Thursday, February 11, 2016

Pa. Turnpike union contract generous to workers



The article, "New contract for Turnpike workers," highlights the continuing saga of taxpayers being fleeced by government unions. It appears that employees will continue to receive free health coverage (say what?), a pay increase and a $500 signing bonus. Signing bonus for what, exactly? How many of you got a bonus last year for … showing up?


The 2014-2015 Turnpike financial statements published online seem deliberately designed to keep taxpayers in the dark. You have to go to Page 138 to get the details on costs, and even then it's unclear.

But guess which line item shows the biggest increase? "Employee benefits" ballooned by 17 percent in a single year, from $91 million to $107 million. Seventy-five percent of the combined increase in costs at the Turnpike are due to staff getting more free stuff, not maintaining roads.
We are long overdue for a debate on two questions: What are the precise details behind these benefits and pay packages? And why do employees deserve them?

The purpose of the Turnpike is to provide the citizenry with good infrastructure, not feed the greedy maw of public unions. Think about what you're paying for the next time you drive through a toll booth.

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