Union critics have long charged that the program is full of fat.

Russia has long charged wildly different rates to former Soviet republics, depending on their degree of loyalty or usefulness.

Airlines have long charged fees for changing flights, and for excess luggage.

Advocates have long charged that many city schools quietly discharge struggling students without making sure that they enroll elsewhere.

Hedge fund managers have long charged a 1 percent management fee and taken 20 percent of profits.

It's not a new concept: long-distance telephone companies and airlines have long charged customers more for periods of high demand.

Brokers have long charged more for popular events.

Democrats and many environmental groups have long charged that the secretive task force worked hand-in-glove with oil companies.

Government-owned Chinese banks have long charged a government-mandated interest rate of 5.31 percent for many loans.

Critics have long charged that such a system eliminated the incentive for cost-efficiency and prevented money from being put back into patient care programs.