WASHINGTON, D.C.—John Gage, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), today issued the following statement in response to the release of a bi-partisan letter from Washington, D.C. area lawmakers urging President Bush to support pay parity in his fiscal year 2005 budget proposals:
“Federal employees who often work side-by-side with military personnel are crucial to our nation’s defense, security and general welfare. As such, they should be afforded the same pay increases as those in the military.
“AFGE applauds today’s bi-partisan letter from area lawmakers to President Bush urging the President to embrace the tradition of pay parity when issuing his budget proposals for fiscal year 2005.
“Regardless of the agency they work for or the pay system they are under, federal employees should be recognized for their essential contributions to the welfare of this nation and its citizens. It’s the right thing to do.”
###