In the public sector employees continue to be largely covered by generous pension plans and, unlike in the private sector, there has been decrease in the number of plans or the amount available for funding. This differential between the public and private sector has raised the high brows of many and has brought into question the imbalance now present between private and public employment.
The present situation that exists between the availability of pension plan coverage between the private and public sector has caused government officials and voters to look at the equities of the situation (Brown, 2011). In essence, the private sector is being asked to fund the pension plans of the public sector and being asked to provide the public sector with benefits that are virtually non-existent for private employees. Many question the fairness of such a situation and are, therefore, clamoring for change.
Public sector pension plans are a fairly new development and when they were developing they were in answer to the already well-established private sector. At that time there was no overriding concern regarding the private sector meeting their contracted responsibilities. The public policy of providing for the elderly retirees was being satisfied. Now public sector retirees retire with a wonderful pension income and health benefits while the private sector too often retire with no pension and no benefits. As a result, the public policy is not being satisfied at least not across the board.
The result of this differential is that deep disputes are growing between the two sectors. Myths, resentments, misunderstandings, and accusations are flying about and, unfortunately, many politicians are taking advantage of the situation and using attacks against the public sector as a platform for their political agenda. What is needed is an examination of possible approaches that satisfies the public policy considerations without punishing or depriving a significant portion of society with the means that satisfy the public policy. Taking away the benefits that permit the public sector to meet the aim of the public policy only acerbates the situation it does not solve it. Those who advocate cutting or abolishment of pension benefits...
Providing care for those who have spent their lives working and want to retire is one of those universally accepted public policies. The aim should be to find a way to help the private sector provide their employees with the same level of support that is currently available to the public sector much like it once was. Equity demands that a solution be found that satisfies the public policy.
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