By Alan Johnson and Catherine Candisky/The Columbus Dispatch
Public employees get “sweeteners” that are rare or nonexistent in the private sector.
As a result, the salaries of many firefighters, police officers, teachers and other public employees don’t reveal the full story. Pensions, health care, bonuses, sick-leave payouts, overtime, holidays and other perks boost take-home pay.
Here are some examples
• Columbus firefighters are among many public employees who get a day off for their birthday. They also get Election Day off and a half-day for the primary election.
• Bexley teachers have a clause in their contract about room temperature. They can ask to switch to a different classroom if it gets uncomfortable.