by Paul Kersey
Director of Labor Policy

As John Tillman noted yesterday, the last few days have been full of political melodrama as the Illinois General Assembly holds a special session that is unlikely to do more than pass a sliver of a reform — if they can even muster that.  But I'd like to call attention to the role that AFSCME is playing in the overwrought theatrical production to which Illinois voters are being subjected.

The union's role has now become entirely disruptive: they boo, they shout, they follow and chant slogans at politicians who have supported pension reform.  At this point there is hardly a pretense of a debate and little interest in proposing their own ideas — though they do have a tax increase plan in the works.  

So far the proposals that have been put forward to fix Illinois pension mess have been quite inadequate.  But for all the posturing and intrigues we would be more likely to find real solutions sooner if all the parties involved could say their piece.

AFSCME has taken on the role of shouting people down.  This is not the action of a rational interest group, but of a bunch of children.  The former you can negotiate with and maybe reach a deal.  The latter you can't.  That being the case, AFSCME does not deserve to be taken seriously.