WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Federal workers are facing another $27 billion hit in the president's 2013 budget proposal, the American Federation of Government Employees said today. The budget targets the Federal Employee Retirement System, and includes a mandatory increased contribution of 1.2 percent over three years.

"Federal employees have already contributed $60 billion with pay freezes," AFGE National President John Gage said. "It's been $60 billion, plus now $27 billion and I don't see any jobs created. The White House is putting money into creating new jobs and then attacking the jobs that we have. Federal employees have already sacrificed more than the president is asking from the big banks.

"This attack on federal retirements is a sop to the right wing," Gage said. "The GOP has insisted on huge federal retirement cuts in the highway bill and payroll tax conference, and this only serves to fan the flames.

"The White House and congressional leaders should not treat federal employees' paychecks like an ATM machine. The White House should respect those who choose public service over big banks and other corporations."

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 625,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees

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