RH Jones: Public employment is dangerous, inculding teaching. Employer should pay, not the retiree or the active

From RH Jones, March 26, 2010
To all:

Re: John Curry's story: 'FL firefighter asks, 'When is it going to be better financially for us to just go out and pick oranges'.

I guess Ohio's active and retired educators should go out and pick apples, as well. Today's, 03/26/2010, Akron Beacon Journal on the front page told of an "Alternative school student accused of hurling scissors, throwing chair at principal". And, also, they mentioned on page B2: " ... Akron police arrested a Kenmore High school student Thursday morning after he allegedly threatened to 'shoot up the school.' ... .

I wonder if the firefighter's unions bowed down to offer up their COLA to be cut like educator' s unions have. All of the public "servants", including educators, face dangers every day of their "service". The employers need to do the right thing and increase their contributions. It should not be up to those who chose careers in the public sector to bear the burden of our promised delayed compensations. It is the duty of the employer, not the "servant", to bear the burden of supporting the financing of our retirement. In particular, it most certainly should not be the burden of we who are already retired. What a loss to Ohio's growth, especially when active & retired educators start leaving Ohio.

RHJones, retired OH educator and PUFL union member

From John Curry, March 26, 2010

Subject: FL firefighter asks, "When is it going to be better financially for us to just go out and pick oranges?"

He didn't choose the profession for the money or perks buy says it could be a reason to get out.

http://wdbo.com/localnews/2010/03/proposed-cuts-to-pension-plans.html
Proposed cuts to pension plans have firefighters on edge

WDBO Local News, March 26, 2010

Trying to clear a $3 billion budget shortfall, lawmakers in Tallahassee have proposed big cuts to the pension plans of government workers.

The League of Cities is working with lawmakers in both the House and Senate to craft bills that would ease the burden on local governments.

In the city of Orlando, pension payments to police officers and firefighters account for about 30 percent of payroll.

In Orange County, pensions for "special risk employees" equal almost a fourth of salaries to the same group.

Cutting pensions and forcing employees to work longer before retiring are among the proposals aimed at trimming the liability.

"Some of the stuff is pretty radical," said Mike Hoening who runs the fire science program at Seminole State College and was a firefighter for 25 years.

"Towards the end of my career, the 24 hour shifts got longer, and longer, and longer," he said.

Heoning says deluxe pension plans and early retirement are the light at the end of the tunnel for many firemen who work long hours under grueling conditions.

"It's kind of a reward for what you gave," he said.

Heoning worries that for the next generation it's a luxury that may no longer exist.

"One of the main reasons why I got into this profession is because of the retirement," said Jacob Curtis, 25.

He's set to graduate from Seminole State's School for Public Safety this summer.

"Our pay is already low enough... what's left for us?" he asked.

Heoning says some students will have to "follow their heads instead of their hearts" if benefits are cut too drastically.

"What's going to be stripped from us next?" wondered 22-year-old Peter Walsh, another student set to graduate the school this summer.

He didn't choose the profession for the money or perks buy says it could be a reason to get out.

"When is it going to be better financially for us to just go out and pick oranges?" he wondered.