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Retirees and labor activists rally for Social Security fairness

On Dec. 11, a determined group of retirees, activists, labor leaders and elected officials gathered near the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on a rainy, blustery day to demand justice. Their goal: to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, federal provisions that unfairly reduce Social Security benefits for millions who work in public service.

AFT members and retirees came to Washington, D.C. on Dec. 11, to rally for action on bipartisan legislation to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.
AFT members and retirees came to Washington, D.C. on Dec. 11, to rally for action on bipartisan legislation to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.

AFT President Randi Weingarten rallied the crowd, urging them to keep fighting. “Are you ready to fight for fairness and retirement for every worker who has played by the rules?” she asked. “Are you ready to do it for yourself and everyone else who comes after us?”

The crowd roared a resounding yes in response.

“Not a single person here is looking for a handout,” said Patrick Yoes, head of the Fraternal Order of Police. “We want what every working American is entitled to, and that is the same benefit that we paid for and paid into a system.”

The crowd, fired up by Yoes’ words, echoed the sentiment. Many of the activists are simply ready to win a fight that they have been waging for decades.

With just a few more weeks before Congress wraps up its work before the holidays, retirees and activists are eager to see the Senate pass legislation that will make a real difference in their lives.
With just a few more weeks before Congress wraps up its work before the holidays, retirees and activists are eager to see the Senate pass legislation that will make a real difference in their lives.

The rally comes on the heels of a major victory in the U.S. House of Representatives, where a bipartisan majority voted to pass the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, which would get rid of the WEP and GPO. Now, all eyes are on the Senate.

“We’re one step closer to getting this fixed,” said Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), a key sponsor of the legislation. "When the Senate brings it for a vote, the last stop is to go to the president’s desk.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) assured the crowd that the Senate would bring the bill to a vote. “We are going to call the vote,” said Schumer.

For the last 40 years, the WEP and GPO have disproportionately affected millions of Americans who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities, including educators, police officers, firefighters and federal, state and local government employees.

AFT president Randi Weingarten with members. During the rally she urged the crowd to keep fighting.
AFT president Randi Weingarten with members. During the rally she urged the crowd to keep fighting.

“Fair is fair, and we’re going to get this done,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who noted that the activists have stood up for one another over the years to ensure workers get the benefits they deserve, and that it’s time for Congress to stand up for them.

With just weeks left in the year, the pressure is on lawmakers to act. As Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.) put it, “It’s time to put our money where our mouth is.”

The future of Social Security fairness hangs in the balance. Reach out to your senators and ask them to right this wrong by voting yes on the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, a bill that would fully repeal the WEP and GPO.

[Adrienne Coles]