Dear private sector employee,

[spedtr90]

I am employed by our government in a job they offered to me to provide a service to you.
Some of your (and my) taxes pay my salary and benefits, including retirement.

You are employed by a private company to provide a service or product I need to survive or want to have. Some of my (and your) hard-earned money is used to pay your salary and benefits,including retirement, through your company's profits.

It's not 2 different worlds.
Both of us have the right to form or join a union and negotiate pay & benefits.
It does not mean we get what we ask for - it just means we have the right to ask.

An attack on my rights and benefits will soon be an attack on yours.
We are in this together, whether you know it yet or not.

A public sector employee

[arbusto_baboso]

1. It really is just that simple.

You nailed it.

[Kennah]

2. From a private sector employee

Since I work for a TARPed bank, for 2 more weeks before I'm laid off, you paid some of your hard earned money into a rathole from which your money will likely never be recovered.

Years ago, private sector employees and companies engaged in a social contract. In exchange for decades of faithful service, a private sector employee would receive a pension on which they could live on after retirement, even in a non-union workplace. Those days are by and large gone.

The attacks began eroding the retirement, health, and other benefits of both private and public sector workers many years ago.

However, you are very much correct. We are in this together.

P.S. If I'm panhandling on the street with a sign "Will write COBOL for food", am I a public or private sector worker? Just wanting to get clarity.

[madmax]

3. Sorry about getting the royal screw.

Hang in there - right, what else can you do. But, maybe this shit will move those who are sitting on the fence and thinking it won't happen to me.

:hug:

[Kennah]

4. I continue to remain hopeful, even with few prospects

Perhaps what's happening in Wisconsin is just the start of an "Egyptulation" here in the U.S.

If so, it's still gonna be a long time before real change hits. Nevertheless, Wisconsin gives me hope.

There's a lot of people worse off than me, and I know that.

[dkf]

5. The OP says you have a right to organize.

I suppose that is going to save your job and keep your health and retirement benefits at no cost to you.

[blondeatlast]

6. Well done! k/r nt