The package is solid, a 12 percent raise over three years on the average. The county's Chief Administrative Officer David Janssen says it's just about what the county offered all along. KNX already has applauded Cardinal Roger Mahony for his intervention in ending the walkouts. We now must praise Janssen and the union leaders for working out a compromise. Janssen says the contract falls in line with the county's finances.
Union leaders call it a fair share.
Contract talks must be given a chance to work. Walkouts only hurt the process. And county workers must realize that their new raise, their benefits plan, and their job security compare more than favorably to the private sector. There are still 15 units without a contract. KNX encourages the county to work hard at the bargaining table to bring them into the fold as well.