You mean tactics like collective bargaining and going on strike? Why not just have a dictatorship and outlaw unions and strikes altogether? And all those other pesky rights associated with democratic advances?They're comparable because they all work the city. However, police and fire fighters earn more than garbage collectors (and most other unionized city employees I would think). Why should one group receive a smaller increase than another unless they're gaining something else like improved benefits? But the city seems to be trying to reduce on both fronts - wages and benefits.

And by suggesting that garbage should be esential, you're the one making the argument that they're comparable.