on balance, government employee labor unions have a positive impact on the united states

First, the public sector doesn't deserve a pay decrease simply because we are going through hard times. We need government workers to make our country run efficiently and smoothly. We shouldn't short postal workers, teachers, and firefighters just because some bankers on Wall Street made bad decisions. If we take pay away from these people, they are likely to leave their jobs and then we would all be in trouble. Second, the deficit isn't the fault of the public sector. Many people will argue that things that public sector workers are given, such as pensions, health care plans, and retirement benefits, cost too much and the taxpayer shouldn't be responsible for funding them. Just because the government has made poor investments and therefore has to take money out of the pockets of the taxpayers rather than have a lump sum available for pensions, and just because the cost of health care is rising generally, doesn't make it the fault of the public sector. These things happen independent of those that work in the public sector, so they should not be punished because of other people's mistakes. It makes more sense to advocate that the government be more responsible in their investments and that the price of healthcare ought to be rethought. Third, specific unions have done a lot of good for the United States. Teacher's unions have been critical in raising wages for teachers, thereby attracting well-qualified individuals to the field. The National Education Association, the country's largest labor union, has been years ahead of the United States in terms of civil rights since before the Civil War. Four years before the war broke out, the NEA was admitting black members. Also, they elected a female president a decade before the United States gave women the right to vote. This organization has lobbied Congress on some of the most important issues to face our country, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the establishment of the GI Bill, the Bilingual Education Act, and several other things that have advanced the status of education and civil rights all over the United States. Unions for other jobs, such as firefighters, police, and sanitation workers, have also been beneficial. Given a little bit of research, you can find a huge number of examples when these unions have helped with needed reform, raised wages for their members, and helped the United States overcome obstacles. Fourth, government employee labor unions are beneficial for the United States because they encourage people to go into the public sector when they otherwise wouldn't. The private sector often offers more lucrative pay, better benefits while employed, and an increased ability for promotions. Labor Unions are essential to fight for workers rights so that the public sector can compete (in terms of job related benefits) with the private sector and attract new and talented employees. While the private sector is necessary for economic growth, the public sector is necessary for the security and stability of the nation. Labor Unions are essential to protect the interests of not only those that work in the public sector, but for all citizens who use the public sector's services on a daily basis. And if you have ever gone to a public school, taken out the garbage, or mailed a letter, you have benefitted from the public sector. Thank you, and I wait for your response.