Harrop misleading

Ms. Harrop, syndicated columnist (March 5), represents public service employees as asking too much through collective bargaining and resisting honest efforts to reform government. Both points are unsupported by history.

If she is referring to the teachers, firefighters and social workers, whose wage has long been below that of the private sector, we might ask how could they be, in her words, “overplaying their hand.”

Perhaps she means by supporting improved health, safety and public education? Additionally she accuses them of enjoying a “gold-plated health coverage.” In fact, it is the same insurance plans which are available to private sector workers.

If she means retired workers, I am one and I pay one-third of my pension for my medical insurance.

Ms. Harrop’s article is misleading and in error concerning defined-benefit plans. In Washington state, collective bargaining has restricted defined-benefit and added 401(k) plans. While some can fund 100 percent of their retirement, as Ms. Harrop claims she can, we of less privilege cannot. Governments have gladly paid into public employee retirement plans to keep a skilled, lower-paid and committed work force. A return to pre-union patronage will assuredly cripple public services. Is the real target private-sector rights?

Stephen Smith

Spokane