Nonunion state workers could give up raises

Friday, May 6, 2005

This is in regard to nonunion state employees paying their fair share to the union.

When I started my employment with the state of Maine in 1974, the union was more or less "just there." A lot of employees joined for the income protection benefit of belonging to the union. A couple of years later (strictly an approximation, you understand), the union became a lobbying voice for the state employees and has been so ever since. The Maine State Employees Association works diligently for the state employees, not just the dues-paying members. By my estimation, there have been a number of employees who have benefited from the work performed by the MSEA who have not had to ante up.

My crazy solution would be: OK, don't join (or pay your fair share), but don't take the raises or paid benefits that have been negotiated by MSEA. Just think of the money the state would save by this solution.

Rose A. Johnson

Augusta