WASHINGTON, D.C.—AFGE National President John Gage commended Kay Coles James, director of the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM), for her announcement today of a proposed new standard for federal firefighters that could result in pay raises and classification upgrades for a number of first responders.
“On this solemn occasion of the September 11th anniversary, it is right and fitting that federal firefighters should receive this recognition of their special contribution to the American people,” Gage says. “This courageous group of government workers, who every day put their lives on the line for their country, have been paid too little for too long.
"AFGE has worked tirelessly for the last several years, advocating changes to the pay and entry-level grades of federal firefighters, and we thank Director James for her work with us on this important issue.
“Let’s hope that as this draft standard is reviewed by agency heads, the pay and grade raises emerge unscathed, with union rights and civil service protections for the firefighters left in tact,” he concludes.