At this time, the CFL was a legitimate competitor to the NFL, paying comparable wages and attracting a similar level of talent.

A comparable wage for unskilled labor at the time was about $0.43-$1 per day.

Mr. Martin said Sundstrand, based in Rockford, Ill., had indicated it would offer jobs to all employees at comparable wages and benefits.

Most United States maquiladora companies argue that they pay a "competitive wage," comparable to other companies in the area.

The company offers wages comparable to those in unionized factories, as well as profit-sharing.

Taiwan's engineers still earn only a third to one-half the comparable wage in the United States.

"He does not adopt the notion that at the executive level it is necessary to pay comparable wages to the private sector."

Giving them a wage comparable with other workers is another matter.

They studied more than 200 documents on city finances, past settlements and comparable wages.

"It avoids paying comparable wages, paying health benefits and making long-term commitments to these employees."