As more state legislatures introduce bills that would limit or eliminate collective bargaining for public workers, eyes are on what tactics the two sides are taking. Some say that the unions' offers for cuts are a sign that they are willing to negotiate, and that they understand financial realities. Others see it as a sign of weakness, and some just want to get rid of bargaining rights no matter what, saying that costs will just rise again. The unions say that they are willing to negotiate, and that if the debate is pushed too far down the road of complete elimination of rights, public opinion will be on their side.
See "Unions Debate What to Give to Save Bargaining", Michael Cooper and Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, February 27, 2011