WASHINGTON, D.C.—John Gage, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) today issued the following statement in response to Senate passage of a 4.1 percent pay increase for federal employees in 2004:
“Despite the occasional pep talk from the President, Bush continues to lowball pay increases for federal workers, ignoring the tradition of pay parity between military and civilian federal employees and the 18 percent average gap that exists between federal and non-federal pay because the law has never been fully implemented.
“Thankfully, Members of Congress recognize the valuable contributions of federal employees who daily risk their lives to support this nation’s war on terrorism both abroad and at home.
“For the first time in history, Congress not only approved a 4.1 percent increase for General Schedule federal employees, this bill also provides a 4.1 percent increase for Wage Grade workers and employees in the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security.
“I certainly hope and urge President Bush to support pay parity and propose the same pay increase for federal employees as for military personnel in his 2005 budget. But regardless, AFGE will again work with lawmakers to ensure that the tradition and fairness of pay parity is maintained.”