Public Employee Union Protests Spread beyond Wisconsin – General Public Views Disdain for Union Antics - Analysis

As the brouhaha in Wisconsin, caused by Public Employees unions, aided by union activists from across the nation,has spread to other states, public opinion polls on these protests show that the Unions may be taking the wrong tactic to gain sympathy.

As the media reports on the birth of Public Employee unions in Wisconsin, they also point out that there are states that have right to work laws. The states with Right to Work laws, do not offer the unions a foothold into every facet of the workforce. These states include: : Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Caroline, North Carolina and Virginia (source NRTW.org).

When one evaluates states that are “Right to Work” (i.e. no forced unions), one finds that, for the most part, those states have somewhat lower unemployment rates than their unionized counterparts: (Source: Economic Policy Institute)
The fact that employers are more prone to set up shop in states where unions do not have the upper hand, lends to an exodus of those job seekers from states that have forced unionization. Interestingly, in reviewing the 2010 census - those states that lost population and congressional clout, are not “right to work" states. (See Map here at Washington Post.com

The public perception of unions has dropped significantly given the recent events in Madison, with approval for public unions at historically low levels (Exellent treatment via TPMDC), and even progressives realize that a “Greece Like” scenario played out in the United States may not endear unions, of any sort, be it public or otherwise (Article Madison.com, “Could a General Strike Happen here”?)

Historically, union strikes and demonstrations during the 1930’s were aptly dubbed the “red menace”, and resulted in riots, and attacks on all unions, including non-government unions. The public opinion at the time was negative to say the least, and in order to rein in spending, President Roosevelt was prompted to announce wage cuts to unions, which “(aroused) unions' anxiety” Roosevelt, not unlike Walker in Wisconsin, stuck to his principles.

What the American people, in general understand, is with the rise of the unions, came the loss of competitive industry on a global scale, well as the loss of employment opportunities in a variety of industries - they are gone forever, under high union wage and benefit demands and a U.S. interest rates that does little to nothing to entice employers to set up shop in the United States. There are, of course, a place for unions in the American society, for those who face dangers in the workplace, firefighters, police, and meat packers, (among others) who’s livelihood puts life and limb at risk. That said, there are those such as “Government employees” whose sole risk is a hangnail - the public gets this difference. As the SEIU and other powerful unions shout for more benefits, wage increases, and the ability to force teachers, and others who may not face danger, into unions, it is, perhaps for the first time since the 1930, making headlines in living rooms across the nation.

As the signs and shouts of the protestors grow increasingly against one Particular Party (i.e. Republican), it becomes increasingly clear to those watching the evening news at 6:00, that the Democrats support these unions. In this way, the Unions who are at current low public opinion, and the Democrats, become branded together – note: Democrat lawmakers’ antics of fleeing states for their unions are well documented as well.

This pandemonium is not about workers rights at all, rather about how much money the unions can fleece from the workers and hand to the Democrat lawmakers who will grant them concession. Union organizers (paid consultants to unions, or professional rabble rousers) have an average salary of of $60,000 annually. The bosses are in the six figure range, while teachers in Madison Wisconsin (ground Zero so to speak), average $100,000 annual salaries. The unions and teacheres in Madison did agree to minimal increases in contributions to both medial and pension fund suggested by Govenor Walker, however the unions are loath to give up a portion of their collective bargaining power, which would allow these teachers to opt out of the union forced medical plan and join the state workers medical plan instead. In addition, there is that sticking point whereby Teachers would be able to opt out of joining the union entirely, which has set these protests in motion – it’s about the money – the union money.

How do those teachers competantacy factor fare nationally? In a recent release of reading scores nationwide, approximaltey 40% of Wisconsin 8th graders are proficient in English (NCES.ed.gov), which leads one to believe that the Govenor may be onto something, and why he has the support of over 70% of the Wisconsin populace.

As goes Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana, so will go the public opinion across the nation. The Unions, in their greed, (it’s for the children) have managed to brand themselves to the Democrats, just in time for the 2012 elections and should this display of “Greece-Like” public union street revolts, not abate soon, those images will be emblazed upon the minds of voters as they head to the polls in 2012, making 2010 look like an average year in comparison.