Feds: Public workers paid better than private workers

ocregister.com ^ | Sept 10 2011 | Teri Sforza, Register staff writer

[NoLibZone]

Here’s the latest on who makes what from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (whose workers, we’ll point out here, happen to be public employees):

• Workers in the private sector made an average of $28.13 per hour in total compensation in June (wages contributed $19.81 to that, and benefits added $8.32)
• While state and local government workers made an average of $40.40 per hour (wages were $26.41, and benefits, $13.99).

Of course, the amount one earns is a function of the skills and education one possesses. Our colleague Jan Norman tells you a bit more about the breakdown by job type here.

It is often argued that many state and local government workers have higher educations and more specialized skills than private workers; and that the average private worker compensation is dragged down by the large service sector and its low wages.

We also hear from labor union reps — who negotiated these fine pay packages for their members — that jealous private sector workers shouldn’t try to take their benefits away, but should instead try to force private industry to pay better. (Good luck with that, folks.)

Here are the numbers, which resonate in today’s unemployment climate. The amount employers pay for retirement, paid leave and insurance are dramatically higher for public vs. private sector workers.

[SunkenCiv]

I used the indefinite article on both because of that. :’)

[MontaniSemperLiberi]

Postal supervisors are the worst government has to offer. Small, vindictive, little people. On that we agree.

As for the rest, nah, there is nothing unusual about that description. Lots of people do that kind of work. I’m confident that we could fill those positions for less money.

[muawiyah]

No dopers; no criminal records; no drunks; no DUIs; must be able to walk ~ read, write, speak English.

I think you overestimate just how many people we have left like that.

[Katya]

I’m so tired of this “worker” moniker... what happened to the word “employee?”