Do public sector unions lead to higher state deficits? No.

[telemann]

Comments

[rasilio]

Now if only these graphs actually proved anything

[geezer_also]

Welcome to telemann's statistics :D

[politikitty]

So what you mean to say is that while public unions might be bad for the economy at a later date, it has nothing to do with the current financial crisis. What an incredibly off-topic point. But one I'll entertain anyway.

Only unions get pensions?

Indiana, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas and Kentucky are all among the top ten states that are projected to run out of their pensions. (source) All have around 25% or less public union participation.

New York, with over 75% public union participation was one of five states estimated to not run out within the next 25 years.

[whoasksfinds]

we know we'll have to make cuts eventually, but lets just keep delaying those cuts as long as possible. yep, sounds like a short sighted career politician to me.

[politikitty]

I didn't say that pensions weren't a problem. But pensions are a problem with or without unions.

[whoasksfinds]

publicly funded, defined benefit pensions are a problem, yes.

[politikitty]

Which exist independent of unions.

[whoasksfinds]

and unions will still exist after the democrats come out of hiding and the bill passes in wisconsin.

[anfalicious]

but if they lose the right to collectively bargain, then they're kind of pointless.

[whoasksfinds]

1) this has nothing to do with private sector unions
2) they will still have collective bargaining rights for their salary

[anfalicious]

I thought this stuff going on in Wisconsin was public sector unions fighting a move to remove collective bargaining rights?

[whoasksfinds]

when the bill passes, the teachers union will have collective bargaining rights, but only in regards to their salary, not their pensions.

[whoasksfinds]

increases are limited to the CPI, unless voters approve otherwise.

[anfalicious]

then it's a pity that politicians have been offering this in lieu of paying proper salaries for decades isn't it.

[whoasksfinds]

that it is.