What can public worker unions learn from NFL refs?

SacBee: The State Worker ^ | 10/4/12 | Jon Ortiz

[SmithL]

A new contract for a small band of unionized industry regulators, locked out until last week, literally prompted standing ovations around the country.

So, National Football League Referees Association, got any lessons to pass along to public employees?

Public unions have a PR problem. Until a few weeks ago, NFL refs were like many government employees: largely unnoticed, occasionally booed.

Then a blown call by replacement officials last month handed the Green Bay Packers an undeserved loss at the end of a nationally televised game. A public outcry followed for the league to get the regular refs back on the field.

Two days later, the NFL and the union cut a deal that raises the refs' pay over seven years from the current average of $149,000 per year to $205,000, phases out traditional pensions for current refs and brings new hires in under a 401(k) plan. And the refs are part-timers.

The deal highlights how relatively little the public cares about what unionized private industry employees earn. Who cares what the referees get paid? Most games still sell out, and you can choose whether to buy the ticket.

"But the perception of public employee compensation is, 'These are my taxes,' " said Ken Mayer, a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. " 'I don't have a choice whether to consume.' "

[hosepipe]

All fifty States should be right to work States..
NON right to work States have no FREEDOM..

Unions membership should be voluntary completely..
And givernment contracts should not be weighted toward Unions..
AND Federal, State and Local givernment Union membership should be OUTLAWED..

The Unions Scam(s) should exposed and prosecuted under RICO..

[hosepipe]

OUTLAWED as well as the Police, Firefighters and Teachers..

[rlmorel]

"What can public worker unions learn from NFL refs?"

If you go on strike, find a way via any means possible such as sabotage, deceit, abuse, obstruction, vituperation and demonization to make the situation as bad and uncomfortable as possible for those who used your services that you will be welcomed back and forgiven when you get all you ask for.

Oh, wait. That's ALREADY what unions do. Who was supposed to be giving the lessons???

(Just being rhetorical here...I know the refs didn't quite pull things that way, though their union brethren tried to)

[rollo tomasi]

ROTFLMAO, the NFL refs had something no other rank and file union members have, leverage in the form of making 6 figures at another job. NFL refs double-dip, lol, unions supporting the refs are just plain ignorant.

Also the strike was not a money issue, the NFL wanted the refs to work full time, not part time and the option to fire refs for poor performance. The sports pundits desire for supporting the unions clouded the truth in all that mess.