In a 5-4 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of federal employees who are also military reservists, stating they should be paid their civilian salaries when called to active duty during national emergencies.
The decision aims to prevent financial hardships for individuals temporarily leaving their government service roles for military duty.
Driving the news: The case involved an air traffic controller who served in the Coast Guard with a lower pay rate than his FAA job, highlighting the disparity in compensation.
The big picture: The Court interpreted a 2009 differential pay statute, extending it to any reservist called to active duty during national emergencies, disregarding the Justice Department’s argument for a stronger connection requirement.
- Justices Gorsuch, Sotomayor, Kavanaugh, Barrett, and Chief Justice Roberts formed the majority opinion, emphasizing the importance of aligning military and civilian salaries during emergency call-ups.
- Dissenting Justice Thomas argued that the decision grants broader access to differential pay than intended by Congress, with the US often under perpetual national emergencies.
- Thomas proposed sending the case back to a lower court for reconsideration, challenging the majority’s interpretation of the law.
