[Joe Hadenuf]

Negotiations are almost non-existent due to the unreasonable demands of these government 'workers'.

In the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the MTC (Metropolitan Transit Commission) bus drivers, et. al., are on strike because they face the horrible prospect of {gasp} actually having to provide for their own health care after retiring

Good post.

What is ironic here, is that in the past 4 or 5 years, most of the hard working, non government employed citizens, have had to take cuts in their benefits, or pay more for them *while* still working. And many have had their medical benefits cut all together.

Something is very disturbing about this picture.

[NorthWoody]

I work for a private company with about 300 employees working out of four locations covering about a 50-county service area.

Our health insurance premiums have gone from absolutely free in 2000 to $28 per week in 2005. The increases started small, at $5.60 per week the first year and increasing by $5.60 per week for five years, up to the $28/week total.

By that time, I'm sure management will find reason to charge us $33.60 per week, then $39.20...

I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener public employee! Where can I sign up?