I don't think so. There has been no increase in the cost of living this year, which is why the retired military and social security recipients aren't getting a raise.
It's a raise because the union would go ape if federal employees didn't get something. (my assumption.)
See
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125175281072673759.html
Obama Curbs Federal Pay Increases
....That has created a yawning gulf. If Mr. Obama did nothing, the comparability formula would dictate a 16.5% pay increase, on top of the 2.4% cost of living increase.
That would be a $22.6 billion hit to the ailing federal budget in 2010. Cost of living adjustments alone were to boost pay by 2.4% for most federal employees.
Citing his right in an emergency to use an alternative formula, the president said he will keep the pay increases to 2%, the level he called for in his budget earlier this year.z
Actually - you may be right - the writing of this article does not make clear - is this a 2% PAY RAISE on TOP OF a 2.4% COLA increase for Federal Employees?
Or is there no COLA and only a 2% raise?
The article makes it look like there are TWO increases for Federal Employees in 2010 budget....
Further down it says:
“Instead, the 2% pay raise will cost taxpayers $2.7 billion next year.”
And then there are the Members of Congress who are also getting a nice FAT pay raise - $4700.00 each -
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2403628/posts
Again - from article above and others - believed this is a COLA increase - cost of living increases are NOT EARNED. They are GIVEN OUT in government jobs and, in the past, to Social Security recipients. (And, I believe, to people on welfare).
Of course there are some very hardworking government employees.
Congress people are not among them.
Millions in the private sector have seen zero pay increases in recent years, or pay cuts, or now have zero salary coming in due to job losses.
Meanwhile our government is trillions in debt.
Meaning - WE DON’T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THESE INCREASES!!