AFGE Demands Federal Pay Raise As Inflation Squeezes Workers

AFGE Demands Federal Pay Raise As Inflation Squeezes Workers...

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal employee union, is pushing Congress for a 5.2% pay raise in 2027 as inflation continues to strain public sector workers. The demand comes as new Labor Department data shows federal salaries lagging behind private sector wages by 27% on average.

AFGE President Everett Kelley testified before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday, arguing that stagnant wages are driving a "brain drain" from critical agencies like the IRS, VA, and Social Security Administration. The union represents over 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers across 80 agencies.

This issue gained traction after the April 5 release of a Government Accountability Office report showing federal vacancies have doubled since 2020. The AFGE-backed FAIR Act (H.R. 5366) would implement the proposed raise, but faces opposition from fiscal conservatives who want to cap increases at 2%.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Wednesday that President Biden "supports fair compensation" but stopped short of endorsing the specific figure. The Office of Personnel Management is expected to issue its 2027 pay recommendations by June 30.

Federal workers in high-cost areas like San Francisco and New York have been particularly vocal, with AFGE Local 704 launching a social media campaign featuring employees struggling with housing costs. The hashtag #FairPayForFedWorkers trended on Twitter this week after VA nurses shared stories of working second jobs.

Congressional negotiations are expected to intensify next month when the House considers the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which typically includes federal pay provisions. AFGE has mobilized members for a "Day of Action" on April 28, with rallies planned outside federal buildings nationwide.

The pay debate coincides with renewed scrutiny of federal workforce conditions following last month's near-miss government shutdown. AFGE estimates 40% of its members live paycheck to paycheck, a statistic that's drawn bipartisan concern during election-year budget talks.