A Ronald Reagan approach to labor
Re “More Than 1,500 Workers Walk Out, but L.A. Copes,” Aug. 23
How did the city of Los Angeles fall into the trap of paying different wage rates for the same job classification in different city departments? Why should a mechanic or an engineer at the Department of Water and Power be paid more or less than the same grade mechanic or engineer in the Street Department or the Bureau of Sanitation? Considering the collective wisdom and timidity of our city officials, the chances of correcting this insanity are extremely slim. However, the strike by the Engineers and Architects Assn. offers a stunning opportunity to our mayor.
If Antonio Villaraigosa would adopt a Ronald Reagan stance and put the union on notice that those who strike need not come back to work -- ever -- the mayor would gain not only the attention of all city unions but a high level of public support.
Then city government might be able to impose standardized job classifications and wage rates across the board for all city workers. The screams of those higher on the hog would be drowned out by those who’ve been paid less than their colleagues in other departments as the leveling process proceeded.
OK, so I’m dreaming.
JACK BAILEY
Studio City
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