The 3% cost-of-living adjustment granted Aug. 1 to more than 4,800 UN international staff living in New York "is inappropriate at this time of global fiscal austerity, when member state governments everywhere are implementing drastic austerity measures such as layoffs, service reductions, revenue increases, and reductions in pay and benefits for civil servants," writes Joseph Torsella, the U.S. ambassador for management and reform at the world body. In a letter, Torsella calls for the International Civil Service Commission raise to be rescinded.

 http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/29/us-un-pay-idUSTRE77S68B20110829