Are your Senators and U.S. Representative members of the Expand Social Security Caucus?Click here to find out.

FERS Retirees Deserve a Fair COLA

Congressman Gerry Connelly (VA) reintroduced legislation to equalize the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) beneficiaries. Currently, retirees under the older Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) receive a higher COLA in most years because of differing calculation formulas. For 2019, CSRS beneficiaries received a 2.8% COLA while FERS annuitants received only 2.0%.   Dubbed the Equal COLA Act, H.R. 1254 would change that formula so that everyone would receive the same higher COLA. Here is moreon Congressman Connelly’s bill.

Voter ID Laws May Disenfranchise Older Voters

Congressman Rick Larsen (WA) is concerned with the impact of voter ID laws on older voters and others who may be unfairly disenfranchised. He noted that some older voters may not have a driver’s license and find that obtaining an ID can cost $75-175. He just introduced H.R. 650, the America Votes Act of 2019 to allow voters to submit a sworn, written affidavit affirming their identity. This piece describes the troubles some older voters experience in getting required ID to vote.

From our Brothers and Sisters at the Alliance for Retired Americans

As an AFGE Retiree, you are a member of the Alliance for Retired Americans, the leading voice for union retirees. Here is a report on the Alliance’s participation in the House Ways and Means Committee’s recent hearing on improving retirement security:

“On February 6, the House Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Representative Richard Neal (MA), held a hearing on Improving Retirement Security for America’s Workers. The multiemployer pension crisis, the lack of retirement savings and the need to expand Social Security, as well as the need to lower prescription drug prices, were all discussed. The Alliance submitted a statement for the record for the hearing with its views on these issues.

“In light of the fact that 77% of Americans fall short of the savings target for their age, in large part because workers’ wages have been stagnant for 20 years while the cost of living has increased, Congress must take bold action to improve retirement security for all,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “We are committed to helping the new Congress find ways to address these critical issues for current and future retirees.” Read more coverage of the hearing here.

Federal Retirement Facts – Take this Quiz

Whether you are retired or getting ready to retire, it’s important to know your benefits. The answers to this quiz may help you make the best decisions.

Benefit Focus – Hotel Discounts in Time for Spring Travel

Did you know your AFGE retiree membership gives you access to discount hotel room rates? Your rates could be up to 70% lower than public online travel sites and hotel websites for over 800,000 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. Learn more here.

Heads up federal employee friends, Congress is trying to pass another BS law designed to hurt us. Its called the MERIT ACT, short for Modern Employment Reform Improvement, and Transformation Act. Call your reps today 866-356-0201 to tell your Member of Congress that this is unfair and unproductive, and to oppose the MERIT Act.

Under the MERIT Act:

You would no longer be able to appeal adverse actions and unfair reductions in force actions through the grievance procedures. The only venue for you to appeal these unfair actions would be the severely under-resourced Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), which reviews similar cases for the entire federal workforce of 2 million employees. The agency’s decision becomes final if the MSPB does not issue a decision within 30 days.
You will not have enough time to mount a credible defense if you are accused of performance or disciplinary issues, because the bill drastically shortens the response time.
You can be fired at any point in your first two years on the job, for any reason.
You may be forced to repay a bonus or award if the agency head claims he or she was unaware of a conduct or performance issues when you received the payment.

To stay involved and updated on what AFGE is doing to protect your rights, text AFGE to 225568 from your personal phone (never your government phone) to subscribe to text updates.

Effective July 9, 2018 SSA will disconnect all equipment used by AFGE. 

Here is how you can reach us: 

AFGE Local 1395

PO BOX 617515

CHICAGO IL 60661-7515

EMAIL: afge1395@sbcglobal.net

Secured FAX:  312-277-7598

AFGE invites you to participate in a National Union meeting Tuesday, April 10 at 8 p.m. ET OR 10 p.m. ET. 

NOTE: (7:00 pm or 9:00 pm Central Time)

ALL government workers — whether they’re an AFGE member or not — are welcome to join the call.

Make sure to join us for an all-union telephone town hall. All government workers — whether they’re an AFGE member or not — are welcome to join the call.

• Call in number: 1-877-229-8493
• Pass code: 110858#

This meeting will be held on the second Tuesday of each month. It's your chance to hear the latest news on major issues facing AFGE members and to ask your questions live. Please make sure you are not on official time or duty time, not on government property, and on your personal phone for this call.

The content of both the 8 p.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET calls will be the same, so please join at whichever time is most convenient to you.

In solidarity,
AFGE

P.S. If you have any questions for the teletown hall, email townhall@afge.org or simply reply to this email.

   MARCH is Women’s History Month, and we know that unions make a difference in the lives of women, their families, and their communities all over the world. Throughout history, there is no shortage of strong women trailblazers whose courage and convictions make the world a better place.

Here are a few examples of outstanding women who have inspired us and paved the way for the next generation:  

LINK Trailblazers