Autistic man got valuable help

I was quite disturbed by the Dec. 16 Dispatch article “Autistic man alleges contractor, Honda bias,” regarding a young man’s lawsuit against U-CO Industries and Honda. The suit was filed on behalf of a young man in a sheltered workshop. The suit claims this gentleman was denied promotions and earned as little as $1.38 per hour on a piece-rated job.

As a retired job specialist for those with disabilities, I believe I can shed some light on this situation. Just from the article, several factors stand out.

Less than minimum wage is based on the prevailing wage paid by multiple companies in the area doing similar work. My educated guess would be in the $12 to $15 range. A time study is then conducted in accordance with Department of Labor rules by someone certified to determine the standard rate of production for competitive employment. That rate of production is strictly regulated.

Experience (and math) tell me that this young man in question is somewhere between 10 percent and 15 percent of the set production standard. If I was producing at that rate for my employer, I would not be employed long if not for piece rate.

An attorney from Maryland has taken the case. She is financed by an outside group. Who knows this young man better than those who work with him daily?

Piece rate serves a purpose. Fully integrated, hourly employment is the goal but it requires hard work and time to achieve. It appears to me that U-C0 and Honda are doing all they can to help this young man succeed. Canal Winchester