Public Sector Unionism
February 22, 2010
An area where unions have had some measure of success is with public-sector employees, particularly with state and local government workers. Unionization of state and local government employees presents some unique problems and challenges. First, many unionized local government employees are in critical service areas. Allowing police officers, firefighters, and sanitation workers to strike endangers public health and safety. Consequently, over 30 states have laws prohibiting public employee work stoppages. These laws also identify a variety of ways to resolve negotiation impasses, including arbitration. But unions still give employees in these areas greater security and better ability to influence decisions on wages and benefits.
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