In the News

Congressman Gerry Connolly and Senator Brian Schatz have reintroduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, a bill that would provide federal employees with a three percent pay increase in 2019. Connolly has introduced the FAIR Act every year since 2014. The House bill is cosponsored by Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, and Representatives Beyer, Cummings, Norton, Kaptur, Lujan Grisham, Kelly, Sherman, Clay, Comstock, McCollum, Kilmer, Bonamici, Yarmuth, Ruppersberger, Delaney, Perlmutter, Courtney, McGovern, Slaughter, Sires, Walz and Moore.

"For too long Republicans in Congress have treated the federal workforce like a national piggy bank. They've endured three years of pay freezes, a government shutdown, sequestration cuts, furloughs, and a mindless across-the-board hiring freeze,” said Congressman Gerry Connolly. “And to make matters even worse, the President has treated federal employees like his own rhetorical punching bag - hurling insults and falsehoods. Yet, despite this increasingly challenging environment, our federal employees continue to serve with dedication and distinction every day. They deserve better. The FAIR Act is step towards recognizing their contributions and providing fair and just compensation."

“Whether they manage fisheries for NOAA or keep our airports safe as part of the TSA, federal workers in every part of this country and around the world protect and serve the American people,” said Senator Schatz. “This legislation allows us to right the wrongs from furloughs, sequestration, and pay freezes by giving these hardworking public servants the raise they deserve.”

The FAIR Act’s wage adjustment restores years of lost wage increases for federal employees. This legislation would ensure that federal employees serving across the country, in all 50 States and on behalf of constituents residing in every congressional district, earn a pay increase of three percent.

“The legislation introduced by Sen. Schatz and Rep. Connolly – the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act, or FAIR Act – would help prevent federal employees from falling further behind with a 3 percent pay adjustment in 2019. The women and men who guard our borders, serve our veterans, inspect our food, and protect our planet are worth this modest investment,” said J. David Cox, National President of AFGE.

“Economic forecasters estimate that wages in the private sector will rise an average of 3 percent in 2018, so it is perfectly reasonable for federal employees to expect the same modest increase in their paychecks,” said Tony Reardon, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union. “We applaud Senator Schatz and Representative Connolly for introducing legislation that treats federal employees with respect and recognizes their contributions to national security, economic growth and public health.”

Text of the FAIR Act is available here.

The legislation is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE); the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU); the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE); the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF); the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA); National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC); the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE); the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE); the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA); the AFL-CIO; the National Education Association (NEA); the Metal Trades Department; the Seafarers International Union; National Weather Service Employees Organization; the Patent Office Professional Association; and the National Association of Federal Veterinarians; National Council of Social Security Management Associations; Professional Aviation Safety Specialists.