On a conference call with the Administration Friday afternoon, NFFE was informed that President Obama intends to include a one percent federal pay increase in his Fiscal Year 2014 budget request.
The request comes on the heels of a spirited battle between the President and Congress over the 2013 federal pay adjustment. The President, arguing for a 0.5% increase, has hit a brick wall of Republican opposition as the GOP House majority has repeatedly attempted to freeze federal pay for a third consecutive year.
“After all that federal workers have sacrificed the past three years, they have earned a raise. I repeat, they have earned a raise,” said NFFE National President William R. Dougan in a statement following the announced increase. “Federal employees have spent over two years falling behind because of the pay freeze. This adjustment, in addition to the proposed 2013 adjustment, would be a critical lifeline for federal employees across the nation who are struggling in this economy just like everyone else. Now it is up to Congress to support this year’s modest federal pay increase and deliver our dedicated federal employees the adjustment they have earned.”
House Republicans most recent attempt to extend the pay freeze was H.R. 273, introduced by Rep. Ron DeSantis of Florida. The bill was initially scheduled for a vote in late January, but was summarily removed from the legislative calendar due to an influx of calls from angry federal employees. The reprieve has proved short, however, with the House expected to vote as early as this week on the measure once again.
“It is appalling how eager this Congress is to throw federal employees under the bus,” said NFFE Legislative Director Randy Erwin. “Federal employees deserve better than three years of frozen pay. We must make it clear to members of Congress that they cannot continue to disrespect the federal workforce with cuts to pay and benefits.”
NFFE members are encouraged to call Congress (using a personal phone and not on government time) at (202)224-3121 and urge their House Representative to vote “NO” on HR 273.