Politicians, unions, taxpayers must work together

Vernon Pechous, Henderson

Saturday, March 5, 2011 | 2:01 a.m.

I was a firefighter in a Chicago suburb. I served for 31 years, having risen through the ranks and retiring as chief.

I was on the job in 1967 when we went on “red rash” (blue flu) to begin a union. We were out for about a week when the city agreed to let us organize. After that we were in bargaining every year, and we engaged in the old “scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours,” which meant: If you back us next election, you’ll get your raise.

During the good years we were able to get longevity and pay raises. I realize that we are in a different time, and must all give a little.

Further, I believe that collective bargaining should include those people who pay the bills — the public.

If one would look at all the states that have unfunded pension plans, I think that most people believe it’s time to try to resolve the problem, not make it worse. But it’s up to the three groups involved in this situation — the politicians, the unions and the taxpayers.