Most federal employees will receive no cost-of-living increase next year absent congressional action, thanks to President Trump’s decision to freeze their wages.
Late last month, President Trump quietly informed Congress he was freezing the salaries of all federal employees next year with the exception of those in law enforcement, who would receive a 3.8% increase. Trump issued the same pay freeze last year, although Congress ultimately approved a 1% across-the-board raise.
“For the second year in a row, President Trump has decided to deny most federal workers a pay raise next year. This is a slap in the face to the dedicated civil servants who keep our nation running and will make it harder for federal agencies to recruit and retain essential employees,” AFGE National President Everett Kelley said.
“For years, wages for federal employees haven’t kept pace with rising costs for housing, food, utilities, and other essentials. Private-sector workers currently earn 27% more on average than federal employees doing the same job. To add insult to injury, the administration is asking for special approval to pay hundreds of employees ‘requiring an extremely high level of expertise’ up to $400,000 a year – equal to the president’s base salary – even as it denies workers a basic cost-of-living raise.”
Kelley urged Congress to override President Trump’s pay freeze and pass the Federal Adjustment of Incomes Rates (FAIR) Act, which would provide federal employees with a much-deserved 4.1% pay raise next year.
“Federal employees treat our veterans and support our military, safeguard our food and air, process retirement and disability payments for tens of millions of Americans every month, and so much more. Making sure they earn a fair wage isn’t just good for them – it’s good for the quality of government services and the people we all serve,” Kelley said.
Any action by Congress likely won’t occur until after Election Day, however. Lawmakers have cleared the most pressing matter on their plate by passing a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through Dec. 11, allowing them to return home and campaign ahead of the midterm election.
Congress has approved none of the 12 appropriations bills for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, meaning a continuing resolution was required to forestall a government shutdown. The Senate passed the continuing resolution 90-6 on Aug. 8, and the House approved the bill 370-48 on Sept. 1, sending it to President Trump for his signature.
What happens next remains to be seen. Congress will return to Washington following the midterm election and will need to either pass the budget bills before Dec. 11 or extend funding yet again to avoid a shutdown.
Take Action: Tell your lawmakers to pass the FAIR Act.
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