Editor, The News:
Re: Shine light on perks afforded public sector (Commentary, July 20).
I am a public sector worker residing and employed in Maple Ridge.
First, to compare the City of Scranton, PA to any in this province is ridiculous, considering the situation facing our neighbours to the south. Chris Foulds may as well compare it to Kabul, Afghanistan.
The figures of 30-40 per cent increases to city employees afforded by Mr. Foulds I believe are completely inaccurate. I would love to know and see actual figures, not quotes from Phil Hochstein or the CTF.
It is accurate regarding the sick time accumulation. However, not all locals are able to cash in at the end.
It is also accurate that public sector workers do have a defined pension plan. Every public sector worker pays a percentage into that plan, the employer pays into that plan almost dollar for dollar, much the same as many private sector employers.
I can guarantee, as a public sector worker, that we have not kept up with the cost of living in the past 10 years. The alternative is to contract out services.
Mr. Foulds needs look no further than the Richmond School District, which contracted out HVAC services to a large multi-national company that is only after the bottom line. The city’s costs sky rocketed from around $350,000 to $1,000,000. Chump change the taxpayer has to pick up, and company Mr. Hochstein would probably endorse. Not Honeywell (not a typo) spent.
I’m pretty sure all readers would prefer paying a ticketed tradesman $35 bucks an hour, inclusive of all benefits, than $80-$120 an hour with no vested interest other than to make a profit.
I can assure you I have no idea what living like a Royal is. We are all coping with the rising costs of everything. Our standard of living has dropped dramatically. We need well-paying jobs to keep this economy going, and frankly should strive for more of the same.
The views of Mr. Foulds seem to be capitalistic, as are those of Mr. Hochstein. These characters are living in fantasy land. Their figures endorse it.
Dan Bertrand
Maple Ridge