Unions Blast News Report About Feds Making More Than $150,000 per year

[CatWoman]

Federal labor unions blasted a new newspaper report that showed about 82,000 federal civil servants were earning more than $150,000 a year and that the number of big earners had increased dramatically over the past five years.

A Nov. 10 USA Today article used Office of Personnel Management data to show that a large number of federal workers were paid significant salaries, and that the high-pay group had grown from 7,420 in 2005 to 82,034 in 2010.

“The article paints an inaccurate picture of the workforce and makes a flawed argument against the proposed 1.4 percent pay raise for federal employees,” said National Treasury Employees Union President Colleen Kelley

Kelley pointed out that of the federal employees earning at least $150,000, more than half were highly skilled—such as doctors, lawyers, scientists or air traffic controllers—or agency heads. And, most of the doctors work at the Department of Veterans Affairs caring for wounded servicemembers. By comparison, she said, the Medical Group Management Association reports that median physician compensation in 2009 ranged from just under $200,000 for primary care physicians to $350,000 for specialty care physicians.

OPM Director John Berry issued a statement that said only 3 percent of federal employees earn more than $150,000 annually.

http://www.federaldaily.com/federaldaily/archive/2010/11/FD111510.htm?s=fd_111610#c

[RockaFowler]

1. I knew something was wrong with that report

figures. Oh no the Federal government employee makes more than me. I make less than most of the people in this country. Namely doctors, lawyers, actors, mayors, police officers, firefighters. I work in TV, we make diddly squat.

[Angry Dragon]

2. When I turn on my tv

Which one are you??

:hide:

[blondeatlast]

3. That thing reeked of bovinish excrement. Try as I might, I don't begrudge docs or

(my supervisors) most lawyers $150K a year. Regardless of what many believe, both professions actually work damn hard to make that kind of money.

[CatWoman]

4. and federal salaries for those professions

are still far lower than that of the private sector - hence enlistment and retention bonuses.

[blondeatlast]

7. Exactly. As I stated before, I'm happy that the people are willing to pay more

to get the best people working for THEM, not the corporations!

[ProgressiveProfessor]

5. Article failed to point out that General Schedule Employees dont make that much

which are the vast majority of Feds. Special rates (Docs, lawyers, SES, etc) can and do get that kind of money.

[SocialistLez]

6. I doubt USA Today will be correcting itself.

The public-sector worker bashing continues....