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Pension reforms exempt police and fire
Governor Bruce Rauner of Illinois has been making waves across the state as he pushes for over $2 billion in cuts to public employee pensions. However, there's a notable exception: police officers and firefighters are exempt from these proposed reductions. During his February budget address to the state legislature, Rauner justified this by stating, "Those who put their lives on the line in service to our state deserve to be treated differently."
This approach isn't unique to Illinois; other Republican governors in the Midwest have taken similar actions under the guise of fiscal responsibility. For instance, in 2011, Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin introduced Act 10, which aimed to reduce collective bargaining rights for government workers and increase their contributions to pensions and healthcare. However, Walker carved out an exception for police officers and firefighters.
Similarly, in 2012, Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan signed a right-to-work bill, removing the requirement for union dues from both public and private sector employees. Yet again, this legislation included a specific exemption for police officers and firefighters. These carve-outs often resonate with the public due to the widely held admiration for the bravery of law enforcement and firefighting professionals. However, labor experts argue that such exceptions lack substantial justification.
While the risks faced by police officers and firefighters are undeniable, they are not the only public sector employees exposed to danger. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in roles like refuse collection and power line installation face significantly higher on-the-job fatality rates compared to police officers. Additionally, firefighters experience high rates of certain illnesses, such as cancer, later in life.
Even acknowledging the unique risks these professions entail, it’s unclear why more generous pensions are the best way to honor their service. UCLA management professor David Lewin suggests that reducing pensions while increasing salaries might be a better approach. Furthermore, police officers and firefighters in states like Illinois can retire with full pensions at younger ages than other public employees, leading to prolonged pension payouts that strain municipal budgets.
Despite these considerations, few politicians are questioning the privileges enjoyed by these groups. In Wisconsin, Governor Walker and others defended the exclusion of police and firefighters from reforms by arguing that the state depends on them during emergencies and must avoid internal discord. However, this rationale seems contradictory to their broader claims that these changes would benefit employees.
Similarly, Representative Daniel Knodl of Wisconsin argues that all public employees should be treated equally under labor laws, including police and firefighters. Labor leaders like Harold Schaitberger, head of the International Association of Fire Fighters, warn that singling out public safety workers weakens union solidarity.
Looking at demographics, police officers and firefighters are disproportionately white and male, aligning with the base of support for the Republican Party. Schaitberger notes that the visibility of these workers allows them to influence public opinion and policy.
When examining occupational fatality rates, logging tops the list, while police and firefighters fall in the middle. Despite their risks, the current structure of pensions and work schedules presents challenges for reform. As labor lawyer James Macy points out, changes to firefighter schedules, for example, require negotiation, which is difficult under the existing system.
Ultimately, the debate over how to treat public employees continues, with some advocating for uniform application of labor laws and others emphasizing the unique role of certain professions. The situation highlights the complex interplay between public perception, policy, and practical realities in addressing fiscal challenges.