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Let’s face it—federal employee pay is a favorite target for some on Capitol Hill and in the media. Is what they say true? The answer is NO! Here are the facts on federal pay and why federal employees need a fair pay raise.
Myth
Federal employees are overpaid compared with private sector workers.
Fact
Over the past six years, private sector wages have increased 10.6 percent according to the Department of Labor. During that same period, federal wages have only risen 3.3 percent, with federal workers enduring a three-year pay freeze and three years of below-market pay increases. The administration is proposing a 1.6 percent pay raise for federal employees in calendar year 2017. That’s simply not enough.
Myth
Federal pay is only an issue for federal employees.
Fact
A strong, vital federal workforce that attracts the best and the brightest is important to all Americans. In order for federal agencies to successfully achieve their missions and administer their programs for the public, they need a highly skilled professional workforce: including doctors, lawyers, CPAs, computer programmers, researchers, customer service representatives, lab technicians and law enforcement officers.
Myth
Federal employees haven’t sacrificed enough to help restore the nation’s fiscal health.
Fact
Between pay cuts, increased retirement contributions, and unpaid furlough days, federal workers have contributed more than $182 billion toward budget savings. NTEU has blocked many attempts to do even more damage and continues to fight against harmful legislation on Capitol Hill.
Myth
The proposed 2016 pay raise is paltry, but there’s nothing I can do about it.
Fact
The 2017 pay raise has not been finalized, so there is still time to join NTEU’s fight for a fair increase. NTEU is strongly supporting legislation in the House and Senate that would provide a 5.3 percent federal pay raise next year. Take action now