government decides to set pay rates higher = constitutional
government decides to set pay rates lower = unconstitutional
ROTFLOL
This is why governments in America (federal, state, local) must act ASAP to cut pension (and retiree health care) plans for new hires: the “already hired” (and “already retired) employees may be untouchable.
And technically I might have to agree: If some government employee worked for 35 years pursuant to a deal whereby he gets a specified, fat pension with full medical, and now he’s retired, it DOES sound unconstitutional to change the deal later.
But that’s technically. Practically, where’s the money going to come from? Ask Portugal.