>Reader says: Just glad to have a job , Lots of folks are working harder and coming home with much less in their pockets
I’m a federal employee. My raise for the next two years will be 0% each year. My health insurance premium went up went up 17% for 2011 and it is estimated to increase 8% in 2012. I contribute 60% of that premium premium as work part-time ($150 every two weeks). I also contribute 25% of my salary to my 401(k) of which the federal government matches the first 5%. I have NO FEDERAL PENSION as I was hired after 1985 which is when they did away with that sweet civil service retirement package (CERS). I also will not be paid for the thousands of sick leave hours I have saved when I retire. My agencies budget has been cut 37% in the past two years and we are doing much more with much less (I easily put in 40 hours a week when I am paid for only 24). BUT I AM GLAD I HAVE A JOB. Lots of folks are working harder and coming home with much less in their pockets. It’s the economy stupid. My heart does not bleed for the teacher’s right now.
