**DISCLAIMER - THIS IS MY PERSONAL OPINION. THIS THREAD IS TO INVOKE INTELLIGENT DISCUSSION ON THE MATTER, BOTH FOR AND AGAINST.** With OSHA and other work safety organizations, the effectiveness of unions has long been overstated. In the 20s and 30s, they played a major role creating safe places to work. Great. Now, all they're about is squeezing more money out of already tight budgets. Raises should be based on merit/performance, not how long you've been there. Work hard, get a raise. Do the minimum, no raise. It's just how it should be. Unions unfortunately take a more socialist approach to it with equal raises for all, even those who don't deserve them. So in the end, you have outrageous payrolls and mediocre employees. Now I'm not saying all state employees are mediocre. However, think if you knew you'd get an X% raise no matter if you gave 75% or 110% at work. What would you do? The minimum? Or your best? It breeds a society of people thinking they deserve more for just showing up. Handouts and gimmes need to be stopped. It's a hard decision, but it has to be made. Does this mean I don't think firefighters, police officers, paramedics, teachers, etc should be paid more? Absolutely not. My brother is a firefighter and a paramedic, and I hope nothing but prosperity for him and his wife. I want to see all people succeed. I believe those who work hard deserve more money than those who do not. This goes for all positions in all professions. Do your job well, get paid well. Suck at your job or do the bare minimum, you can keep making what you're making or even face disciplinary action. If you don't like it, that's the beauty of America; go find a different job, go to school to better qualify for better positions, etc. I love this country. I love this state. This, of course, is only my opinion, which I am entitled to. So before the name calling starts, sit back and think about what I'm saying. If you disagree with me, that's your right, but let's keep this discussion civil. If you don't know what Senate Bill 5 is, you can read it here: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText129/129_SB_5_PSC_N.html