Local Employment Policy Handbook - ICASS

EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK
The Local Employment Policy is founded on the concept of equal pay for equal work within the law (both
US and local labor law). This is the intent of the Foreign Service Act and the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations.
The Foreign Service Act of 1980 requires that locally resident US citizens hired by the Foreign Affairs
Agencies at US Missions be compensated under the Mission’s Local Compensation Plan, but at a rate no
less than the US minimum wage.
Although individuals employed under PSA authority do not come under the FS Act, the Department of
State, as a matter of policy, includes this as a requirement of the Local Employment Policy. While this
may lead to a perception of inequity, it is consistent with US legal requirements in the employment of
locally resident Americans, and makes sure the Department of State meets the intent of Congress in our
employment of Ordinarily Resident Americans.
While there may appear to be differences in compensation for LE Staff and Family Members, the Local
Employment Policy compensates all NORs the same (an American pay plan), and all ORs the same (the
LCP of that country).