Collective Bargaining with Private Employer:
Union: We’re making $16, we want a raise to $20
Management: We can’t afford $20. The best we can do is $17
Union: If you offer $17, we shut you down
Management: Well, if you agree to “x”, we can afford $18
Union: Grumble Grumble…. okay, I guess we can live with that
Collective Bargaining with Government Employer:
Union: We’re making $16, we want a raise to $20
Management: I think I get you $25, if you agree to get my uncle reelected
Union: Whew! We were afraid we might have to open the prisons and let all the prisoners escape and rape your children
Management: No problem – I exist to serve the people
Union: Can we get another Monday holiday, too?
Management: Sure, I could use another weekend at my summer cottage that you guys remodeled for me
Union: Anything else we can do to help you?
Management: My 25 year old son needs free health insurance
Union: No problem, “boss!”… consider it done
Management: Woohoo! My budget is now big enough I can justify bringing in my brother-in-law as another “manager”
Collective bargaining doesn’t work if both parties are on the same side of the table.
