New Jersey’s governor Chris Christie has been pretty blunt in calling public-sector unions (particularly the teachers’ union) “selfish” and “greedy.”
As taxpayers realize just how much they are indebted to public-sector workers’ pensions, it helps to put a human face on those workers whose pensions the taxpayers are funding.
This Letter to the Editor was posted on Sunday and, as you can see, the writer is a member of the Communications Workers of America (the largest state workers’ union) in New Jersey where the public-sector pensions are $53.9 billion underfunded. However, to this CWA member, it’s not about the taxpayers…it’s all about him. [Emphasis in original.]
To the Editor:
There appears to be only one thing that the governor, the Legislature, and the Communications Workers of America agree upon: The New Jersey public employee pension fund is in serious trouble!
As a state worker, I am tired of hearing how the fund got in trouble. I need it fixed and I need all parties to act responsibly.
Both Republicans and Democrats failed to put money into the fund. The CWA, as the dominant state-worker union, for years failed to hold their feet to the fire.
The union gladly accepted an unfunded benefit raise with only the “hope” of increased returns on investments to pay for it. Instead of outcries against skipped payments to the pension fund, there were whimpers.
But CWA leadership can’t take all the blame. State workers themselves said little, and their complacency allowed the under-funding to continue.
Enough, already, about all of that. Right now, I say: “Who cares?”
In a few weeks, state worker contract negotiations will begin. Both the governor and the CWA must eliminate the rhetoric and act responsibly. A funding and benefit program must be established that will work for me!
If the unions and the governor cannot act like adults, then I want the Legislature to step in and legislate — not negotiate — the terms of my pension fund.
The bottom line is that everyone is playing with my money and my future. It is time they get the message. The fund is in trouble. Fix it!
Michael J. Makara
SewellEditor’s note: The writer is a teacher for the state corrections department and a CWA member.
Note to New Jersey taxpayers: According to this CWA member, it is his money–not yours. Therefore, it would appear you are now off the hook for funding his pension.
Congratulations!
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“I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes.” Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
