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Report: Public Employees Make Less Than Those In Private Sector In NYC

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - On average, New York City employees are paid 17 percent less than workers in the private sector.

That's according to New York City Comptroller John Liu's report, done by his chief economist.

WCBS 880 reporter Rich Lamb with NYC Comptroller John Liu

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"There have been characterizations of public employees as the new fat cats or the new welfare queens," Liu told WCBS 880 reporter Rich Lamb. "I think what this research provides is a more objective basis from which to formulate public policy going into the future."

Wages in NYC Private vs. Public 2006-2008 - Source: NYC Comptroller's Office
Wages in NYC Private vs. Public 2006-2008 - Source: NYC Comptroller's Office

LINK: Read the Full Report

On retirement, Liu found that, "Pensions costs for most city employees, such as teachers, office workers, and the non-uniformed services, are roughly on par with what large corporations would give their employees in defined contribution plans."

Mayor Michael Bloomberg dismissed the report, saying, "I have no idea how the comptroller comes up with those numbers." He also said it really has nothing to do with anything.

National Wages Public vs. Private 2009 - Source: NYC Comptroller's Office
National Wages Public vs. Private 2009 - Source: NYC Comptroller's Office
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