Raises Should Apply Evenly

Ventura County is Ventura County, no matter where one lives in this high-priced mecca.

I’m a government employee at Point Mugu, a WG-10, blue-collar employee. I live and own a house in Ventura County. All government employees received an approximate 4% raise Jan. 1. In addition, certain employees will receive about 8% more for living in a high-cost area. That means the GS rating, or white-collar workers, at Point Mugu will be receiving a total of a 12% pay increase, while blue-collar workers get only 4%.

What makes the cost of living higher for white-collar workers and not blue-collar workers? When I walk into my local grocery store, I don’t show my badge identifying me as a government blue-collar worker and get 20% off my purchase. I pay the same price as a GS at Point Mugu.

If a raise must be given to government employees at Point Mugu for the high cost of living, it seems to make sense to give the raise to all employees regardless of job title or pay scale.

JAMES P. PLUSKOTA

Oxnard