[PHOTOSHOPoem]

Unemployment is high so someone will still take these jobs. Oh, and screwing Drake.

[nanyaHgoc]

Quit your whining.

http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2009/...-rapid-ascent/

The Bureau of Economic Analysis has released its annual data on compensation levels by industry. The data show that the pay advantage enjoyed by federal civilian workers over private-sector workers continues to expand.

The George W. Bush years were very lucrative for federal workers. In 2000, the average compensation (wages and benefits) of federal workers was 66 percent higher than the average compensation in the U.S. private sector. The new data show that average federal compensation is now more than double the average in the private sector.

Figure 1 looks at average wages. In 2008, the average wage for 1.9 million federal civilian workers was $79,197, which compared to an average $49,935 for the nation’s 108 million private sector workers (measured in full-time equivalents). The figure shows that the federal pay advantage (the gap between the lines) is steadily increasing.

[Njxatsbf]

If the Prez can dictate the size of your raise, it sounds like you guys need a union.

[It's okay, really. Most of the members of my local are conservative Republicans.]


Those statistics are meaningless if they don't account for differences in education levels. True. We've shipped most of our high-paying manufacturing jobs to China. So, if you're now comparing McDonald's burgerflippers to government accountants, of course there will be a difference.

[hygtfrdes]

You act as though any schlub off the street can perform these jobs. That's not the case. You, for example, are grossly unqualified to perform my job should I choose to bolt to the private sector.

You couldn't even get an interview in the industry I work in.

[VEGLAS - SPB]

Those statistics are meaningless if they don't account for differences in education levels.

Just about as meaningless if they do, unless area and institution of study are also included.

[xIuvyAuT]

Man, Drake works for the Feds?

What are you doing getting a paycheque from the big O?

[Lxbsvksl]

Stop whining. Wife just finished 4 months of 5% furloughs (and might have to do more). Luckily, she was also given a 17% raise this year.

[jessyhalm]

What's the point of working in the public sector if you're going to get screwed in downturns just like the folks in the private sector? Public sector workers certainly aren't going to get a share of the wealth in the next boom period. Obama is completely wrong about this not affecting future hiring and retention, as he's undermining the very security that makes government work attractive.

[attlawqa]

Damn, I was hoping that would be more persuasive.

[simmons latex mattress]

Let me build on that thought. Keeping your job is a raise.

[myspacecoo]

Sloww. Good to meet you.

[viawbambutt]

the very security that makes government work attractive.

Having worked for a bank one year and a federal agency the next, I have to say there are upsides to the latter more salient than "security."

[yxn2dC07]

I'm only arguing for some effect, not necessarily a significant one. I doubt the .4% cut will have a significant effect, but a further cut in the locality pay increase might.

[jincomplet]

That's what happens when you let the gov't write laws about economics.

For example, the standard applied in "permanent labor certification" is absolutely hilarious; the business has to prove that:

"there are no qualified U.S. workers able, willing, qualified and available to accept the job at the prevailing wage for that occupation in the area of intended employment and that employment of the alien will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers."

[fluoxet]

Latest in Stimulus: 'Cash for Refrigerators' - Yahoo! News
A $300 million cash-for-clunkers-type federal program to boost sales of energy- efficient home appliances provides a glimmer of hope for beleaguered makers ...

also

Cash for Refrigerator
Govt. is giving out $50-$200 rebate
for energy-efficient appliances.
FamilyFinancialHelpUSA.com

[V8V8V8]

You act as though any schlub off the street can perform these jobs. That's not the case. You, for example, are grossly unqualified to perform my job should I choose to bolt to the private sector.

I'm assuming you work for the goverment? I'm so friggin' tired of hearing how difficult their jobs are and their "equivalent" makes $80,000 a year. I don't think people realize how few people make that kind of money. strippers and other high tip earners aside. You better have a law or medical degree if you want to make that kind of money.

The average wages are $43,000, yet goverment employees insist on being payed 50 or 60 thousand a year. What's wrong with this picture? And even though the average is $43,000, most people make less than $35,000 a year. It's just the few fat cats that make millions make the average that high.

[29clepayJainync]

Oh and I can guarantee I can do any goverment employees job. Including the president. I am simply good at everything (except sports ). There is nothing I can't do. I am a jack of all trades. Goverment employee jobs aren't exactly difficult. Sitting in an office posting at Apolyton isn't exactly real work. Or maybe you are a post office carrier who shoves mail through a mail slot- and they even screw that up. Don't get me started how incompetent the U.S. mail service is.

Yes I would work a goverment job, but it appears you need connections to get one. I tried to get a county job. I took the test and all, but did not have the right connections. You really have to know someone to get in.

I can do their job, so therefore there is no reason they should make more than me.

[ljq0AYOV]

Obama

You'd think a smart politician would realize not to piss off one of his bases of support.

[StizePypemype]

Let me build on that thought. Keeping your job is a raise.

I agree. A 2% pay rise beats a 100% pay cut.

Not that I am implying those are the only two options.

[Soresbox]

Yeah, I should have been more specific, you are correct. There have been a considerable number of mandated furloughs in local government jobs. Though mostly local union jobs where it was negotiated instead of layoffs. No different then in the private sectors. I have yet to see this applied to elected officials.