States Push Reforms to Fire Bad Workers and Limit Collective Bargaining

We are told today’s political polarization makes it impossible for bipartisan agreement. That may be true for now in Washington, but not so for a few key issues at the state level.

Without much fanfare or furor, in recent years some 20 states have radically reformed their civil service laws governing state employees. Among the changes are steps making it easier to fire bad performers, ensuring that hiring is more flexible, allowing better pay for high performers, and limiting the collective bargaining power of unions.

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John Fund

John Fund is National Review’s national-affairs reporter.

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We are told today’s political polarization makes it impossible for bipartisan agreement. That may be true for now in Washington, but not so for a few key issues at the state level.

Without much fanfare or furor, in recent years some 20 states have radically reformed their civil service laws governing state employees. Among the changes are steps making it easier to fire bad performers, ensuring that hiring is more flexible, allowing better pay for high performers, and limiting the collective bargaining power of unions.