2/16/11: NTEU has sent this letter to the entire House of Representatives urging a “no” vote on an amendment by Representative Todd Rokita (R-IN), to H.R. 1, the FY 2011 Continuing Appropriations bill, now pending on the floor of the House of Representatives.  The Rokita Amendment, which came up very quickly, is poorly drafted and NTEU is examining it to determine its reach.  As drafted, it requires that no funds may be used to implement any increase “in the rate of salary or basic pay for any office or position” within the federal government.

The amendment could affect performance-based increases, promotions, career ladder increases, collective bargaining agreements, and an array of flexibilities available to recruit and retain our quality federal workforce.   It was not the subject of any hearings and should be defeated.  I have attached a copy of our letter.  NTEU will continue to fight against these amendments that devalue the important work that federal employees and their agencies perform.