Trump's 2027 federal pay freeze sparks union warnings over hiring and retention
President Trump’s proposal to hold most federal salaries at 2026 levels for 2027 has drawn criticism from unions, who say it will worsen recruitment and retention across agencies.
In a fiscal 2027 budget proposal, President Trump formalized a freeze on most federal civilian salaries at 2026 levels for the coming year, while directing a 3.8% pay bump for federal law-enforcement officers and a 5-7% raise for military members based on rank. Unions representing federal employees, including the American Federation of Government Employees and the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, contend the freeze will aggravate existing recruitment and retention crises, especially after last year’s workforce cuts that reduced the civilian staff pool to under two million for the first time since the 1960s. Critics highlight that federal wages lag behind private-sector pay and that inflation and higher health-insurance premiums will effectively reduce real earnings.
The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists warned the freeze could jeopardize the FAA’s plan to add 750 new technicians. Congressional opposition is expected, with Rep. Steny Hoyer vowing to fight the measure.
Why it matters
A federal pay freeze could limit government staffing, affecting services and national security.
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