There is an editorial in the Providence Journal today that really trashes the Providence Fire and Police Depts. unions because those unions have been successful in negotiation of city contracts. These unions represent the people who put their lives on the line everyday for their fellow citizens, and the Projo is complaining that Providence Police and Firemen have somewhat decent salaries and a good health care package.
When all those firemen and police men lost their lives in 9/11, and so many did, the Projo had nothing but praise for them. But, let them ask for a salary and benefits that reflects our need for them and also reflects the life threatening events they face all the time, and the Projo forgets the praise such people deserve.
Let them die for us. But don't pay them a wage they earn and, oh ya, make them pay for their own health care.
That is unconscionable. This statement from today's editorial even more so: "Taxpayers,
meanwhile, can’t be blamed for wondering sometimes if the most
reasonable thing to do would be to have the city (and state?) declare
bankruptcy and start all over again with its labor contracts."