S&E. JUSTIFICATION The salaries and related benefits for the Department's world-wide American full-time permanent staff are managed from a central account in Washington. Accounting information is developed centrally for this entire staff. Therefore, the increases in the budget for American Salaries and benefits are presented in a consolidated table and explained in this introductory section of the budget. Included within this section are increases and decreases for transfer of the Foreign Affairs Administrative Support (FAAS) system from other accounts. The following justification reflects a net increase for FAAS of $987,700 which includes (1) $602,400 for annualization of 1976 federal salary increases and (2) $448,400 for within-grade salary increases, partially offset by a decrease of $63,100 for one less work day. In fiscal year 1977 there will be 261 work days, one less than in fiscal year 1976. A decrease of $805,000 represents the basic salary cost of one day for all permanent American employees and the related costs for terminal leave, hardship post differential, charge pay, and personnel benefits. The approved 1976 Budget provided 75 additional American positions which were lapsed 25%. The approved 1976 Budget Amendment provided 100 additional American positions for the Security Protective Service which were lapsed 25%. The 1977 Budget carries forward these positions for a full year. Based on the salary rates which became effective October 12, 1975, the additional amount required to fund the 1976 salary costs of these positions is $588,700. 1976 Federal Salary Increase The Federal salary increases for fiscal year 1976, as authorized by 5. U.S.C. 5301-5308, as amended, and implemented by Executive Order No. 11883, took effect on October 12, 1975, thus increasing salary costs for only a portion of 1976. These salary increases will be in effect for more work days in 1977 than in fiscal year 1976. In addition, Wage Board increases will be in effect for 83 more days in 1977. To annualize the costs for the periods not affected during 1976, additional funds for salaries and benefits for full-time permanent American employment in the amount of $3,339,400, will be required. 3,339,400 In fiscal year 1977, a total of $1,289,900 will be needed for within-grade salary increases for American personnel. This amount is based on an increase in average annual salary rate of approximately $101 for each applicable American position carried forward from the current fiscal year into fiscal year 1977. The amount has been calculated on the basis of current experience and takes into consideration savings from personnel turnover and grade-to-grade promotions. The increase affects the costs for basic compensation, terminal leave, hardship post differential, charge pay, and personnel benefits. |