Public Workers "Cadillac" Benefits

by: union4life

Tue Mar 01, 2011 at 12:27:24 AM EST

Seven years ago, I worked in the Private Sector as an AA; I paid into my healthcare,had annual raises, vacation time, paid overtime & even bonuses. I left this job when I got the opportunity to work for the State (DYFS).....  Being a single mother of 2, I figured this would give me stability & great benefits, & knew that they shared the same holidays as the schools & that would allow me to be home more often with my children.  I took a little over a $10,000 annual pay cut without realizing how difficult the next few years would be.  When I saw my 1st paycheck, I almost quit because I didn't know how I was going to make ends meet.  

Here I am, thinking I have all these Cadillac Benefits & have to work a part-time to ensure I have food on the table for my kids & a place to call home!  The hurt of coming home; my kids sleeping & not spending quality time but only on weekends was killing me!  

Unfortunately, with the salary that I was making, I had no choice but to work a part-time and to my surprise, I qualified for state fundings! I received assistance from Catholic Charities, which helped me pay for my sons daycare on a sliding pay scale, assistance for paying my utilities etc. etc.  At the end of the day, I had to readjust my ways of living & budget myself to make this work!!  

Thankfully with the grace of God & family..... I've learned to manage!  

Sadly to say that It's taken me nearly 7 years to earn what I was making when I left the Private Sector but of course with no bonuses and for the 1st time experienced salary freezes not to mention that I still had to pay taxes & towards my healthcare & pensions.  Some people may say that I had the choice to leave but I truly enjoy my job. I could relate to those families in need & have always done my best to go above and beyond to make a difference in someone's life.  Our workers have to meet certain state requirements & trainings......to ensure the quality of service being provided.  Do you really think privatizing would ensure these regulations are followed?  

People really need to try to understand the importance of our jobs & all the services being provided to those families in need & ensuring the well being of children.  You never know, one day it could be you we're helping & wouldn't you want the peace of mind knowing that we can!!  I agree that a change is needed to better our economy but not solely on the count of us Middle Class Workers!!  In speaking for myself & public workers, we have done our fair share of sacrifices & after 7 years, I feel that I am being stripped away of all that I worked hard for!  We all deserve the opportunity to live the American Dream & we can only reach it by working together, educating one another, & most of all respecting humanity and the morals which have been the foundation of the great America!!