Request for Backpay

A Federal employee claimed that he was improperly detailed to a higher grade and that his position was misclassified as a lower GS grade during the period of his claim. He claimed backpay for that period. GAO had found no authority to grant the back pay. There is no backpay remedy for an employee whose position is classified at a lower grade than is proper for the duties performed. Although the position may have been wrongfully classified, the claimant delayed nearly 4 years in questioning the classification of his position. Until an employee successfully appeals an erroneous classification action and is promoted to the higher grade, he is not entitled to the salary of the higher grade.