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Washington, D.C. – The National Treasury Employees Union is endorsing House and Senate legislation introduced today that would give federal employees a much-needed 3 percent pay raise in 2019.

The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act is sponsored by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.), and would apply to federal employees across the board, starting next year.

“Federal employees living and working in all 50 states are just like everyone else in the middle class, trying to pay their bills and save for retirement,” NTEU National President Tony Reardon said. “A 3 percent bump in pay is a modest but meaningful way to help them do that.”

Economists have predicted that private sector salaries will grow by an average of 3 percent this year, so the proposal to do the same for our nation’s public servants is appropriate, Reardon said.

“We applaud Sen. Schatz, Rep. Connolly, and those members of Congress who clearly recognize the valuable contributions made by the men and women of the civil service and are fighting to compensate them accordingly,” Reardon said.

Federal employees are highly-skilled professionals who choose to work for their fellow citizens delivering important public services like securing the nation, safeguarding the economy and protecting public health. Many of them could earn significantly higher salaries working for private companies but instead remain committed to the public mission of their agencies.

For years, federal employees have endured pay freezes, raises that don’t keep up with the rising cost of living, furloughs, and increased retirement contributions, all in the name of deficit reduction.

“Too often, federal pay and benefits are an easy target when Congress tries to cut spending, so NTEU intends to fight hard to help pass this legislation and give federal workers a fair and respectful pay raise next year,” Reardon said.

NTEU represents 150,000 employees at 32 federal agencies and departments.