Wednesday, July 07, 2010

The concrete on the camel's back

The camel being you, a taxpayer............

Feel like you're not paid enough? Worry about losing your job? Wish you had better benefits? Ever think about quitting?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, one thing is certain: You don't work for Uncle Sam.

That's because federal workers are much better off than private-sector workers in all the major markers of job satisfaction — salary, job security, benefits and job desirability. And it's costing taxpayers a bundle.

Start with the money. The average federal employee earns an annual salary almost 60% higher than the average private-sector employee — $79,000 vs. $50,000. Federal employees do have more education (on average) than private-sector workers. Their unions argue that this justifies their higher pay. But it doesn't. Even after controlling for education and experience, federal employees get paid significantly better — 22% more per hour, on average — than private-sector workers.

Not all federal workers earn above-market pay. The government bases raises on seniority, not performance, so the most skilled and hardest-working federal employees are actually underpaid. Overall, though, government workers earn well above what their private-sector counterparts make, even before you consider benefits.


Seriously, would you pay 22 percent more than your current wage for someone to mow your lawn and/or paint your house? Yet that is what we are expecting taxpayer's to do with government jobs.

More.....

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