OPINION

Unions urge Biden to reject federal pension hike

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A coalition of 16 labor organizations representing federal employees sent a letter to Vice President Biden on Thursday, warning they “cannot be expected to stand idly by” in the face of proposals “to link an extension of the debt ceiling with draconian cuts, many again targeting public servants.”

Biden is leading talks with congressional leaders who are attempting to reach a deal to raise the debt ceiling.

Of particular concern to the unions are proposals to increase the pension contributions of federal workers. Aware of Republican insistence against any tax increase, the labor organizations have cast any employee pension contribution hike as a tax increase for the workers. Increased pension contributions also would be contrary to President Obama’s plan not to raise taxes on the non-rich, according to the unions.