NFFE worked closely with Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) to get a bill passed through the House quickly this week that affords federal workers a 2.6% annual increase, topping the 1.9% increase passed by the Senate last year but died at the end of the congress. Given what was witnessed during the 35-day government shutdown, it is more obvious than ever that federal workers are underpaid, many living paycheck to paycheck.
Twenty-nine Republicans joined all Democrats in voting for the bill. A handful of Republicans questioned the pay increase, stating that across-the-board increases reward bad performers as well as good, failing to understand that across-the-board pay increases are meant to keep pay rates in synchronization with inflation. Adverse actions are meant to address poor performers and workers accused of violations of ethics, regulation or law. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.