Unions have played an important historical role in protecting workers’ safety and rights. However, over the decades we have passed numerous federal and state laws that protect the right of workers, filling the gaps that unions once played. Now, most police union contracts are working against our collective safety by protecting certain individuals who should be subject to the same laws they are upholding. I want to be clear, most police officers are upstanding citizens that put their lives at risk every day for all of us. But like all professions, there are a few bad apples. Union collective bargaining agreements are protecting these few bad officers, to the detriment of all of our safety. In addition, such contracts are inhibiting reform desired by most police departments. This is one of many issues we all need to work together to change.
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Melissa Proffitt
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Please, the FOP in Indianapolis is not a union!
Just the Police Union? What about Fire Departments, Teachers Unions, and the requirement that government contracts can only go to Union Contractors. These perks are bankrupting the state at a rapid pace. Open the market and abandon the Union requirement. While Police and Fire departments have tough, dangerous and stressful jobs, why can they “retire” at age 50? There are plenty of jobs in these departments that are not dangerous. Put them to work to age 60 to 65 filling these tasks. Teacher’s have us over a barrel and can retire 10 to 15 years into their jobs. They all get lifetime retirement benefits which is not fair to the average worker. End lifetime retirement and health benefits and put them all on 401Ks. The state can not create a budget without knowing the total costs involved. Open up building and road construction to all companies, not just Union shops..