Now not the time to strike Originally published April 1 State employee union leaders will canvass their members beginning April 9 to determine whether to call a strike. We don't believe a strike is appropriate at this time. Taking employees out on a strike when the financial gap is relatively small makes no sense. We encourage union leaders and legislative leaders to roll up their sleeves, get creative and search for compromises that will keep vital public services in place and recognize the incredible contributions and sacrifices state employees make every day. Union leaders have an insurmountable perception problem working against them.
Teachers seem to have a warm and fuzzy place in the hearts of the general public.
State employees don't enjoy that same popularity. Too many residents see state employees as paper-pushing bureaucrats. State employees patrol our freeways, stand guard over prison inmates, care for the mentally ill in state hospitals and design our roads and bridges. Park rangers are state employees. So are drivers license examiners, child welfare caseworkers and liquor store agents.