KPCC News In Brief

LA County moves to reform student worker program

L.A. County administrators are moving to reform a job classification that critics say exploits student workers. KPCC’s Adolfo Guzman-Lopez has more.

Adolfo Guzman-Lopez: For years the county’s advertised temporary “student worker” jobs as an introduction to the world of civil service. About a thousand people work under this classification in many county departments including public health, firefighting, and the district attorney’s office. Elizabeth Brennan, a spokeswoman for the union that represents student workers and is negotiating their contract, says the classification has soured many people to working for county government.

Elizabeth Brennan: What it’s evolved into is a sort of a sub-classification of county employees that can be fired at any time, no vacation time, no benefits, health care, no retirement, and make slightly over minimum wage.

Guzman-Lopez: Sixty-four people, Brennan says, have been student workers for more than six years with no benefits and no chance to advance. L.A. County’s chief of human resources admits some missteps and proposes limiting student jobs to six years for those currently taking classes and getting a C average. County supervisors are expected to hear about the topic at their regular Tuesday board meeting.

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• October 6, 2008 3:52 PM
• Categories: Business/Economy, Education, Politics/Public Affairs