Obama extends federal pay freeze for two more years

“Civilian federal employees have already made significant sacrifices as a result of a two-year pay freeze,” Obama wrote. “As our country continues to recover from serious economic conditions affecting the general welfare, however, we must maintain efforts to keep our nation on a sustainable fiscal course. This is an effort that continues to require tough choices and each of us to do our fair share.”

Union leaders were furious, calling the decision to extend an already drawn-out pay freeze unjustified.

“The well is dry, Mr. President,” J. David Cox Sr., the newly elected president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said in an interview.