A group of 27 House and Senate Democrats is urging President Joe Biden to reconsider his proposed 2025 federal pay raise plan, asking for a 4.5% raise for civilian federal employees to match the military’s proposed increase. The lawmakers made their request in a letter sent to the president on Wednesday morning, arguing that both groups should receive the same raise to ensure pay parity.

Lawmakers, led by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), argue that the pay disparity between civilian and military employees for 2025 must be corrected. They advocate for a 4.5% raise for civilian workers instead of the 2% currently proposed, Federal News Network reported.

The proposed 2025 raises are in motion, with military personnel set to receive a 4.5% increase and civilian employees set for a 2% boost, according to Biden’s alternative pay plan submitted in August. Both groups' final pay amounts remain undecided.

A group of Democrats, including prominent House and Senate members, advocates for aligning military and civilian raises to recognize both groups' contributions to national security and government operations. Their letter also reflects a trend of aligning pay raises for federal workers over the past two decades, regardless of the party in power.

Calls for Fair Compensation in Government Workforce

Federal unions and employee organizations criticize the 2% raise for civilian employees, expected to be finalized by December 2024. They argue that the increase is insufficient given the rising cost of living and salary disparities with the private sector.

The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) points to a Federal Salary Council report showing federal pay is nearly 25% lower than private sector rates for similar jobs, warning that this pay gap drives qualified professionals to higher-paying private sector roles.

The lawmakers pushing for the 4.5% raise argue that by providing equal pay raises for both groups, the administration would demonstrate its recognition of the essential work done by both military personnel and civilian workers. “Our nation’s service members and civilian employees both work tirelessly to keep us safe and run the critical operations of the government,” the group wrote in their letter.

In their push for action, the lawmakers also pointed to a similar situation in 2016, when then-President Barack Obama submitted an alternative pay plan that recommended equal pay increases for military and civilian workers. They urge President Biden to act swiftly to revise the current proposal, which they argue does not sufficiently address the needs of the federal workforce.

The Debate Intensifies Over Federal Pay Equity

The 2% raise proposal has sparked growing concern among federal unions, especially compared to the 7.4% raise in the FAIR Act, reintroduced by Rep. Gerry Connolly and Sen. Brian Schatz. The FAIR Act, aimed at addressing the federal pay gap, has gained support from employee groups who argue that federal salaries are falling behind private sector pay, making it harder to retain skilled workers.

Budget challenges further complicate the issue. The Fiscal Responsibility Act limits federal spending, leading to a more modest 2025 raise. Some agencies are already struggling with the financial strain from the 5.2% average raise in 2024.

Unions and Lawmakers Continue to Push for Change

Lawmakers stress the importance of fair compensation for federal employees, who provide essential services to the nation. As the 2025 pay raise decision nears, the debate over pay parity is intensifying, with both sides urging action from the White House and Congress.

The Democrats' letter signals a strong push for change, calling on President Biden and Congress to quickly address federal employees' concerns. The Office of Management and Budget declined to comment, and there has been no indication that the proposed 2% raise for civilian employees will change.

Implications for the Federal Workforce in 2025

Federal unions and many Democrats continue to fight for equal pay raises as they advocate for a workforce that receives fair compensation for its dedication and service to the country. The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching implications for federal employees in 2025 and beyond.

The debate over federal pay raises highlights a larger issue facing the workforce and the ongoing tension between budget constraints and the need for fair compensation for those in public service.