[Request for Decision on Pay Increase Limit for Radio Broadcast Technician Foremen]

The Director of Personnel of the Voice of America asked whether radio broadcast technician foremen may be excluded from a statutory pay increase limitation since their wage rate is established directly from a negotiated pay rate, attempts to preserve prevailing rates in the private sector economy, and is based on a past practice. The agency suggested that the pay limitation allows pay rates of subordinates to reach virtual parity with supervisory rates, thereby causing adverse effects on morale and recruitment for these positions. GAO found that both technicians and foremen are covered by the terms of the legislation which limits pay increases. Furthermore, foremen are not covered by either exception to the limitation. Accordingly, GAO found no basis to exclude the radio broadcast technician foremen from the statutory pay increase limitation.