We twitted CHP officers in an editorial last month because they were poised to collect a pay raise while other state employees were being furloughed, effectively cutting their pay 15 percent. Well, credit where credit is due, the union representing CHP officers has reached an agreement to forgo pay raises over the next two years, according to a report on the Sacramento Bee's state worker blog.
CHP officers benefit from a provision of state law that ties their pay to the average wage paid by five of the state's largest law enforcement agencies. From their perspective, it beats negotiating. For those picking up the bill, it means that the state's means aren't a factor in setting pay scales. The law still ought to be changed, but I'll try to stick to the speed limit more often in recognition of CHP officers doing the right thing.
- Jim Sweeney
Obviously the system is fixed. I wouldnt doubt, knowing our legislature, that the 10 highest paid police depts have their salaries to that of the hightest police salary in the country.
Lets face, CHP is overpaid as are police. Salaries should be cut, not left to remain the same. This state is broke and bankrupt, in reality, as evidence by the state sale and auction.