AFSA NEWS AFSA NEWSTHE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION Overseas Comparability Pay Update CALENDAR Please check afsa.org/events for the most up-to-date information. November 11 Veterans Day AFSA Offices Closed November 14 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Centennial Book Market and Publishing Panel November 20 12-1:30 p.m. AFSA Governing Board Meeting November 28-29 Thanksgiving AFSA Offices Closed December 11 12-1:30 p.m. AFSA Governing Board Meeting December 11 Member Happy Hour A potential, severe pay cut for Foreign Service members overseas has been averted as overseas comparability pay (OCP) continues. Introduced in 2009, OCP helps address a significant pay gap between Foreign Service employees serving abroad and their counterparts stationed in Washington, D.C. This salary adjustment, which averages 22 percent, ensures more equitable compensation for entry- and mid-level Foreign Service members posted overseas. The pay gap stems from the Federal Pay Comparability Act of 1990, which excluded federal employees outside the continental U.S. from receiving locality pay adjustments, leaving Foreign Service personnel—who spend THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | NOVEMBER 2024 63 AFSA Happy Hour On Sept. 12, AFSA hosted a happy hour at its headquarters, drawing more than 100 members for a celebratory way to mark the end of summer. The event brought together new hires, retirees, friends, and colleagues, all eager to connect, share stories, and enjoy the evening. AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi welcomed attendees as guests mingled while enjoying snacks and a selection of special beverages. He noted that this happy hour was extra special because it celebrated the 100th anniversary of both the Foreign Service and AFSA. Yazdgerdi also acknowledged that the issue of overseas comparability pay (OCP) was weighing on the minds of many—and assured those present that it was AFSA’s top priority to get extension of this mission-critical pay included in the continuing resolution before Congress. The event was sponsored by the American Foreign Service Protective Association (AFSPA), whose representatives were on hand to assist members with any questions. n Attendees mingle and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres at AFSA HQ. AFSA/MARK PARKHOMENKO about 60 percent of their careers abroad—at a financial disadvantage compared to their domestic colleagues. OCP currently provides two-thirds of the locality pay that Washington-based colleagues receive. In late September, as the fiscal year drew to a close without an authorization bill to fund the government, Congress faced a critical deadline to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to avoid a government shutdown. OCP authorization was set to expire at the end of the fiscal year, which would have resulted in a significant financial loss for Foreign Service members overseas. On Sept. 18, the House failed to pass a six-month CR, which also did not include the OCP authority extension. This setback prompted further bipartisan negotiations; after several days of discussions, Congress passed a CR containing the OCP authorization extension on Sept. 27. This legislation extends OCP authority through Dec. 20, 2024, preventing both a government shutdown and a potential lapse in OCP. While this extension brings immediate relief, it is clear that the fight for a long-term solution is not over. AFSA’s advocacy efforts during this critical period were extensive. We worked diligently behind the scenes to build support in Congress, collaborating with key members to generate bipartisan momentum for OCP. Continued on page 67
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