Plan to Supplement Reservists’ Salaries OKd

The Los Angeles City Council gave final approval Wednesday to a plan to supplement the military salaries of city employees who are called to active duty in the Persian Gulf. Under the program, which was approved by an 11-1 vote, the employees will receive the difference between their city salaries and their often-lower military pay. The payments begin on the 31st day of service and end after six months.

Councilman Ernani Bernardi cast the lone vote against the measure, claiming that the proposal is “special interest legislation” and that salary supplements should be provided by the federal government.

So far, 81 city workers have been called to active duty in the Middle East.