[thirtypointer]

Maybe I should have titled this post something different or left out the fact that I am a public employee in a union or not posted at all.

I am not expecting more pay in this economy. I just received my annual social security information that you get before each birthday that made me thin about raises. I noticed my wages have been at a standstill since 2009 and really have not grown much since 2004. There seems to be a misconception about public employee's wages and collective bargaining. In 2009, my employer said they hade no money and wanted us to contribute more benefit wise in order to perhaps eliminate any layoffs, we agreed to it. It just seems everyone I know has not gotten a raise for some time and it appears to be the same here on the "board"

Formula8 nailed it in his post:

"My bigger concern is that we appear to be engaged in a race to the bottom mentality that essentially says, "I'm getting screwed so why shouldn't you" and the net effect is putting all workers against each other for who will work for less compensation while companies are making record profits."


I did not want to offend any wage earner here (nor be offended).