It's one of the few federal job sectors where employee wages can keep up with civilian counterparts, and it comes at a time when few other organizations can come to an agreement over wages and spending.

On Tuesday, media reports swelled after it came to light that the U.S. Army plans to cut 40,000 soldiers over the next two years and 17,000 Army civilians due to budget constraints. Last month, Senate Democrats warned of another government shutdown over disagreements with Republicans over whether spending should go to entitlement programs or defense after the House passed a version of the National Defense Authorization Act that would give U.S. troops a 2.3% pay increase to keep up with the civilian sector. Things aren't looking any better for employees on Capitol Hill, where even a mention of lawmakers or their staff getting a pay raise after a seven-year freeze sends the public into a frenzy.

There is one organization, however, where federal employees can discuss an increase in wages and benefits and, it appears, actually come to an agreement without fists flying: The NCUA. On Tuesday, the National Treasury Employees Union came to an agreement on behalf of employees at the NCUA. The five-year collective bargaining agreement would keep employee pay and benefits competitive with civilian financial services regulators. According to a media release, it also incorporated cost controls and pay caps at each pay grade.

“Two of my goals as NCUA Chairman have been to foster labor-management cooperation and make the NCUA an employer of choice,” NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz said in a statement. “This agreement meets those goals. It respects and responds to the needs and concerns of management and employees and is a commitment by both to work together to continually improve the working environment. At the same time, it reflects both sides' recognition of the need for budget prudence.”

The bargaining agreement also appeared to point to future predictions that the federal government would indeed shut down again. It included a provision to have employees telecommute from home when the government closes.

In total, the NCUA and NTEU negotiated 30 articles and agreements that included an increase to the health benefits subsidy, an increase to the NCUA Savings Plan, travel expense reimbursements, training, promotions, employee rights, employee telework and leave, and health and wellness.

NTEU President Colleen Kelley said the agreement will allow the NCUA to “attract and retain highly qualified employees in the financial sector.”