Detroit, Michigan – President Biden’s recent proposal for a 2 percent pay raise for civilian federal workers has sparked criticism among his traditional supporters within the labor community. Despite his strong ties with labor organizations, including picketing with Michigan workers and addressing the United Auto Workers leader in a joint congressional audience, Biden’s budget plan has left many feeling disillusioned.
Labor leaders such as Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, and Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, have expressed their disappointment with the proposed pay raise. The 2 percent increase falls short of keeping up with inflation and pales in comparison to the 4.5 percent raise suggested for military personnel, prompting concerns about pay parity for civilian and military federal employees.
Representative Steny H. Hoyer, a vocal advocate for equal pay between military and civilian federal workers, also voiced his disappointment with Biden’s budget, which departs from the tradition of pay parity. The proposed pay raise has left many questioning the President’s commitment to the federal workforce, highlighting the challenges faced by front-line federal workers in meeting rising living costs.
The backlash from labor organizations comes as a surprise to many, considering Biden’s past support for workplace policies and access provided to labor leaders. Despite the admiration for the grandeur of the White House complex, labor leaders are now emphasizing the tangible impact of low pay on their members’ livelihoods.
In response to the criticism, the White House and its Office of Management and Budget have remained tight-lipped about the pay raise proposal. While the Administration has reiterated its commitment to federal compensation, critics argue that the proposed 2 percent raise falls short of addressing the widening pay gap between federal civilian and private sector employees.
With the age demographics of the federal workforce skewing towards older employees, concerns about attracting young talent to public service have come to the forefront. President Biden’s budget narrative also takes aim at former President Trump’s attempts to weaken civil service protections, affirming the need for a merit-based federal workforce.
As debate rages on about the adequacy of the proposed 2 percent raise, labor leaders and lawmakers are pushing for a more substantial increase to ensure the federal workforce remains competitive and adequately compensated. The proposal for a 7.4 percent raise under the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act signifies a broader effort to address longstanding disparities in federal pay and attract top talent to public service.