers his State of the Union Address, outlining critical policies and challenges facing the nation.
This video features President Biden's State of the Union Address, discussing the administration's achievements and future goals.