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Wednesday, 14 October 2009 |
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Ending months of speculation, the Department of Homeland Security announced on October 14th that it is raising the journeyman pay for Border Patrol Agents, Customs and Border Protection Officers and Agriculture Specialists from grade GS-11 to GS-12 effective early next year. The National Border Patrol Council has long advocated the implementation of financial retention incentives, and appreciates Secretary Napolitano's recognition of the service and sacrifice of these dedicated front-line employees. Despite repeated inquiries over the course of the past several months, the Union did not receive official confirmation of the upgrade until the general notification was provided to all employees.
The upgrade will not affect the current overtime system since any such changes would have to be approved by Congress. When pressed, Chief Aguilar conceded that management intends to review the premium pay system in the near future, which raises concerns that the Agency will once again attempt to convince Congress to reduce the overtime pay of Border Patrol agents, even though they are currently paid less than time-and-a-half for their overtime hours. The Union will vigorously oppose any such efforts.
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