Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana has eliminated the right to collective bargaining for his state workers, including state troopers. They will no longer be able e to bargain for wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the federal government has also eliminated typical union rights for many federal workers. And the recent Transit Workers strike in New York City has further convinced political leaders that the country can ill afford having essential services put on hold by militant unions. This all began with President Reagan’s firing of the air traffic controls who went on strike more than twenty years ago.
With the country at war and under the threat of terrorist attacks, it can ill afford the disruption of essential services caused by powerful unions that will not put the public’s interest above their own.
Governor Daniels has taken the correct action, and I believe that other governors, particularly in states that voted Republican, will take similar action.
