Reply #7: This guy's management, not labor.

[smoogatz]

He negotiated that pension on his own--I doubt there was any union involvement. The problem is really that public institutions, including municipal governments, state universities, etc., have adopted the CEO system--where they're willing to make outrageous deals and pay outrageous salaries and benefits in order to hire and retain people with successful track records in administration. The problem is, just like in the business world, most of those hires were promoted past their level or competence two jobs ago, but are extremely skilled at interviewing for jobs and negotiating compensation packages. The more someone in a management position is paid, the greater the likelihood he or she will jump ship in a year or two or three for an even more lucrative offer. It just shouldn't happen--public institution that make these kinds of deals need to seriously re-examine their priorities.