A mere 2.1% increase in federal pay (compared with a more than 4% projected increase in private sector pay for 2018) is basically just enough to cover inflation for 2018 forecast at 1.9%.
In effect, without the cost of living adjustment, about 2 million federal employees end up with a net decrease of 2% in their standard of living because of inflation and no pay increase to offset.
This is on top of the fiscal year 2011 and 2012 federal pay freeze that President Obama prior enacted.
Why are we picking on the federal workforce when:
1) The U.S. economy is booming at an annual 4.1% increase,
2) Of the $10 trillion tax cuts, 20% is being showered on the wealthiest 1%.
Le's just call a spade a spade--the pay freeze (i.e. cut after inflation) is really being driven to downsize government by driving employees out.
Many of these are good people, hardworking people, and those that not only serve their nation but also sacrifice for it.
With midterms around the corner and another Presidental election coming in a couple of years, why would you want to alienate 2 million workers instead of getting respect and even greater dedication?
As was written on this simple pair of blue jeans:
"Don't beat your croutons, you'll get breadcrumbs."In this case, don't beat up your federal workforce by taking their meager breadcrumbs, to begin with.
Instead, let's show our appreciation for federal employees service to their country. ;-)
(Full disclosure: I am a federal employee and am proud to serve.)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)