(Via RCP) Well, the full-time ones at Newport Beach do; more than half of the 14 in 2010 (13 now) made more than 100K in salary, and all but one of ’em made made more than 100K in salary-plus-benefits. Before you ask: those are the permanent people on salary; the city also hires over 200 part-timers, who don’t get that kind of compensation. Why, because of our old friend in bold:
The Lifeguard Management Association represents the 13 full-time, salaried employees in collective bargaining with the city whereas the Association of Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards represents the part-time, seasonal lifeguards.
As Orange Punch notes, the problem here is not precisely that full-time Californian municipal lifeguards are making 100K/year: it’s that full-time Californian municipal lifeguard salaries are comparable with those of other Californian municipal employees. Which includes, apparently, their pension plans (90% of salary after 30 years on the job). Remember when private sector workers had that kind of pension plan? – No, neither do I: I’m not sure that they ever did.