(December
1, 2010)
In
order to further improve the lines of communication and to respond to the
concerns between the National VA Council and you our members, I have
established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring you
the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the current
status of issues this Council is currently addressing. I believe that this
NVAC Briefing will greatly enhance the way in which we communicate and the way
in which we share new information, keeping you better informed.
Alma
L. Lee
National
VA Council, President
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In
This Briefing: More information on the “Pay Freeze”
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1.
Pay
freeze is just a White House proposal. We need legislation to impose a freeze.
But legislation to impose a freeze is virtually a done deal.
2.
If
enacted, freeze does not affect promotions or Title 5 within grade increases.
3.
We
are still sorting out reports (e.g. USA Today) that the freeze would not
prohibit overtime, bonuses and other cash awards.
4.
Before
the freeze was announced, we expected to receive a .9% annual increase, which
for the second year in a row, was not in parity with the military.
5.
We
do not have enough details yet about the White House proposal, and we do not
know yet what language will be in legislation, to explain the full impact on
Title 38 physician or RN pay. But to the extent that Title 38 physicians
and registered nurses were going to get a portion of the annual increase,
they, like everyone else, will get no increase for two years under the
proposed freeze.
6.
What
about a freeze on lawmaker pay?
In May 2010, President signed into law legislation to bar an annual COLA for
Congress for FY 2011. Same thing happened for FY 2010. We do not
know if Congress will pass the same law for FY 2012.
Marilyn
Park, Legislative Representative
American
Federation of Government Employees
80
F Street, NW
Washington,
DC 20001
Office:
202-639-6456
Cell:
202-351-9940
Fax:
202-639-6492
Email:
mpark@afge.org