In yet another attack on working families and unions, President Bush is cutting the pay raise federal employees are to receive next year.

In a letter to congressional leaders, Bush cited the cost of the war against terrorism, “national emergency or serious economic conditions,” for limiting raises to 2 percent.

The move affects federal employees covered by the government’s general schedule pay system, who were to receive a 2.7 percent across-the-board boost of basic pay and also an increase based on private-sector wages in the areas where they work, called locality pay.

The plan will not affect military personnel, who will receive a 4.1 percent raise beginning in January.