Introduction

Introduction

As state and local governments have experimented with contracting out, the benefits of private delivery of public services have proven to be elusive. Even where jurisdictions have introduced managed competition into service delivery, the public sector has frequently outperformed the private sector. And now, more than ever, when government is the front line in homeland security, the nation has come to understand the importance of an experienced, dedicated public-sector workforce and the shortcomings of privatization.

AFSCME has always maintained that contracting out often results in higher costs, poorer quality of service, increased opportunities for corruption and diminished government flexibility, control and accountability. In addition, women and minorities are disproportionately harmed because they, more than white male workers, rely on government employment as a means to economic and social advancement. The local economy and tax base may suffer as relatively good paying jobs with benefits are replaced with low-wage, no-benefit jobs provided by companies that may be located in another part of the country, or even overseas.

Innovative and responsible government leaders and managers are fostering joint labor/management approaches to improved service delivery instead of contracting out. The most efficient and effective use of public resources can be achieved through true partnership between front-line workers and managers without subjecting state and local governments and citizens to the risks associated with contracting out.

Gerald W. McEntee
International President		 William Lucy
International Secretary-Treasurer

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