Public unions shouldn’t complain

Joseph Schillmoeller, Las Vegas

Saturday, June 23, 2012 | 2:02 a.m.

We constantly hear the president talk about “fairness.” We should all be playing on an even playing field, says the president. Fairness, fairness, fairness — until it comes to public-sector unions.

While the private sector goes through incredibly tough times, the unions seem to think they’re exempt and want their pay raises. Is that fair?

While millions are looking for work across the country, the president wants everyone to pony up to ensure that firemen, policemen and teachers have job security. Is that fair?

While most private-sector families are cutting corners to get by — many by reducing benefits to save money — public-sector unions refuse to contribute to their benefits. Is that fair?

To all public-sector unions I say: You’re no better than us. You don’t deserve more and more while we deal with less and less. The years of coddling by beholden politicians collaborating — not negotiating — on your contracts is over. Be thankful for those years that inflated your pay and benefits and realize that we don’t have the money to continue this largesse. You have to get back in line with your neighbors because, hey, it’s just “fair.”