Les syndicats et le 'bien commun'...encore

Alors que nos syndicats réclament des augmentations de salaires pour les employés du Gouvernement du Québec qui coûteraient 3G$ supplémentaires annuellement aux contribuables Québecois (en plein déficits gouvernementaux en plus!), les syndicats Américains font eux aussi pression sur leurs gouvernements pour se graisser davantage les poches aux frais des contribuables.

Toutefois, notons que ces derniers n'invoquent pas le 'bien commun' ou la 'nécéssité d'assurer les services essentiels' comme raison.

Non, ils avouent franchement qu'il est nécessaire que le contribuable se saigne davantage pour payer leurs augmentations de salaires (déjà très généreux notons-le, et avec des conditions globales bien supérieures à ce que l'on retrouve dans le privé).

Ils ont le mérite (ou la stupidité?) d'être honnêtes sur leurs motifs.

Via Global Economic Analysis (L'article vaut la peine d'être lu en entier):

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

What Union Leaders Really Think; Jackson Healthcare Union Faces Widespread Layoffs

In a breath of both arrogance and honesty please consider What Union Leaders Really Think.

Today’s NY Post reveals a moment of honesty from a NY union official.

Albany Police Officers Union President Chris Mesley says that, regardless of the faltering economy, a no-raise new contract is unacceptable.

And to hell with the public.

"I'm not running a popularity contest here," Mesley said. "If I'm the bad guy to the average citizen . . . and their taxes have go up to cover my raise, I'm very sorry about that, but I have to look out for myself and my membership."

Mesley added: "As the president of the local, I will not accept 'zeroes.' If that means . . . ticking off some taxpayers, then so be it."

In the real world, when bubbles pop and markets contract, everyone has to take a haircut. In the world of politicians and unions, political muscle wins, regardless of economic circumstance.

Here's more from the NY Post

Witness the transit workers' recent arbitration-approved 11.5 percent wage and benefits hike -- even as the state and the MTA are practically broke.

Or the howls that came last summer from the police and firefighters unions when Gov. Paterson vetoed the annual reauthorization of higher pension benefits for new employees.

The message? Sacrifice is for suckers -- not unionized government employees.

Thus do taxpayers end up working longer and harder to pay for the guaranteed salaries and plush benefits of union members.

Mesley admits that he understands that. He just doesn't care.