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Washington, D.C.— Legislation to give federal employees a 3.2 percent pay raise in 2018 was strongly supported today by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).

The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, sponsored by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), would provide employees with a 2 percent across-the-board pay raise, plus a 1.2 percent adjustment designated for increasing locality pay rates.

“In recent years, federal employees have been left trailing their private sector counterparts when it comes to pay,” said NTEU National President Tony Reardon. “The FAIR Act recognizes that federal workers are critical to our country and should be paid fairly.”

Although the private sector job market is healthy and wages are increasing, NTEU expects efforts in Congress to limit federal employee pay—including pay freezes and restricting performance-based awards. The last several years of pay freezes, low raises, furloughs and sequester cuts have taken a heavy toll on the federal workforce which is now facing heavier workloads with a hiring freeze.

“Federal employees are dedicated public servants. They are highly trained and educated and work hard every day to help all Americans,” said Reardon. “They should not have to accept substandard pay raises and face continual attacks on their rights and benefits.”

“We applaud Congressman Connolly’s legislation that is respectful of the work federal employees perform each and every day. NTEU will work hard to advance this legislation,” Reardon said.

NTEU represents 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments.