What were GW and Obama thinking to give fed workers big raises during this recession?

USA Today had a front page article that since December 2007, the number of fed workers making more then $100,000 has incresed from about 1800 to more then 10,000. In that same time fed employees making more then $170,000 went from 1 to 1700. Gw gave feds 2 raises and Obama plans another for next month.What were GW and Obama thinking to give fed workers big raises during this recession?This is getting way out of hand.*