No guarantees: The SEA's big demand

The Union Leader argues that the State Employees Association is out of touch with how private sector employees are handling the tough economy.

Over the years, state employees in New Hampshire have earned a reputation as a fine, dedicated work force. The SEA leaders seem not to realize that the reputation of unionized state employees is taking a beating because of the leadership's stance. It makes taxpayers think the union is intransigent at a time when cooperation is needed to make sure quality services are provided at a price the people can afford.

Asking for a guarantee of no future layoffs is entirely unreasonable. If SEA members reject this contract for that reason, they'll only alienate the taxpayers even more and weaken the union's position in any future negotiations.