Reply #5: This is the kind of stuff that gets us and labor branded ugly names.

[imdjh]

"comparability formula”

The traditional deal was that you worked for the government for LESS than you would in private industry. The TRADE OFF was that unlike private industry, you got more comprehensive benefits and a bunch more job security and protections. You can't have it both ways. You can't have "comparable salary" and the other good stuff, because when you do that, it means that the government is the best job in town. And as good a job as they do, and as nice as they are, working for the government is not supposed to be the best job in town. The best job in town is supposed to be the kind that PRODUCES something of value and GENERATES income.