PG&E; Bonuses

Re “PG&E; Gave Bonuses Prior to Bankruptcy,” April 8: The Times reported that PG&E; awarded 6,000 managers and other employees more than $50 million in annual bonuses. In addition, the same workers received merit increases. The article stated that the 6,000 employees, made up of a range of nonunion clerical staff up to all but the top 25 executives, represent about one-third of the work force. PG&E; officials said that bonuses commonly are about four weeks of salary. Dividing $50 million by 6,000 employees gives an average bonus of $8,333. If each bonus represents about four weeks of salary, then one week’s salary would equal about $2,083 and the average salary for a year would be $108,333. This does not include the 3% merit increases.

It is interesting that any company the size of PG&E; has a third of its employees making over $100,000 on the average. Assuming few nonunion clerical staff are paid six-figure salaries, how many managers received bonuses and what are their average salaries? PG&E; spokesman John Nelson said the payments were in recognition of meeting the company’s goals and objectives. This makes one wonder what the goals and objectives were, doesn’t it?

STEPHAN S. PERRY

Laguna Beach