Money Still a Long Time Coming

The November 18 court date, along with the potential for complications arising from the comment period, means that payments in the special rate suit likely will not go out until next year. Even after a final approval, setting up a fund and distributing the money could require many months. At issue is back pay for some 212,000 individuals who were in special rate categories in 1982-1988 whose raises were improperly capped or denied during those years. It’s estimated that payments, including interest, could range from about $1,000 to about $30,000. Special rate pay is paid to certain general schedule employees in hard to fill jobs.