In North Carolina it was 2.2 workers per 100 in the private sector. Using another data series from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that there are 2.1 total state government workers for every 100 citizens in North Carolina, which again exceeds the national average of 1.6 workers. In both cases, North Carolina's state workforce is larger in percentage terms than the national average and its state workers possibly less productive as a group when compared to other states. Conclusion None of these findings should be seen as conclusive proof of any proposition about state employee compensation in North Carolina. Legislative leaders should call upon their own research staff as well as the 80-person staff of the Labor Market Information Division at the Employment Security Commission to study this issue further.
Taxpayers deserve an efficient workforce at a reasonable cost.
When state employees can demonstrate they are more efficient than their counterparts across the country, their annual campaign for higher wages could take on greater significance. Also, government leaders should devise a quicker response to shortages of state workers in certain occupations or in some geographic locations as circumstances require. Inc. The John Locke Foundation welcomes comments and ideas for improvement. Please contact our webmaster with questions or suggestions. Viewpoints expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect those of the staff or board of the Locke Foundation.