The Impact of Unions on Public Policy

The latest Cato Journal takes on the topic of “Are Unions Good for America?” The journal features a number of good articles on issues of relevance nationally and in Pennsylvania.

• Chris Edwards tackles the issue of public sector unions and rising compensation for government workers (For PA example, see Elizabeth Bryan & Katrina Anderson’s commentary during the most recent SEPTA strike.)
• David Tuerck looks at the costs of Project Labor Agreements. (Also see Commonwealth Foundation policy points on PLAs.)
• Richard Vedder examines the economic benefits of Right-to-Work laws. (Indeed, passing a Right to Work law is one of the six opportunities for Pennsylvania we noted.)
• George Leef writes about the special interests driving prevailing wage laws. (See this CF commentary for more on how that issue effects Pennsylvania.)

As private sector unions continue to shrink, while government unions grow, union leadership increasing looks to government programs to bail them out. It is important to note the impact of these laws they push for and defend, and – as Gov. Rendell noted in his budget address – put good policy ahead of special interests.