anorton wrote:

Second, there is no reference or documentation given for that 74.2% number
which does not seem quite right.

Doesn't really matter if it accurate.

The WSJ is surprisingly ignorant of economics.

The collective bargaining process in wisconsin is based on "total
package" computation. Total package increases have been capped by law
for the last 10 years. This means teachers in order to cover increases
in benefits have opted for no pay increases or even cuts in pay in
past year contracts.

Benefits are just a part of the total pay package.

-jim





This other anti-union article (
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/...average-75-587
) says the benefits rate was 52% and the average salary was $49,580
(Costrell said it was $56,500) Who is right, or are both inflated?

You can see the raw data here and come up with you own figures. It is clear
that 74.2% number is bull****.
http://dpi.state.wi.us/lbstat/newasr.html