SOUND OFF: Your Thoughts on the Federal Discretionary & Pay Freeze?
Here is your chance to sound off. Today at 11:35 a.m (EST), President Obama will announce a federal pay freeze for civilian workers. What are your thoughts on this?
If you're new to government (i.e. young govie just out of college) how will this affect your decision to stay in government vs. transferring out to the private sector for better pay? Better yet, how will this affect your possible plans to go back to school for more education...or repay your existing student loans?
If you are looking at a career in federal service...will this change your mind?
If you've been working in federal service for years...what are your thoughts?
UPDATE -
President Barack Obama will call for a five-year freeze in non-security, discretionary spending during his State of the Union address tonight, according to a White House official. Read the full story. What do people think?
It is your turn.....SOUND OFF HERE!
Tags: Employment, Pay Freeze, new hire
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by GovLoop on -
Honestly it just seemed inevitable in the current economic times and political conditions. On the good side, this shouldn't change pay increases related to step increases and grade increases so hard-working feds should still get some pay changes in the next two years based on either step or grade.
I worry less about the pay freeze and more about the discussion around it which can be demoralizing as often public and media just bashes government employees
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Permalink Reply by Paul G. Claeyssens on -
I have heard one opinion that it applies to all pay related raises, including step increases, QSIs and the like as well.
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Permalink Reply by Wendell Black on -
Step increases and bonuses are not affected.
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Permalink Reply by abbah on -
I agree. In Colorado, state workers have had involuntary furlough days the last two years.
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Permalink Reply by Peter Sperry on -
More motivation to work hard and qualify for the next grade in my career latter. Possible additional opportunities for promotion as topped out 15s and SLs head out the door.
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Permalink Reply by GovLoop on
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Interesting comment - I wonder if this encourages 15s and SES that can retire to retire...or does it motivate them to stay?
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Permalink Reply by Tamara Saltman on
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Given how many people I know who have lost their job, or taken large pay cuts, I'm having a hard time getting upset at a federal pay freeze. Sure, I'd like a little more money, but lots of other people need it a lot more.
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Permalink Reply by Kay Garth on -
Tamara,
I totally agree with you. This won't change my mind about pursuing my passion within government. I'll continue to apply for employment and intern programs as normal. The only change I would make is making sure that I fit the qualifications above what they're asking to possibly position myself to negotiate the higher end of that salary grade.
Good Post!
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Permalink Reply by Candace Riddle on -
Announcement is streaming live on CNN here
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Permalink Reply by Joe Flood on -
This seems like an ax when a scalpel would've been a better tool for the job. I worked at a nonprofit which did this and it's demoralizing for lower-level staff or people who just joined the organization. (I was told during orientation that salaries were frozen - ugh!) GS-15s aren't going to be troubled by this, they make plenty, but this will be a big hit for people just starting out.
A better approach would've been for agencies to identify high-cost/low-reward activities that could be eliminated. This "one size fits all" approach isn't what I'd expect from an administration that is all about transforming the way government works.
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Permalink Reply by Candace Riddle on
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@Joe - I agree. Its a big hit for lower-level folks who just came on board. I've heard that this is aimed at SES'ers, but I'm not sure how.
@Peter - Getting SES'ers "out the door"...I wonder if anyone did an analysis of a "buy out" per say of top-level SES'ers who are over-due to retire. Would it have saved more to "buy" their retirement, or early retirement, and hire lower paid entry level workers? (My guess is no because of the federal pay scale, and the fact that those moving into the vacant SES position would be due similar pay)...but it is a thought. If anything this method would seem to lend itself to possible room for a new set of eyes and greater innovation in upper-level management. (Then again it could mean a loss of critical information and leadership before the skills have been passed on). Thoughts?
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