Scores of Union Leaders Earn Six-Figure Salaries

On the surface, the fight between the governor of Wisconsin and organized labor is about balancing state budgets and collective bargaining rights. Behind the scenes, hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation to top labor leaders as well as campaign contributions to Democrats could be in jeopardy if workers lose.

The trickle-up effect of the standoff in Wisconsin and other states could irreparably damage the corporate-like compensation structures that the Top 10 labor unions have built over decades.

Union treasuries—filled by dues paid by union members—not only fund programs benefiting union members and their families. The money also pays six-figure salaries and benefits for labor leaders and their top staffs, and provides tens of millions of dollars for Democratic causes and candidates.

The Center for Public Integrity found compensation for leaders of the 10 largest unions ranged from $173,000 at the United Auto Workers to $618,000 at the Laborers’ International Union of North America and almost $480,000 for the president of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees. The latter is the target of GOP governors in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Kansas.

“What’s very clear to union leaders is the huge threat this poses for the organizations they have built,” said John C. McAdams, political science professor at Marquette University in Wisconsin.

I can’t cite the case but most Americans have no idea how rough the labor movement can get when it wants to — with approval of the judicial system.

Back in the 50s (as best I recall), a union in the Gulf Coast area was attempting to “organize” several industries down there and faced stiff resistance from many of their prospective new members (who were OK with their current non-union status).

Early one morning, the thugs drove a bulldozer through the home of one of the leaders of the resistance. He and his family were sleeping inside but, as best I recall, escaped unhurt. He and the local cops gathered substantial evidence that the union people were responsible and charges were filed. The union thugs were convicted at trial. They appealed.

On appeal, the appellate court reversed the convictions, stating that (and I paraphrase here), VIOLENCE IN PURSUIT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING GOALS IS NOT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR.

Something to think about as we watch outfits like SEIU, AFL-CIO, etc. gain influence with Obozo, et al.

And I have a personal story concerning the insanity of many unions.

In the late 60’s I was District Sales Manager for a national equipment firm. We were involved in a large job for a major firm in Freeport, Texas. If you live down that way, you can probably guess which one it is. They were adding a large new building to double their capacity. The job was delayed for a most peculiar reason. It seems the very powerful local electrical union demanded that THEIR people be allowed to erect the steel structure. Their reasoning? The building steel supports the conduits and lights. Using that insane “logic,” they COULD have demanded to pour the footers but didn’t. After lengthy meetings between the owner and the union, the union backed off but only after causing a significant delay in the project (which cost the owner several million in lost business) and getting some serious monetary concessions from the owner.

It’s absolutely insane to permit PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNIONS. Their “progressive bosses” are now using their often involuntarily extracted member dues to essentially “BUY” the politicians and office holders who then determine their pay and benefits. It rather reminds me of the new DADT inspired US military maneuver where troops all march in a circle — so no one is left out.

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