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Largest Federal Workers Union Applauds Implementation of $15 Per Hour Minimum Wage for Feds

AFGE says Biden’s pay raise for 70,000 American workers is “one of his most significant actions to date”

WASHINGTON

In response to this morning's announcement that the Biden administration is implementing an executive order to establish a $15 per hour minimum wage for federal government work, American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley released the following statement:

"Today, President Biden is raising the pay of nearly 70,000 American workers in one of his most significant actions to date, delivering on a campaign promise, and fulfilling a long-sought goal of the labor movement. Our union applauds this needed action.

"For the tens of thousands of workers who will start seeing more money in their paychecks each week, this is a transformative policy choice that will improve their everyday lives.

"And because 85% of federal workers live outside the DC area, it is hard to imagine a single action that could have a more significant positive impact on all American workers' paychecks beyond raising the federal minimum wage itself, which would take an act of Congress. Setting a new, $15 per hour wage floor for federal government work will encourage employers across the country who are currently paying poverty wages to compete for labor and start paying fairer rates, lifting the wages of American workers across the country.

"President Biden promised to be the most pro-union, pro-worker president in American history. Actions like these show he is delivering on that promise."

AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations, AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

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