White House to Freeze Pay for Federal Workers in 2019

[Right_in_Virginia]

White House to Freeze Pay for Federal Workers in 2019
Those serving in the military generally not affected by executive order
Roll Call, Dec 28, 2018

As the partial government shutdown grinds on, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday evening that would freeze pay for federal workers  in 2019.

Trump telegraphed the move in his February budget request for fiscal 2019 when he proposed a pay freeze for the roughly 2.1 million federal civilian workers. That plan was confirmed by a formal announcement in August required to head off steep pay raises that would automatically take effect under a 1990 law, which presidents of both parties routinely override.

“We must maintain efforts to put our Nation on a fiscally sustainable course, and Federal agency budgets cannot sustain such increases,” Trump wrote in an Aug. 30 letter to congressional leaders. “These alternative pay plan decisions will not materially affect our ability to attract and retain a well‑qualified Federal workforce.”

White House and Office of Management and Budget officials didn’t respond immediately to requests for comment Friday evening, and the Office of Personnel Management’s automatic email reply said responses may be delayed due to shutdown-related furloughs. The OPM posted the full details several hours after the initial executive order was released publicly.

“This is just pouring salt into the wound,” said Tony Reardon, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, which represents about 100,000 federal workers. “It is shocking that federal employees are taking yet another financial hit. As if missed paychecks and working without pay were not enough, now they have been told that they don’t even deserve a modest pay increase.”


More:  http://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/white-house-pay-federal-workers

[Right_in_Virginia]

FTA

The decision to freeze pay in 2019 would also affect the 1.3 million or so federal civilian employees at agencies that already have full-year appropriations signed into law. That’s because provisions to block the president’s pay order are in a different spending bill that hasn’t yet become law.

@Mesaclone   This action may well be a bargaining chip for upcoming negotiations, assuming there will be negotiations.

[austingirl]

It's a start. They need a huge reduction in pay. They produce nothing and only push paper at agencies that have no basis in the Constitution. I worked at HEW (before the Dept of Education) and quit in embarrassment at taking hidden welfare.
No doubt, the problem is exponentially worse forty years later.

[Mesaclone]

It's a start. They need a huge reduction in pay. They produce nothing and only push paper at agencies that have no basis in the Constitution. I worked at HEW (before the Dept of Education) and quit in embarrassment at taking hidden welfare.
No doubt, the problem is exponentially worse forty years later.

Put that broad brush down.

I'm willing to accept a pay freeze...and its not for the first time...and right now I'm willing to accept working while getting no pay at all. However, I resent your assertion that I deserve a pay cut...my work is difficult and at times risky and that's true for a LOT of Federal employees. You have folks from ICE, Secret Service, Border Patrol, the Marshal Service and a host of others who are ought there on the front lines every day...and you believe we deserve a "huge" pay cut?

This needs a scalpel, not a sledgehammer...that's a less satisfying approach, perhaps, but more rational. The waste in government...in terms of salary...is at the top end. Much like with most school systems who now employ a host of overpaid "Administrators", so do most government agencies employ a host of high paid "make work" employees sucking from the Federal teat. But never forget, there is also a large number of law enforcement, regulatory and mission focused people busting their butts....and facing danger...who don't deserve to be belittled or to have their pay cut.

[montanajoe]

Put that broad brush down.

I'm willing to accept a pay freeze...and its not for the first time...and right now I'm willing to accept working while getting no pay at all. However, I resent your assertion that I deserve a pay cut...my work is difficult and at times risky and that's true for a LOT of Federal employees. You have folks from ICE, Secret Service, Border Patrol, the Marshal Service and a host of others who are ought there on the front lines every day...and you believe we deserve a "huge" pay cut?

This needs a scalpel, not a sledgehammer...that's a less satisfying approach, perhaps, but more rational. The waste in government...in terms of salary...is at the top end. Much like with most school systems who now employ a host of overpaid "Administrators", so do most government agencies employ a host of high paid "make work" employees sucking from the Federal teat. But never forget, there is also a large number of law enforcement, regulatory and mission focused people busting their butts....and facing danger...who don't deserve to be belittled or to have their pay cut.

 

[Night Hides Not]

Put that broad brush down.

I'm willing to accept a pay freeze...and its not for the first time...and right now I'm willing to accept working while getting no pay at all. However, I resent your assertion that I deserve a pay cut...my work is difficult and at times risky and that's true for a LOT of Federal employees. You have folks from ICE, Secret Service, Border Patrol, the Marshal Service and a host of others who are ought there on the front lines every day...and you believe we deserve a "huge" pay cut?

This needs a scalpel, not a sledgehammer...that's a less satisfying approach, perhaps, but more rational. The waste in government...in terms of salary...is at the top end. Much like with most school systems who now employ a host of overpaid "Administrators", so do most government agencies employ a host of high paid "make work" employees sucking from the Federal teat. But never forget, there is also a large number of law enforcement, regulatory and mission focused people busting their butts....and facing danger...who don't deserve to be belittled or to have their pay cut.

The "senior executive service", or whatever it's called, is what needs to be axed. Case in point, the regional directors at the Defense Contract Audit Agency are among the most worthless bureaucrats to ever grace the federal government. I was embarrassed to be around them, they were that clueless...and they're all making over $200K a year.

OTOH, the leadership and management at the FDIC, where I worked for nearly five years during the bank crisis, is top notch. They supported those of us in the field that were getting the work done.

[Mesaclone]

The "senior executive service", or whatever it's called, is what needs to be axed. Case in point, the regional directors at the Defense Contract Audit Agency are among the most worthless bureaucrats to ever grace the federal government. I was embarrassed to be around them, they were that clueless...and they're all making over $200K a year.

OTOH, the leadership and management at the FDIC, where I worked for nearly five years during the bank crisis, is top notch. They supported those of us in the field that were getting the work done.

Could not agree more...just quit F’ing with the guys on the ground level trying to keep the country safe!

[libertybele]

Could not agree more...just quit F’ing with the guys on the ground level trying to keep the country safe!

Why is it that usually the cuts are at the bottom and not at the dead weight on top?

[Mesaclone]

Why is it that usually the cuts are at the bottom and not at the dead weight on top?

Because the guys at the bottom...out in the field...have no political clout. Whilst I'm adamantly anti-Union, I can see why many people see the need to have one as Federal employees. The Senior Executives look out for themselves with direct contacts to the movers/shakers in DC. Border Patrol Agents, Marshals, Canine Officers, ICE Agents, DHS Law Enforcement lack a strong advocate and so its easy to freeze our pay...cut our COLA, etcetera. 

I work with Canine Handlers and some Federal Marshals who are the sole source of income for their families...how are they supposed to feed their families if this drags on for months? What sucks about this shut down is that the pain is concentrated on the employees who are doing the work of patrolling the border, rounding up illegals, protecting the traveling public...the people who can least afford to lose their pay. The schmucks pulling down $200,000 will be fine. All this means there's no real pressure on EITHER party to come to a compromise...so I predict this thing may drag on for quite a while.

All that said, I hope the President hangs on like grim death and doesn't concede an inch. What he's fighting for is what most of us have been working for throughout our careers...a strong border (with a wall/fence) and a rational immigration policy. It will be worth the pain if he can get that achieved...if he caves, all this hardship will be for nothing.

[Restored]

how are they supposed to feed their families if this drags on for months?

With their savings. My daughter is a federal contractor and she already contacted a former employer to let her work while the shutdown is going on. Eventually, they get their money. This isn't the first shutdown. The longest shutdown has been for 21 days.
Remember, the Democrats voted for the shutdown. They are counting on the media hiding that fact.

[Mesaclone]

With their savings. My daughter is a federal contractor and she already contacted a former employer to let her work while the shutdown is going on. Eventually, they get their money. This isn't the first shutdown. The longest shutdown has been for 21 days.
Remember, the Democrats voted for the shutdown. They are counting on the media hiding that fact.

There's a whole crapload of Fed workers making 35-40 grand a year...many of them are young and heading households with children...they don't HAVE any savings. "Eventually" getting paid doesn't put food on the table or pay for medicine. As for "working" while the shut down is going on...these folks ARE working...they can't just run off and work elsewhere because they have to report to work every day.

As I said, Trump should not cave on this...but make no mistake that a lot of good people are caught in the political crossfire. And yes...I do blame the Democrats.

Finally, shutdowns in the past of been short...this is true. This one feels different...I could see it going on for months, in which case you will see people getting very desperate indeed.

[jafo2010]

The Democommies IMHO have turned communist, and truly want to destroy what makes this country great.

I know a number of fed agencies that use contractors to do the work while the employees sit back doing little to nothing.  With the sole exception of DOD and those that protect America, all contractors should be cut, just like corporate America during bad times.  The federal government has been out of control for decades, and the nonsense has to end.

Congress is no longer doing their job, and the Democommies exacerbate everything they touch.

[Mesaclone]

The Democommies IMHO have turned communist, and truly want to destroy what makes this country great.

I know a number of fed agencies that use contractors to do the work while the employees sit back doing little to nothing. With the sole exception of DOD and those that protect America, all contractors should be cut, just like corporate America during bad times.  The federal government has been out of control for decades, and the nonsense has to end.

Congress is no longer doing their job, and the Democommies exacerbate everything they touch.

Cite examples please.

This is the classic "kernel of truth" sort of drive by posting. Yes, there is a ton of waste in the Federal government and there even some cabinet level departments that should be eliminated...Education for example...but its not all fat. There is muscle and bone in there and if you come at it with a sledge hammer approach you will make things worse than they are now.

[austingirl]

Put that broad brush down.

I'm willing to accept a pay freeze...and its not for the first time...and right now I'm willing to accept working while getting no pay at all. However, I resent your assertion that I deserve a pay cut...my work is difficult and at times risky and that's true for a LOT of Federal employees. You have folks from ICE, Secret Service, Border Patrol, the Marshal Service and a host of others who are ought there on the front lines every day...and you believe we deserve a "huge" pay cut?

This needs a scalpel, not a sledgehammer...that's a less satisfying approach, perhaps, but more rational. The waste in government...in terms of salary...is at the top end. Much like with most school systems who now employ a host of overpaid "Administrators", so do most government agencies employ a host of high paid "make work" employees sucking from the Federal teat. But never forget, there is also a large number of law enforcement, regulatory and mission focused people busting their butts....and facing danger...who don't deserve to be belittled or to have their pay cut.

My post was aimed at paper pushers at unconstitutional agencies. 

[Polly Ticks]

The Democommies IMHO have turned communist, and truly want to destroy what makes this country great.

I know a number of fed agencies that use contractors to do the work while the employees sit back doing little to nothing.  With the sole exception of DOD and those that protect America, all contractors should be cut, just like corporate America during bad times.  The federal government has been out of control for decades, and the nonsense has to end.

Congress is no longer doing their job, and the Democommies exacerbate everything they touch.

What corporation have you been working for?? 

I've been working for a Fortune 50 company for the past couple of decades, and every time things get tight they downsize the full-time employees and keep the contractors.

[RetBobbyMI]

I can’t understand why this is Trumps fault. What was he to do otherwise, be irresponsible and let ginormous pay raises just go into effect?  He told Congress almost a year ago that a fix was needed or he would block it.  They continue to believe he’s bluffing.

[Mesaclone]

I can’t understand why this is Trumps fault. What was he to do otherwise, be irresponsible and let ginormous pay raises just go into effect?  He told Congress almost a year ago that a fix was needed or he would block it.  They continue to believe he’s bluffing.

It’s not Trumps fault. Until they agree to find a wall...the Dems are 100% responsible.

[Emjay]

Put that broad brush down.

I'm willing to accept a pay freeze...and its not for the first time...and right now I'm willing to accept working while getting no pay at all. However, I resent your assertion that I deserve a pay cut...my work is difficult and at times risky and that's true for a LOT of Federal employees. You have folks from ICE, Secret Service, Border Patrol, the Marshal Service and a host of others who are ought there on the front lines every day...and you believe we deserve a "huge" pay cut?

This needs a scalpel, not a sledgehammer...that's a less satisfying approach, perhaps, but more rational. The waste in government...in terms of salary...is at the top end. Much like with most school systems who now employ a host of overpaid "Administrators", so do most government agencies employ a host of high paid "make work" employees sucking from the Federal teat. But never forget, there is also a large number of law enforcement, regulatory and mission focused people busting their butts....and facing danger...who don't deserve to be belittled or to have their pay cut.

Absolutely @Mesaclone ,  I spent a lot of years working for the Social Security Administration in Oklahoma and Texas.  It was probably one of the most hard-working, cost saving and efficient organizations I ever worked for. 

But, yes, government employees are often painted with way too broad a brush, even by other agencies.  I interviewed for a job with the FBI and the guy totally disparaged my work at Social Security, characterizing it as typical government busy work.

I wasn't in danger as you have been and I did also work briefly at another agency that it the common perception.

[montanajoe]

I can’t understand why this is Trumps fault. What was he to do otherwise, be irresponsible and let ginormous pay raises just go into effect?  He told Congress almost a year ago that a fix was needed or he would block it.  They continue to believe he’s bluffing.

It's Trump's fault because he and the GOP didn't get it done during his first two years of office when the GOP controlled the presidency and both houses of Congress.

It seems some have not, even now two days before the Dim's take over control of the House, realized that the GOP, in the last election LOST the branch of government charged with initiating spending under the Constitution. If the Dim's in the House don't pass funding for the wall its not going to get done....that's how our Constitutional Republic was meant to work.

If the GOP and Trump thinks they can spend the next two years doing nothing as they have done the last two years and blaming it on the Dims they are sadly mistaken. The American electorate will give all three branches back to the Dims in 2020 because they will get something done....

[Skeptic]

It’s not Trumps fault. Until they agree to find a wall...the Dems are 100% responsible.

The media likes to flip everything around no matter what happens. They attack Trump and it's out of his hands.

[Mesaclone]

It's Trump's fault because he and the GOP didn't get it done during his first two years of office when the GOP controlled the presidency and both houses of Congress. This is just plain wrong. Trump cannot force, cajole, sweet talk or negotiate such a deal with people who ideologically refuse to EVER go along with a border wall...and at least 5-7 Republicans in the Senate fit that mold. So Trump has zero blame in the decisions and votes of those 5-7 RINO's...nor, for that matter, do the other 44-46 Republican Senators. Put the blame where it lies...on the RINO's and Dems. Everyone else was fighting FOR a wall.

It seems some have not, even now two days before the Dim's take over control of the House, realized that the GOP, in the last election LOST the branch of government charged with initiating spending under the Constitution. If the Dim's in the House don't pass funding for the wall its not going to get done....that's how our Constitutional Republic was meant to work.I think everyone here knows this...but that's also a simplistic view of how the Republic works. Sometimes majorities can be reached with the proper quid pro quo deal...sometimes not...but to rule such a deal out as no longer possible is incorrect.

If the GOP and Trump thinks they can spend the next two years doing nothing as they have done the last two years and blaming it on the Dims they are sadly mistaken. Its not a matter of what they think...if "nothing" is done it will be EXPLICITLY because the Dems choose it so...not Trump or the GOP's fault or problem.The American electorate will give all three branches back to the Dims in 2020 because they will get something done.... Disagree, it will be a Pox on both your Houses and the Dem Congress is likely to get tossed on its ear as much as any branch.

[Mesaclone]

Absolutely @Mesaclone ,  I spent a lot of years working for the Social Security Administration in Oklahoma and Texas.  It was probably one of the most hard-working, cost saving and efficient organizations I ever worked for. 

But, yes, government employees are often painted with way too broad a brush, even by other agencies.  I interviewed for a job with the FBI and the guy totally disparaged my work at Social Security, characterizing it as typical government busy work.

I wasn't in danger as you have been and I did also work briefly at another agency that it the common perception.

Nice post Emjay...and thanks for your time serving in government. My only real point is that, like most things, there are some good things that run well in the government...and some things that need to be scrapped and/or deeply reformed. This...throw it all out mentality...is foolish and dangerous.