In a move that has drawn both praise and criticism, President Joe Biden recently issued an executive order that will result in the most substantial pay increase for federal government employees since the tenure of former President Jimmy Carter.
As reported by The Government Executive, Biden's executive order will see federal employees receive an average pay increase of 5.2% in 2024. This is the most significant increase since Carter boosted federal worker salaries by 9.1% in 1980.
However, this decision has been met with criticism, as it comes at a time when many American citizens are attributing the current economic woes, including soaring inflation, to increased government spending. According to a report by The Daily Caller, a recent poll conducted by CBS News and YouGov revealed that 76% of Americans feel their income is not keeping pace with the current rate of inflation. Furthermore, 56% of those polled believe that increased government spending is directly contributing to inflation.
The Daily Caller also reported that federal government employees will receive a 4.7% pay increase nationwide, with an additional average increase of 0.5% based on their work location. A new salary table released by the United States Office of Personnel Management indicates that federal government employees based in the San Francisco region will receive an additional 0.9% pay increase.
National Treasury Employees Union President Doreen Greenwald praised the pay increase in a press release, stating, "This is a well-deserved increase for our countrys federal workforce. The data shows that federal salaries fell further behind the private sector in the last year, so the average 5.2 percent pay hike is a welcome step forward.
In addition to the average 5.2% pay raise for federal employees, military members will also receive an average 5.2% increase in 2024 under the National Defense Authorization Act. The Daily Caller pointed out that the pay increase for military members was approved by both the House and Senate, while the increase for federal government workers was announced as an executive order by Biden.
A spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget defended the pay increase in a statement to The Daily Caller, saying, The Federal government is the nations largest employer and must ensure it has the talent to meet the needs of the American people.
The spokesperson further added, Executing on the Presidents 5.2 percent pay increase for both military and civilian workers recognizes the Federal workforces dedication and service to the American people and positions the Federal Government to better compete in the labor market to attract and retain a well-qualified workforce.
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