[quote=wannabe2077]
It is ridicuous to pamper government employees with pensions etc. when people in the private sector are being creamed.
[/quote]
I work for the UC system.

Salaries are *nowhere near* competitive to private sector gigs. I get 2-3 calls a month from recruiters offering me junior positions for 20-30% more than I’m making now. My friends that are sales engineers make more than twice what I do. On top of that we have a wage freeze due to the budget crisis.

We don’t have a 401k, bonuses, or stock options. You will also usually have the same job for life, as its almost impossible to get promoted.

The benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and a pension plan, are necessary to attract and retain competent employees. Which is actually very challenging even in the current environment.

There is no free lunch. Everyone that works in public service is entitled to be taken care of during their retirement. We’ve earned it.