9/29/08: NTEU’s persistent efforts over the past year to provide federal employees with a much-deserved higher raise in 2009 have paid off.

The House and Senate have approved a continuing resolution including an average 3.9 percent pay raise for federal employees. The NTEU-sought figure is a full percentage higher than the president's budget request of 2.9 percent.

“This action sends the right message to the women and men of the federal workforce— namely, that their continuing contributions to the well-being of our nation are recognized and appreciated,” said NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley. “It also ensures that federal employees will receive their pay raise in January and puts to rest any uncertainty.”

NTEU and its members have pushed aggressively to secure the higher figure and the union thanks House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), for his leadership. Since the president’s budget was released in February, NTEU led the fight for a higher pay raise and military-civilian pay parity, emphasizing the importance of recognizing federal employees for their dedication and hard work.

If signed into law, the sweeping stopgap measure would fund most government agencies at fiscal 2008 levels through March 6. Exceptions include the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs, which are on track to receive significantly higher funding levels than in fiscal 2008.

Other positive provisions NTEU secured include:

• $67.9 million for Internal Revenue Service taxpayer services to meet requirements in the 2008 Economic Stimulus Act.

• $150 million in additional funding for the Food and Drug Administration.

• Authority for the Department of Energy to hire employees to implement a new technology program.

• An increase in staffing for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and $200 million in funding for the NTEU-won enhanced law enforcement officer retirement benefit. In addition, DHS would be prohibited from implementing a new anti-employee personnel system which would include a pay-for-performance component.

The measure now moves to the president, who is expected to sign it.

NTEU’s ability to win higher compensation, better benefits and increased workplace protections is contingent on a strong and active membership. For more information on how you can support NTEU’s efforts, visit www.NTEU.org.