JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- The U.S. Office of Personnel Management issued regulations that will move the wage area of all Federal Wage System employees at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst into the New York locality pay area, effective Nov. 30.
Approximately 600 civilian employees across the Joint Base will have their pay increased as a result of the FWS wage area realignment.
“This is a big boost to the solidarity of the installation,” said Col. Frederick D. Thaden, 87th Air Base Wing and Joint Base MDL commander. “The realignment of the FWS wage area ensures equal pay for our civilian workforce across the Joint Base. I would like to thank everyone from the Joint Base, Big Air Force and OPM who played a part in helping make this happen.”
Previously, portions of the Joint Base were in either the Philadelphia or New York wage area, causing pay disparity between McGuire, Dix and Lakehurst although FWS employees were technically working at the same installation.
“Leaders from both the Joint Base and the community have been persistent in addressing the pay disparity and finding a solution,” said Theresa Yarber, 87th Mission Support Group deputy director. “It’s a big deal for the Joint Base; it’s been a long time coming.”
The change in pay will officially apply on the first applicable pay period after December 30, 2016.