>This is the perfect argument against government and union jobs (and much of socialism). Been there, done that, seen it all....are you sure you aren't referring to the government and union jobs here in the U.S. where people are rewarded for years of service and not for production, creativity, or inventiveness?

I think I posted before about a buddy of mine who worked as a union electrician for about 6 months before he couldn't take it anymore. He got paid pretty handsomely for sitting around waiting for work, for changing light bulbs, and for having to lower his standard of work to avoid getting fined by the union.