SOLDIERS TO STAY ON CITY PAYROLL.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

Saying the city has an obligation to make sure its employees aren't financially harmed if called to active duty in the U.S. armed forces, Mayor James Hahn on Monday signed into law a measure making up any difference in pay.

`'The city of Los Angeles stands behind the men and women who serve in the military reserves and are prepared to leave their families and their jobs to serve their country,'' Hahn said at a City Hall news conference.

``The hundreds of city employees who are military reservists embody the best of public service. They deserve our praise as well as our financial support.''

Hahn said it is not known how many city workers who are in reserve units - primarily employees in the police and fire departments - are subject to being called up because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

``What we do know is that they and their families should not be asked to pay a financial burden for serving their country,'' Hahn said.

Under the measure, city government will keep fringe benefits intact for the workers and their families and will make up any difference between military pay and their city salaries.

Hahn was joined at the news conference by Councilmen Dennis Zine and Eric Garcetti, who authored the proposal, and City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo.