Reclassify now

As an employee of Allegheny County and a member of SEIU 668 (formerly SEIU 585), I think Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato's announcement to study wage and job classification is long overdue ("County to Study Gender Gap," April 28 Web).

Language in SEIU contracts dating back to 2001 has called for meetings with the county to discuss job classification. Informal talks date back to the last county commissioners.

The county charter and administrative code from 2000 required specific pay grades and job descriptions which have not occurred.

There are numerous employees who perform the same duties in the same office but do not receive the same pay.

There are supervisors who do not receive the same benefits as the employees they supervise.

Job classification is long overdue, but why wait for 2010 to begin the study? I would hope Mr. Onorato would want to start now to correct the disparity in wages and benefits among the many dedicated and loyal employees of Allegheny County.

 

MICHAEL J. CHICHWAK

Plum