Wage Parity for County Workers

* Re “Union Chief Warns County Workers May Strike,” April 18.

I am one of the hundreds of Service Employees International Union Local 998 members who attended the Board of Supervisors meeting April 17. I am writing in response to Supervisor Frank Schillo’s comments in regard to the Ventura County contract negotiations.

I am appalled that Schillo commented on a meeting in which he was not in attendance. His comment that he isn’t sure if it’s fair to compare other counties to Ventura County is ludicrous. Maybe he would be happier if we used counties in other states such as Kentucky or West Virginia.

In previous negotiations the union and the county agreed on the surrounding counties and cities that were used in the parity study. The parity study shows that librarians in Ventura County make 26.62% less than those in surrounding areas; physical therapists make 25.07% less. These are just a few of the discrepancies shown in the parity study recently completed by the county.

Schillo’s statements that the county has offered parity to other unions might be correct. What he failed to mention was the 5% increase that he and the other supervisors received last year, along with the recent 4% raise for upper management. The employees of Ventura County have one thing to say in response: it’s our turn.

KAREN L. BARSTOW

SEIU Local 998

Bargaining Team Member

Ventura