Kasich's anti-union mindset

[OhioChick]

Article published February 16, 2011

Gov. John Kasich's plan to end collective bargaining for public employees shows the mind-set of our new governor ("Shift of control gives GOP votes to greatly alter labor law," Feb. 11).

He comes from a world where working people are regarded as a necessary evil whose unreasonable demands for a say in their working conditions, a fair wage, and access to affordable health care are to be resisted at all costs, lest they interfere with huge bonuses and extravagant perks bestowed upon those captains of Wall Street who devastated the U.S. economy.

Ohio's collective bargaining law, in effect since 1984, is not the reason for the state's financial woes.

The existence of the law did not prevent Ohio's public employees from giving up $100 million in health benefits, and agreeing to wage freezes, furlough days, and other measures that have saved the state an additional $250 million in the current budget.

More: http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20110216/OPINION03/110219738

Snip~ Governor Kasich maintains that cutbacks and hardship must be shared by Ohio's union workers. But sharing the pain does not extend to the friends and supporters to whom he has given jobs.

His newly appointed chief of staff will make $47,000 more per year than her predecessor. His communications director will make over $40,000 more than did Gov. Ted Strickland's. Mr. Kasich's press secretary will get $20,000 more per year than his predecessor.