President Biden formalized a plan last that week will give civilian employees in the federal workforce a 4.1% pay increase across the board along with an increase based on locality that averages 0.5%, as Defense One reported.

“Multiple years of lower pay raises for federal civilian employees than called for under regular law have resulted in a substantial pay gap for federal employees compared to the private sector,” Biden wrote in a letter to congressional leaders. “The American people rely on federal agencies being managed and staffed by skilled, talented and engaged employees, including those possessing critical skills sets, which requires keeping federal pay competitive.”

The raises will take effect in January.

Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anabel Del Valle