Return to Article: Union calls for 3.9 percent federal pay increase in 2009
-
63040
Just a side note, If you want to cut the pay increases for government workers, how about cutting the pay of our elected officials and leave the middle man alone. We get hit hard enough as it is. With food prices going up, gas higher than it's ever been, and the cost of insurance for FED employees going up, the raises we have been getting the past few years hasn't even come close to making up the difference.
-
62091
The comments on the Federal Goverment pay scales and increases doesn't actually work that way for all of us. I am a VA nurse and have only been here 2 years so far, and I didn't get a step increase. The VA system, you only get a step increase each year if you are on the lowest steps in the scale. Even though I am only level one, I came in as a step 7. So according to the VA, I can only get a step bi-yearly. Also, the comment on the 5% match, isn't true. Many hospitals and organizations match more. And the VA matches 3 and 1/2 for 2 more. I am here because I like my job and I love working with the Vets. I don't think that is a reason for me to be amound the lowest paid nurses in the area. The problem is that the VA system is top heavy with nurse salaries. The ones doing the patient care and help the the Vets everyday are the lowest paid. The ones in the exc. offices, mangers, case mangers and non care areas get very high salaries. So when they do the wonderful numbers, the averages are "excellent". And you are right, we can go look elsewhere, but why should we have too. Just treat us like everyone else in the workforce. Pay us a living wage like other healthcare systems.
-
61344
Retirees should get a larger raise also, what about 5%, the cost of living/Food, Health Insurance, Gas prices, etc. We retirees who have worked for the Federal Government for 30 plus years are now on a fix income. We too deserve a better raise in what we are geting also. When you mention Government Employees, don't forget about the people who have serve before. Mention us retirees also.
-
61165
Civil servants should really get on Congress (our lawmakers) to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. I worked in the "PRIVATE" Sector before I went in to the Military as well as after including working two (2) jobs 1 private and 1 Federal job. I paid into the SS System "because" I had to, so why shouldn't I be allowed to collect what I am entitled to without penalty. (I earned the right to collect) Latest word has it that the Congress wants to allow "illegals to be able to collect SS benefits without every paying into the system (What in the H--L is the Congress thinking.
-
61149
Something needs to be done about the Social Security (SS) penalties on retired federal employees. I was a federal investigator for 22 years when I retired and could not pay into SS. I paid into SS prior to that employment, including while 3 years in the army (1 year in Vietnam). After retirement, I paid into SS for 15 years. When applying for SS, I was told I would be penalized on benefits because of my federal pension and that it would not be fair to "double dip" and receive the full SS benfits I qualified for. With the millions of federal funds that are wasted every day, you would think the system would take better care of those who faithfully served in so any capacities and treat them fairly.
-
60826
With inflation at least 10% in almost all cost areas due to oil prices, why should Government workers settle for a 2% wage increase? Our wages have steadly decreased due to lower-than-inflation increases for many years. Without Government workers, your Government would not exist... why should we get paid less than the private sector?
-
59821
Dear SH, A0 Many Veterans work for the Federal Government and have been shot at. Many like myself have been away from family for 303 days a year. Private hospitals are not trained to put violent Psych patients, trained by the military, in leathers, WE DO. We are subject to WAGE SURVEYS, Where the Goverment CANNOT be the Highest nor the Lowest payer in any location for comparable experience. The price of milk went up 30 cents this month. With 6 kids that hurts.
-
59401
Government employees support the military and serve (In the face of peril, understaffing, and corporate bullying) the public. Government employees should not be slammed because they are not shallow enough to participate in the corporate corruption that manifests itself in bloated pay checks cultivated by shallow selfish mindsets. Shame on you for slamming government servants and expecting them to be paid less than their corporate America equivalents or the military they serve. Shame on you!
PS. More government oversight of corporate America should be implemented considering the pillaging corporations have put the American public through over the last 8 years.
-
58997
What a bunch of whiners!!! I'm appalled that you are comparing yourselves to the military. Every one of you have the option to seek employment in the private sector. That's right, you're not going to do that because the compensation package will not equal what you are currently receiving. As with any job, in order to be paid more, you need to do more work, what a concept. If you can't live on your current salary and live near a Military installation, check with Family Services, they provide free money management classes. For those of you that complain about your pay raise vs. Military, see your local Armed Forces Recruiting Station. You too can be away from your spouse and children for extended periods of time while someone is continuously attempting to take your life. Oh yeah, you won't do that, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines don't have union reps to take that bullet for you. The freedom to complain----proudly provided by the United States Armed Forces.
To SH, Someday you will be retired and then what? I am sure if you did your research you will find out that some of us served before you were even thinking about your abc's. You are correct about the military not having a union. Future reference do your research some of us actually work to support those in uniform and have served 20 plus years.
-
58985
I am a former Vietnam Veteran who was an Air Force PJ. Yes we know they don't pay the military a lot but you also have to look at other things that they receive Unmarried military members get Meals and Housing, Married military get a check which is sufficient to get a nice apartment or home plus $$ for food. Free medical coverage for the most part. The pay government workers get is outrageous the cost of living swallows the increase plus some. When they first started the pay compability act it was to ensure that federal workers caught up with the private sector. We were on the move until the repubs took office and started to limit our increases. We need somewhere in the range of 5-7% increase for the next couple of years to again catch the private sector. Maybe we should start a petition so that we can vote on Congressional pay increases like they do with ours then maybe they would see where we come from. And for SH who mentioned that fed employees are whiners you better look again. Most of the fed work force is FORMER MILITARY and wanted to continue to work for a Top Employer.
-
58723
What a bunch of whiners!!! I'm appalled that you are comparing yourselves to the military. Every one of you have the option to seek employment in the private sector. That's right, you're not going to do that because the compensation package will not equal what you are currently receiving. As with any job, in order to be paid more, you need to do more work, what a concept. If you can't live on your current salary and live near a Military installation, check with Family Services, they provide free money management classes. For those of you that complain about your pay raise vs. Military, see your local Armed Forces Recruiting Station. You too can be away from your spouse and children for extended periods of time while someone is continuously attempting to take your life. Oh yeah, you won't do that, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines don't have union reps to take that bullet for you. The freedom to complain----proudly provided by the United States Armed Forces.
-
54845
When the Federal Government can't fill open positions, THEN they will increase the pay grades. Job security of a federal job keeps the wages lower. And good luck finding a 5% match in a private sector 401(k)
-
53039
Vote for McCain and we will get more of the same or worse.
Vote for Obama and only God knows what we will get.
If it was up to either one of them there would be no Civil Service Workforce.
-
52884
FEHB goes up 10% = +$290.00 per yr. Gas went up 50% +$1560.00 per yr.
3.9% across the board increase = $2307
My raise is now $457 per year or .7725%
Lets see, what did I forget? Food Costs are skyrocketing, Property Taxes are out -of-control and rising again, etc.... And Bush wanted to give me a 2.9% raise. What planet is this man from anyway ?
-
52564
Considering the fact that yesterday I read to be prepared for health insurance to increase 10% next year, that 3.9% raise isn't going to go far. Add in the "nationwide" spike in fuel costs and it's effect on food and goods & svcs, that raise should be much higher. Even 4% isn't going to cut it. Next year calls for an unprecidented increase as we are living with unprecidented increases daily!
-
50725
Well, there was lots of talk about "over pay" and how unture automatic increases are... well, as i have been made an offer, within that offer are automatic grade increases for each year of employment up until grade 12 (or 11). I will begin at 7 (step 15)-1st year, 2nd year (grade 9), third year-grade 11. and this is with the cost analysis department and then there is the 3% living raise (each yr). this is what is my offer...(then at grade 11 (or 12) it is "competitive" Its pretty sweet and i couldn't believe it...however, in reference to the "cap" this is where you can say that the federal gov. dogs it's civilian employees...that's why many people (especially in the unit where i am employed...leave after the third year at gs 11 because they are worth much more than they are being paid!)
-
50418
With the cost of living going so high the pay should be higher .Gas cost so much and the Food Prices are so High and rising just like Gas,Healthcare etc .I figured it would be at least a 4% increase .
-
49902
With Gas , milk and other food cost going thru the roof ....one would think the Cola would be larger.... The federal worker/retiree becomes the favorate political whipping boy to prove they can cut government cost.
-
47185
Al, Okay, I'll bite. Like Doe, I'm wondering just where should we all live?
The west coast is going for a little swim someday. The east coast will sink with the rising temperatures from global warming. There are two Tornado Alleys; the north from Kansas to Ohio, and the south from Oklahoma/north Texas through Alabama. Practically no one wishes to live in the Dakotas, and few in their neighboring states. The entire Gulf region is like a dart board in the right season; and I'm continually surprised that Florida is still above water. I suppose we could all huddle in the areas between all the nature disaster zones of the US; but that is one of the few good things we are known for worldwide, preparedness and survival.
Folks go where the jobs are. DC used to be a swamp. Like many governments, someone once pushed the issue and now it is our nation's capital; a high-cost and crime ridden area, both a national treasure and a national shame.
But whenever this topic comes up, everyone seems to think their location needs some special consideration. I suppose that could be true. But income to cost ratios are constantly changing; unfortunately, some are always in the up direction.
As another reader once commented (and I paraphrase): Yes, it is understandable if we civil servants have an "entitled" attitude; the same as any other hard working and deserving American citizen. It's the balance between folks and locations, in this situation, that is the most difficult to achieve.
-
46118
With regard to Frank's comment, Al said: "Please don't chose to live in an area that has outrageous costs of living THEN EXPECT the rest of us to pay for your choice to live there!"
My question to Al is: Gee Al, what should they do, commute from Kansas every day to their government jobs in Florida?
-
46084
Regarding Frank's comments: Please don't chose to live in an area that has outrageous costs of living THEN EXPECT the rest of us to pay for your choice to live there! Move to another area of the country that has lower costs of living.
It irks me to no end that people like you who chose to live in Hurricane prone areas are amazed almost to the point of disbelief when one comes into your area completely destroying it i.e. New Orleans ring any bells? THEN you expect your cost of living NOT to rise and you expect the rest of the country should support your choice of where to live.....GIVE ME and the rest of Americans a break, you're choice, your expense, quite complaning!
-
45220
It doesn't suprise me that the Fed's who are posting think that the pay raise is a "COLA". It not never was meant to be so if stuff is going up tighten your belt and spend less, you act as if your children and you need a raise in your allowance
-
45091
To answer Lori's question: No, the step increases DO NOT come every year. At the lowest end of each grade, an employee is elegible to get annual increases if performance is deemed as deserving. Once you get to the middle and high end of each grade, the chance to be rated for an increase stretches out to once every THREE years.
Additionally, these "step increases" are NOT to be confused with Cost of Living Increases (which is the subject of the article). These cost of living increases are intended to keep salaries LEVEL with the rate of inflation. When the U.S. dollar is in freefall, like now, inflation is high and larger cost of living increases are then justified.
-
45086
If they are going to give raises like that, they need to raise the pay cap. More and more of the top steps in DP-4 and GS-15 are up to the limit of $149,000. That may sound like a lot. For the people who are experts in their fields and have over 30 years of service, it is better to go to industry, who will pay you what you are worth, not what Congress thinks should be the pay cap.
-
45078
'Each year employee's are eligible for the step or multiple step increases.' Lore Barbee
Get your information straight! Government employees are NOT eligible for a step increase each year. 'Multiple step increases' each year? What the heck are you talking about? No wonder the private sector thinks we're overpaid when we have misinformed people like you posting false information.
-
45076
Regarding Lori Barbee's post on step increases. The first 4 are yearly, the next 4 are 2 years apart and all the rest are 3 years apart. When you get on up in rank, step increases are a long time comming.
-
45075
Lori: your understanding is not correct. Govt employees are not given step increases each year. For the first few years we do get a step increase, but after about step 4 it's every other year, then every 3 yrs after step 6. Nor are the step increases automatic. Or, at least they're not supposed to be. A step increase can be blocked by a supervisor for inferior performance. While this almost never happens, it's not the fault of the system itself. On the other hand, a supervisor can grant a step increase to an outstanding performer before they're due for a step increase. This almost never happens either, but again that's not the fault of the system.
The pay increase we civil servants (usually) receive in January is a cost-of-living increase. It is calculated I/ A / W the rate of inflation. It is not dependent on the individual's performance. So no, the government is not "giving $$ away." If you want to make the case that it is, then you also have to argue that every single private company that gives COLA increases each year is doing the same thing. You can't have it both ways.
-
45072
I'm tired of hearing about the COLA for southern states,... you know what,... enjoy your lovely sunny weather or come join us with a snow shovel in your hands. I grew up in the south and have lived in the midwestern portion of this country for almost as long. Either way, COLA doesn't make my salary or lifestyle comparable to that of my industry partners. Now as for the comments on the "step" increases,... my goodness don't take away the only thing the GS pay system has going for it beyond opportunity (like you stated). Those "step" increases get me closer to my counterparts and make civil service a bit more comparable. Having said that, after 18 years of service, I haven't stayed for the pay. What little bit there is fits my family just fine and we do well compared to some. Fiscal restraint in this country,... ha! This is big ole' America, brother! Checks for everyone,... welfare, WIC, disability, unemployment, social security. Let's talk more about cutting those budgets rather than punishing those who do actually work! Let's just talk about outrageous spending habits of Americans! $3.95 for a cup of coffee! I'm there with you, but the answer isn't here in this day.
-
45071
It is obvious that Lori Barbee does not now nor ever has worked for the Feds. Her statement that step increases are given every year is so wrong that I'm sure that she generated enough response to almost bring the GovExe server down.
FYI Lori - Ten steps over a 30+ year career (none of which are REALLY guaranteed). First, one a year for the first 3 steps. Second, one every two years for the next 3 steps. Last, one every three years for the last 3 steps. And yes, that's only 9, becuase you start in step 1 and finish in step 10 (9 steps).
If you're lucky, you'll move up through the grades and jump steps, but, in the end, they still add up to the same numbers above - incremental steps spaced out to provide increases over a 30 year career. And that's why you still get a "cost-of-living raise" from Congress every year.
-
45068
In response to Lori's comment...yes, there are ten steps within each grade. However, from step 1 through step 4, advancement to the next higher step is 52 weeks of creditable service, steps 4 through 7 is 104 weeks of creditable service, while steps 7 through 10 is 156 creditable service. The problem stems from application of COLA and the implementation of the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990. The FEPCA was designed to restore the living standards and buying power of federal employees and their families...therefore FEPCA was designed to fulfill this very purpose. The lower salary adjustment imposed by not only this Administration but, preceding Administrations has had a detrimental affect on the Government's ability to not only recruit but, retain a workforce to replace employees nearing retirement and supply a means for federal employees' and their families with economic stability and security. Implementation of locality pay of FEPCA has occurred once in intervening years and the average remaining pay gap is 18.4%. In addition, many employees in the private sector are not required to deploy as those of us employed by the Government. Furthermore, all salary earned during a deployment is subject to income tax, while the salaries of contractors are not. Therefore, the inequity of salaries by federal employees is sagacious.
-
45067
Not all civilians are under the GS system, and not all GS employees get a step increase every year.
-
45066
There are indeed 10 steps within each GS grade. However, eligibility for a step increase is not automatic (it is based on acceptable work performance) nor is it annual (employees wait up to three years to be eligible for the last three steps). Furthermore, many thousands of federal employees are "topped out" - at the step 10 level and lose the opportunity for step increases. For these dedicated employees, an annual pay increase is the only hope of trying to keep up with the increases in cost of living.
-
45063
Someone should inform Lori that not everyone is still under the GS pay system. I haven't been for over 10 years as we went ACQ Demo and then into NSPS. Even under the old system it was not a give away and not every year. We work hard for our salary and if she thinks it is so easy she should give it a try.
-
45059
2.9% doesn't come close to keeping up with inflation. Basic necessities for survival...like the cost of food and gas...should be used in the process of figuring our salaries each year. The cost of food and gas has almost doubled in the past 5 years where I live. I'm not suggesting our salaries should double too...but I can guarantee you that an extra 2.9% doesn't keep up with the extra costs we incurr to survive. 3.9% comes closer to being fair. Just because the Fed is lowering interest rates doesn't mean we don't have inflation...we do...they are both causing it by increasing money supply and masking it by focusing on other things. Inflation is alive and real...and our salaries should be adjusted to keep pace. Just IMHO.
-
45056
Thank you Sen Webb does that mean that we can do less with more that's a totally new concept. I think trying to turn public perception around will be impossible unless the Fed work force is eliminated and each employee has to bid on a job to come back
-
45055
Research should be done before making comments on pay raises. Each GS has 10 steps but raises are NOT given every year after step 4. From Step 4 to 7 you wait two years and from Step 7 to 10 it is three years. So to get from Step 1 to 10 it takes 19 years unless you get a grade increase.
-
45051
It is my understanding that the GS pay scale has ten steps for each grade. Each step has a pay increase. The very definition of raise. Each year employee's are eligible for the step or multiple step increases. Is that not the the equivilant of a raise? How can a pay increase/raise be justified. Federal employees have the opportunity and are given annual increses. There is no need or reason to GIVE money away.
-
45049
If the NTEU wants lawmakers to support 6 major issues, why not make it 7 and have lawmakers repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. That is the most important issue for many, many civil servants.
-
45043
A quote from the article "President Bush proposed a 2.9 percent increase in his fiscal 2009 budget request, but Kelley called the proposal "inappropriate and unacceptable," noting especially its lack of parity with military service members. The president proposed a 3.4 percent raise for the military in 2009."
This is the same President Bush who claims that soldiers need the extra pay because they are going into harms way (I agree with that), but that DoD civilians don't deserve the same - - - RIGHT? If I'm not mistaken, didn't that same President Bush place all DoD civilians in combat zones under the Uniform Code of Military Justice last year so they could be tried by court-martial? BUT, we don't deserve the same raise because we aren't in harm's way is what I understood his reasoning to be about parity between civilian pay and military pay.
?
-
45041
I am a federal employee and the increase is great however, I have another concern. I recently located from Texas to Mississippi due to my husband's career move. How often is the cola allowance adjusted? I took a serious pay cut in cola with this transfer. Mississippi's cost of living is outrageous for the state to be as poor as the media portray it to be. With a comparison to Texas which has no state tax and no food tax, Mississippi has no incoming revenue yet it has state and food tax to make up the shortcomings. Even the utilities are excessively higher in Mississippi. To be as small as it is, it forces people into poverty. No wonder the people are struggling and crime is at an alarming rate. Someone needs to reevaluate the cola rate for this state.
-
45038
For those of us that are under NSPS, the 3.9% pay raise is not automatic. As you may know, the pay raise (minus locality adjustment) is added to the NSPS pay pool due to a decision made by the Sec Def. First of all, during all the classes and briefings on how NSPS was going to be implemented, we were assured that raises would continue as in the pass (were we therefore lied to). Secondly, applying the pay raise to the pay pool is certainly not fair to NSPS employees because all other federal employees (like the Navy) not under NSPS receive the automatic pay raise. Thirdly, a pay raise should be applied because of "the increased cost to live" and pay parity with the civilian sector, NOT based on performance. There is already a money pool for that - the carry over from the old performance system. Colleen Kelley, as the leader of a Federal Labor Union, and all other leaders should work to get the pay raise back to a true pay raise based on the "cost-to-live" and pay parity, not on performance.
-
45031
What is "inappropriate and unacceptable" is the unions trying to bankrupt this country a percentage point at a time. It's time to start sacrificing All americans need to cut back on frivilous spending including the Federal Gov't. No one is going to die because we only get 2.9 vs 3.9 increase. What the House and Senate needs to do is cut every dept's budget 5% every year for 5 years. We need a sound fiscal policy and a strong leader to boot.
-
45028
There has been a total lack of consideration for the outrageous costs of living in South Florida such as; higher property taxes, hazard insurance, fuel costs and no consideration to increase locality pay, it is about time someone is suggesting a logical and justified raise.
PROMO RIGHT: EVENTS
UPCOMING WEBINARS
NOVEMBER 18
Speed bumps for Teleworking: What are they and how to avoid them?
DECEMBER 3
Achieve Program Success: Unlock the Management Information in Your Data
DECEMBER 10
Practical Transparency: Applying Exchange Networks for Mission Results
PROMO RIGHT: DIRECTORIES
Post a Comment
To post a comment, you must provide a name and a valid e-mail address. Messages must be limited to 400 words. By using this Service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Government Executive does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.