President Biden’s Proposed Pay Raise for Civilian Workers Inadequate, Say Critics
President Biden, known for his labor-friendly policies, has drawn criticism from federal workplace advocates and supporters. The crux of their frustration lies in the President’s proposed 2 percent average pay raise for civilian workers. According to them, this increase does not keep up with inflation and is less than half the proposed 4.5 percent raise for military personnel.
Several prominent figures have expressed their disappointment with the budget proposal. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, stated, “We are extremely disappointed in the way this budget turns its back on the long-standing practice of pay raise parity for civilian and military employees of the federal government.” Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that federal employees are the backbone of the country and should not be underpaid. Additionally, Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) highlighted his disappointment, noting that Biden’s budget deviates from the concept of pay parity.
These sentiments stand in stark contrast to the praise Biden received from labor leaders only a month ago. During a legislative conference, union representatives expressed gratitude for the access they were granted and the opportunity to discuss important matters such as pay and telework with administration officials. However, the proposed 2 percent raise has left them concerned about their members’ financial well-being.
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), a staunch supporter of federal workers, went even further, deeming the 2 percent raise a step backward. Connolly reintroduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act alongside Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), pushing for a more substantial 7.4 percent increase for federal employees in the coming year. He criticized the proposed raise for not keeping up with private sector salaries and inflation, and highlighted Biden’s historical support for federal employees and unions.
The age demographics of the federal workforce also present a significant challenge. Over 28 percent of employees are older than 55, while only 8.7 percent are younger than 30. This issue has been a subject of concern, with experts urging the recruitment of young talent through internships. Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, has emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to ensure the continued success of the federal workforce.
The proposed pay raise has ignited debate about the competitive nature of federal jobs. Currently, the salary differential between federal civilian pay and private sector pay has expanded over the past three decades, posing a risk of attrition within the workforce. Critics argue that a 2 percent raise, falling short of the inflation rate and recent pay hikes, is unlikely to attract the necessary talent.
The implications of this proposed pay raise extend not only to federal employees but also to the overall competitiveness of federal jobs. In acknowledgment of the concerns raised, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stated its commitment to federal compensation and expressed a willingness to work with Congress on pay-related issues. However, critics argue that the proposed increase does not align with the administration’s commitment to the civil service and attracting top talent.
As the discussion surrounding the federal workforce continues, it is crucial to address these concerns and find a sustainable solution. The age demographic issue must be tackled, and efforts to close the salary gap and prioritize pay raise parity deserve careful consideration. President Biden, hailed as a pro-union president, must reconcile his historical support for federal employees with the proposed budget plan.
In conclusion, the proposed 2 percent pay raise for federal civilian workers has sparked disappointment