AFT Public Employees 2009 Compensation Survey
While the average salary of state employees rose a modest 2.6 percent in 2009 to $47,077, the “buying power” of state employees has not increased since 2002. These are among the findings of the 2009 AFT Public Employees Compensation Survey of 45 state employee job titles in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The survey, now in its 10th year of publication, is the only national survey that tracks the salaries of state government employees.

AFT Public Employees 2008 Compensation Survey
Salaries for state government professionals registered a modest 2.4 percent increase from 2007 to 2008, according to the ninth annual AFT Public Employees Compensation Survey. The increase was less than the inflation rate, 4 percent, and significantly less than the previous year’s 5.7 percent increase. The survey also shows that most state employees earn far less than their private sector counterparts.

Exposing Shadow Government (pdf, 208K) The growing trend toward offshoring and "contracting out" of local and state government jobs is threatening the quality of many public services, costing taxpayers millions in cost overruns and waste, and robbing many communities of good jobs.
(July 2004)

Another Long Winter: The State Fiscal Crisis in Its Third Year (pdf, 253 K)
details long-term damage to education, healthcare and public services due to states’ continuing budget deficits. The national report includes case studies of three states—Washington, Wisconsin and New York—explaining how federal tax cuts and reduced revenue have devastated essential programs, services and jobs. (Feb. 2004)

Taking Action Against the Quiet Crisis in Recruitment and Retention (pdf, 233 K)
Government employers are facing a crisis in recruiting and retaining quality employees. Additionally, some public sector employees have watched their pay and benefits become less competitive and have chosen to leave the public sector for more lucrative positions in the private sector. This report of the Recruitment and Retention Task Force gives information on approaches to the recruitment and retention issue to provide local unions with options to develop appropriate strategies for their unique situations. (Feb. 2002)

Digital Government and Technological Change: The Impact on Public Employees and Quality Public Services (pdf, 233 K)
Government workplaces across the country have changed dramatically over the past several years due to advances in technology. This rapid pace of change presents significant challenges that must be addressed if government is to meet its full potential for improving public services. The AFT Public Employees digital government task force explores technological change, and the challenges facing our members in the digital era, in its final report. (Aug. 2002)

State Revenue & Taxation: Issues for Supporting Public Service in the 21st Century (pdf, 199 K)
Lower revenues affect both the quality of services provided by the states and the very standard of living of our members. These harder times come when states need to recruit and retain the next generation of public servants, rebuild hospitals, schools and other public infrastructure, and improve healthcare, education, environmental quality and public safety. This report from the Revenue and Taxation Task Force describes the importance of the federal government in providing state funds and assesses each of the major taxes states use to raise revenue. (Feb. 2002)