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In the past week, two prominent Bush administration officials have gone out of their way to praise federal employees for their work, sacrifice and devotion.

During a dinner last week honoring distinguished senior executives and professionals, Homeland Security Department Secretary Tom Ridge said that civil servants chose their jobs over better-paying private-sector careers because they wanted to provide "service to a greater good."

"It is a career that matters," Ridge said. "It is a pursuit that motivates."

In a statement released Tuesday, Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James said that federal workers are dedicated to improving their country.

"President George W. Bush has expressed the nation's gratitude for the public servants who 'touch lives, inspire others, and help us realize the promise and potential of our great nation,'" James said, as part of a tribute to Public Service Recognition Week. "Throughout our history, we have been blessed with men and women of vision and character who have devoted their time and talents in service to their country and their fellow citizens."

The kind words, however, produced a mixed reaction from union leaders who believe White House policies have hurt civil servants.

"On the one hand, I am very, very pleased when I hear people like Tom Ridge and Kay Coles James make it a point to recognize federal employees and the work that they do," said Colleen Kelley, National Treasury Employees Union president, in an interview Wednesday with Government Executive. "It would probably be very welcome and appreciated if actions went along with the words."

Unions have clashed with the Bush administration over pay parity and personnel reforms at the Pentagon and the Homeland Security Department. The White House is pushing a 3.5 percent pay raise for military personnel and a 1.5 percent pay raise for civil servants. Bush previously has said that uniformed personnel deserve the raise because of ongoing military engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq. He has not mentioned the civilian pay adjustment. Supporters of equal pay adjustments have said that many civilians perform the same tasks as uniformed federal employees, and combat pay was designed to reward personnel who are stationed in harm's way.

The White House is also pushing for wide-ranging reforms and streamlined personnel systems at the Defense and Homeland Security departments. Unions are concerned over the loss of collective bargaining rights and a reduced appeals process.

Kelley said, however, that federal workers would appreciate the comments of Ridge and James. Administration officials were not forthcoming with kind words during the more acrimonious personnel and pay discussions, she added.

"There was a time during the talk over homeland security and employees' rights when there was nothing good being said about federal employees," Kelley said. "I think that's important. When each of those two said it, I believe that is how they feel."

COMMENTS

• When I deployed last year in support of OIF (Yes, Virginia, civilians do deploy) I was given danger pay just like all of the military personnel I worked with. Unfortunately, I was somewhat surprised to learn, as you may be, that while all military members are performing their duties tax free we civilians in the "war zone" and working alongside our military counterparts are still paying taxes. So, mixed messages, absolutely. It won't bankrupt the country to provide a much needed benefit for those few civilians who are in harms' way working with the military in this arena. So how about it? When will we get our due? Isn't it about time!! GovExec.com reader Posted June 6, 2004 1:48 AM
• Many more civilians have been killed in the "war on terror" than have military! What is the final count for the world trade towers? Who was beheaded just yesterday? The truck driver that escaped did it on his own - not a staged military rescue. I think the civilians should get the 3.5% and the military that mistreats prisoners and denies knowledge of it at the highest levels should get the 1.5% raises. Bush is really screwed up and should be removed in the next election. He has led this country down the wrong paths and wants to refashion the world in this image- reality is much different. To begin with he should get rid of Rumsfeld and Powell and get people qualitifed to represent the values and morales of Americans. tax payer Posted May 12, 2004 7:04 AM
• Bill Clinton gave George Bush a 100% pay raise. King George doesn't even want us to have a pay raise and if we have to get one he wants to make sure it is very small. In fact, inflation will eat up the entire raise. If you Vote for Bush you vote for a decrease in pay. I hope you are smarter than that. GovExec.com reader Posted May 11, 2004 7:30 AM