UNITY MAGAZINE APRIL 2026

APR 2026

UNITY MAGAZINE

COUNCIL Council 220 Executive Committee President – Jessica LaPointe Executive Vice President – Angela Digeronimo First Vice President – Edwin Osorio Second Vice President - Ronnie Johnson Third Vice President – Roy Porter Fourth Vice President – Shonda Johnson Secretary – Monique Buchanan Treasurer – Jennifer Kirkham

Boston RVP – Camille Pineiro New York RVP – Shawn Halloran Philadelphia RVP – Nicole McMillin Atlanta RVP – Jimmy Botts Chicago RVP – Amber Westbrook

Dallas RVP – Ana Rivers Kansas City RVP – Jeremy Maske Denver RVP – Jordan Harwell San Francisco RVP – Stephanie Rodriguez Seattle RVP – John Pfannenstein

TO OUR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Thank you for your invaluable contributions to Unity Magazine. Your dedication and talent have shaped our publication's new direction, making it more engaging and impactful for our readers. We deeply appreciate your collaboration and look forward to continuing our journey together.

UNITY MAGAZINE

STAFF Editor-in-Chief – L. Greg Dorsey Graphic Designer/Cartoonist – Deidre B.G Southerland Staff Photographer- Delia Trevino Writer Coordinator- Angela Digeronimo IMPORTANT: This information should not be downloaded using government equipment, read during duty time or sent to others using government equipment, because it suggests action to be taken in support of or against legislation. Do not use your government email address or government phone in contacting your Member of Congress.

EDITOR’S NOTE

L. GREG DORSEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LOCAL 3184

Nobody joins a union expecting to become an activist. Most of us just want to do our jobs, go home, and know that somebody has our back if things go sideways. That is completely fair. But here is the truth that union leadership will not always say out loud: a union without engaged members is just a dues receipt.

Your dues matter. They fund the attorneys who fight your grievances, the negotiators who sit across the table from management, the lobbyists who walk the halls of Congress on your behalf. When you pay your dues, you are not doing the union a favor, you are investing in your own protection. The person whose job gets saved next year because of a grievance the union could afford to fight? That could be you. It has been someone before, and it will be someone again.

But money alone does not move mountains. Presence does.

When management looks across the table and sees a union backed by informed, vocal, and visible members, the dynamic shifts. When they see apathy, low meeting attendance, members who do not know their rights, silence in the face of policy changes, they are emboldened. Every unanswered overreach becomes the new baseline. Every concession made in silence becomes permanent.

You do not have to run for office alone to be involved. Show up to a meeting.

Read the updates your Local sends out. When something feels wrong in your workplace, say so in writing, to your steward. Ask questions. Share information with a coworker who does not know their rights yet. These are not small things. Come out on your lunch break and hold a sign. They are the connective tissue that holds a union together.

And your voice? It belongs in the room. Union leadership represents you, but they cannot read your mind. The member who speaks up about a safety concern, a policy change, or an unaddressed wrong is not a troublemaker.

They are doing exactly what a union is designed for.

The protections you have today were not handed to anyone. They were fought for by workers who showed up. The question is whether the next generation of workers will say the same about us.

Lean in. Pay your dues. Get involved. Your union is only as powerful as its members decide it will be.

In Solidarity

PRESIDENT’S PRESIDENT’S JESSICA LAPOINTE CORNER CORNER

JESSICA LAPOINTE

As we step into 2026, I want to be honest with you about where we are. As you know all too well, this past year brought real setbacks and real stress: a 43-day government shutdown, the elimination of regularly scheduled telework, the suspension of flex time in TSCs, and pay that has not kept pace with the cost of living for workers who are already stretched thin. These are not abstract policy concerns. They are felt every day, in every commute, in every rearranged childcare plan, in every difficult conversation about making ends meet. I carry that with me.

At the same time, your Council has made a deliberate commitment: to communicate openly, to raise issues directly, and to resolve them as close to the source as possible before they become entrenched conflicts. That means getting to the table, staying at the table, and working toward the kind of relationship where problems get solved — not just litigated. Commissioner Bisignano and Deputy Commissioner Modi have spoken about a vision of one agency, one mission. We do not disagree with that vision — but we have a different view of how to get there. Pulling thousands of employees away from the work they were hired, trained, and skilled to do — and rotating them through phone duties as a substitute for adequate staffing — does not build one agency. It strains every component it touches, and it signals to a dedicated workforce that their expertise is interchangeable — which is not globally practical at SSA. We believe the path to one mission runs through one thing above all else: employees who feel valued, compensated fairly, and set up to succeed in the role they were hired and trained to fill. Happy employees are productive employees. Productive employees deliver better service to the American people.

That is not a union talking point — it is the evidence, and it is the premise we bring to every meeting, every negotiation, and every conversation with agency leadership.

Telework Arbitration Win On March 11, Arbitrator Sarah Miller Espinosa issued her decision in our telework arbitration, sustaining the Union’s grievance. The arbitrator ordered the Agency to restore telework to preMarch 16, 2025 levels, cease and desist from further violations of Article 41 of the National Agreement, and post and electronically distribute notice of the violation to all bargaining unit employees. I want to be straightforward with you about what comes next. The Agency has filed an appeal with the Federal Labor Relations Authority. That means the road to full restoration may be a long one, and the timing is uncertain. We will keep you informed at every step, including any further action necessary to ensure the Agency’s full and timely compliance. What I can tell you is this: we are on the right road. The legal record is strong, the arbitrator’s findings are clear, and the case for restoring telework has never been more grounded in evidence.

The Government Accountability Office confirmed this past January that telework did not cause SSA’s service challenges — and that the loss of telework threatens the Agency’s ability to recruit and retain the skilled workforce it needs. Approximately 96% of field office work is portable. Teleservice center, workload support unit, and field office support unit work is 100% portable. Telework saves workers and the Agency real money— money that is not discretionary for employees who do not yet earn a living wage. In-person service is not weakened by a voluntary hybrid model; it is strengthened, because productivity improves when employees focus on portable work, in-person coverage remains intact on required in-person days, and continuity of service is protected when an office must temporarily close. The data is clear, the arbitrator agreed, and we will continue making that case at every level available to us.

Movement on Multiple Fronts Beyond the telework matter, we are going to the table over reassignments to the National 800 number. EVP Angela DiGeronimo led our bargaining team to a completed MOU and Letter of Intent on ASC/WLM for a limited Proof of Concept launching in April — locals should report any issues to the Council as the POC gets underway. In our January, February, and April Union-Management Meetings, the Commissioner committed to addressing offices that closed or were unstaffed. After reading our SOC wage report and seeing press coverage of member rallies, he personally raised pay as a concern with his executive team — it was an item on his own leadership meeting agenda, with a staff analysis now underway. An approved hiring plan with Direct Hire Authority covering approximately 1,050 plus positions is in motion, including TSC CSRs (750) and Field Office Claims Specialists (300). You should also see more detail and transfer opportunities to staff distressed offices continue.

The Road Ahead The months ahead are substantive and the work is serious. April brings N8NN reassignment bargaining for all components and the ASC/WLM Proof of Concept launch. The broader RTO arbitration decision is pending with the FLRA on Agency appeal. We continue to press the Agency on reasonable accommodations for Employees with Disabilities, Badge In/Badge Out, TSC Flex-time restoration, changes to the service delivery model in field offices, and meaningful awards for the workforce that earns them.

And we are not only working inside the building — we are building relationships on Capitol Hill that reflect what this work actually requires.

Your Council is actively engaging members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, because the needs of SSA’s workforce and the communities it serves are not partisan issues. Adequate staffing levels are what make community-based service delivery possible — in the field offices, teleservice centers, and support units that are the human face of this agency. Competitive pay and benefits are not perks; they are the foundation of a mission-ready workforce that can be recruited, retained, and trusted to serve the public well for years to come. We are also raising our voice on the role of technology at SSA — because we believe AI and automation should be tools that make our members more effective, not substitutes that hollow out the expertise this agency depends on. Before this agency moves toward a digital-first service model, there must be a genuine, evidence-based conversation about whether that is what the public wants, what they can access, and what they actually need. And that conversation requires data — real, transparent data about what is happening in every component of this agency.

Without it, we cannot identify the problems. Without it, we cannot work together to fix them. The American public deserves that transparency, and so do you.

None of this is simple, and none of it moves without your engagement. Keep showing up during actions and member meetings. Keep calling Congress. Keep your stewards and Locals informed. Keep the information flowing to your Regional Vice Presidents. Your council and our 34 affiliate locals are at work on each other’s behalf every single day — and whatever the road ahead looks like, we are on it together.

In Solidarity, Jessica LaPointe President, AFGE Council 220 Representing Approximately 25,000 SSA Frontline Workers

SURVIVING IN THE WORKPLACE

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose, treat or advise on any medical condition. For further information about ADHD, please contact a medical provider or utilize trusted resources.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder of the brain that is capable of affecting the major life activities of both children and adults. As with other conditions, ADHD can range from a few tolerable symptoms to debilitating. It is very possible that no two individuals have the exact same symptoms as ADHD’s “sub-category” of diagnoses can include a range from hyperactivity to inattentiveness.

The purpose of this article is to focus on ADHD symptoms, their effect in working adults and resources to support employees who may be suffering with this condition. According to The Journal of Nurse Practitioners, one third of those diagnosed with ADHD received their diagnosis is adulthood.

Difficulties adults with ADHD can face in the workplace includes conscious or unconscious “Masking”. Masking is covering for the symptoms of ADHD. This could be providing excuses for arriving to work late several days; for not keeping track of tickle lists; for forgetting to take assigned appointments; failed attempts to maintain focus and not processing information such as policy references or instructions. Those with an ADHD diagnosis may be more aware of masking than those who may suffer form the condition and have not yet been diagnosed.

“Time Blindness” is another symptom of ADHD that can have a negative affect in an employees job performance. Time Blindness is as it sounds….the inability to measure time. This symptom can affect arriving to work on time, completion of work assignments by a deadline, taking appointments at their scheduled time and misjudging the time you have for assignments. This symptom has also been described as ”losing time”.

How can an adult survive with ADHD in the workplace? Accommodations may be a key resource. Examples of accommodations can include reduced workload assignments, dedicated desk time and daily work assignments in priority order. It is very possible that each adult with ADHD has different symptoms. Knowing what works best would require that individual to have an understanding of their own difficulties. Consultation with a medical provider may identify specific symptoms and help with determining accommodations to assist the employee.

Reasonable Accommodations may assist the employee in the performance of their job duties. SSA employees can request a Reasonable Accommodation through the RA Wizard portal. Askjan.org is one of many organizations who recommend workplace accommodations based upon disability.

BY MONIQUE BUCHANAN

LET’S SPRING INTO ACTION

BY RENATA DAVIS

As the seasons change and spring brings new life to our communities, it is time for SSA employees to spring into action. This moment calls for renewed energy, collective strength, and a shared commitment to advocating for the future of our workforce and the public we proudly serve.

Every day, SSA employees provide critical services that millions of Americans rely on. Yet we continue to face growing workloads, staffing shortages, wages that don’t keep pace with cost of living. and increasing challenges that affect both employees and the public. Taking action is not just about advocacy. It is about protecting the integrity of our mission, strengthening our workplace, and ensuring that we can continue to serve with excellence.

Thank you to everyone who showed up for past actions related to our collective issues. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to advocate for SSA employees by contacting our lawmakers and scheduling meetings to keep them informed. Our voices matter and direct engagement is one of the most powerful tools we can utilize to fight for change.

Please mark your calendars and follow the link for upcoming events: May Day – May 1, 2026 SSA National Day of Action – June 10, 2026

ALLOW ME TO INTODUCE MYSELF

by Ronnie Johnson My name is Ronnie Johnson, and I'm honored to serve as the 2nd Vice President of AFGE Council 220.

Thank you all for placing your trust in me as your newly elected Vice President of AFGE Council 220. I am truly honored to serve you. Our agency faces real challenges from staffing shortages to shifting policies and telework.

As 2nd Vice President, I am committed to being a steady advocate in national discussions and a visible leader who listens, collaborates, and acts with purpose. My vision is to build a stronger SSA by fighting for a workplace where every employee is respected, supported, and empowered. The vision is simple: fair workloads, legitimate telework options, safe offices, and equal wages for every worker.

Through unity, transparency, and relentless advocacy, we can make sure each employee's voice drives the decisions that shape their work and their future. I look forward to working closely with our local unions and executive board members to build a stronger, more supportive future for all SSA employees.

A stronger workforce, A stronger union, A stronger SSA - built together.

Big Brother Is Badging In! Big Brother

Is Badging In!

by Angela Digeronimo

Prior to Badge In, Badge Out (BIBO) most employees in Field Offices did not use their PIV card to access their office entrance.

Even if you are an employee whose office has switched to using your PIV card to access the office, you have not been asked to use your PIV card to exit the office. Most of us punch in a code and enter the office but your ID card? That stays in your pocket.

We have entered brand-new territory. It feels like our comings and goings are being tracked. For what reason? The Agency said one thing and then it became something else. And that is exactly why we need to pay attention.

This is not part of the Use IT Act. This is what the union is challenging in a national grievance. Among other concerns, there is a safety issue the Agency has not addressed. In offices without dedicated exit readers, employees must badge out using the entrance reader, which temporarily disengages the door lock. So now you are responsible for making sure the door re-locks behind you and that nobody walks in. That is a security officer's job. It is not in our job descriptions.

The Agency has verbally told us badge data will not be used for discipline and will not replace WebTA or any subsequent time and attendance software for timekeeping. BIBO does not replace our official time and attendance obligations. However, verbal promises are not worth the paper they are not written on. Union leadership filed a Demand to Bargain at the GC level before this launched and the Agency denied it. AFGE General Committee at SSA filed a grievance and we are waiting on an Agency decision.

In 2025, the Agency began phasing in the requirement that all employees badge in and badge out of Agency space every single day using their PIV card. They call it BIBO, Badge In, Badge Out. For offices without existing card readers, the Agency is rolling out what I can only describe as a prop from a 1960s science fiction movie, something called a Pelican Suitcase, a So, here is what we need from you. If you are questioned, investigated, or standalone briefcase with card readers attached. You really disciplined over anything related to BIBO, stop and ask for your Union cannot make this stuff up. representative immediately. Document everything. Report safety concerns in writing to both management and your Local.

Now here is where it is important. The Agency's official reason for This may look like a minor inconvenience. We believe it can become all of this is the USE-IT Act, federal space utilization requirements. more than that. Union leadership is not blinking. As always, our Union is Sounds boring, right? Stay with me. That badge data will not just leadership, it is each and every member. All of us must stay alert allegedly be utilized to calculate how often your office is and engaged. Please share information and pay attention to any shared occupied. If your office falls below 60% utilization for two updates on this issue. consecutive years, the federal government can reduce or eliminate that space. This could result in office closures, job This issue is also central to our Congressional lobbying efforts. We are relocations, longer commutes, and reduced services for the very advocating for dedicated funding and earmarked staffing in communitypeople we serve every day. Every day we swipe cards in feeding based Field Offices to ensure that offices with low occupancy are that calculation. properly staffed before any Agency decisions to close them take effect; But why are we required to badge out?

preventing closures driven by occupancy metrics that do not reflect actual public demand or need.

WHY THE FUTURE IS OURS TO MOLD TOGETHER L.GREGORY DORSEY

Trust is not built in comfort—it is proven in

In times of change and uncertainty, it can be easy to

moments of uncertainty. For those of us serving

question processes, decisions, or outcomes. Its even

within the Social Security Administration, we

easier to try to discredit and talk down on leaders

understand that our work is essential, our

making strides and effort. However, it is precisely

responsibilities

the

during these times that trust in the union leadership

challenges we face are real. In these moments,

and each out becomes most critical. Trust ensures

the presence of a strong, committed union is not

cohesion. It allows us to remain focused on our shared

just important—it is indispensable.

mission rather than divided by doubt. It reinforces the

Our union exists to ensure that every employee

understanding that while individual voices matter,

has a voice, that every concern is addressed with

collective action creates lasting impact.

dignity, and that every right is protected.

Our union has demonstrated an unwavering presence,

Through negotiations, advocacy, and consistent

advocating during negotiations, supporting members

representation, the union stands as both shield

through workplace challenges, and standing firm in

and guide—working tirelessly behind the scenes

the face of adversity. That consistency should not go

and on the front lines to secure fair treatment,

unnoticed. It should be recognized as a foundation

safe working conditions, and equitable policies.

upon which we can continue to build.

But the strength of a union is not measured

Moving forward requires more than participation, it

solely by its leadership—it is defined by the trust

requires belief. Belief in the process, belief in the

and unity of its members.

leadership, and belief in one another. When we trust

As we move forward, we do so with a sense of

our union, we strengthen our collective power. When

victory and confidence, not necessarily because

we remain engaged, we ensure that our voices

every

but

continue to shape the future of our workplace. It all

because we continue to stand together in

begins with YOU!! Your voice matters, Your Presence

UNITY, informed and empowered. Victories in

Matters!

labor are often hard-fought and incremental,

Let us continue to move forward not as individuals

but they are meaningful. We have some of the

navigating uncertainty alone, but as a united body

BEST and BRIGHTEST standing in on our behalf

grounded in trust, strengthened by resilience, and

for

progress,

committed to progress. Because in every season

protection, and the preservation of rights for

whether marked by challenge or victory, our union

both current and future members.

remains present, persistent, and powerful.

challenge

our

union.

are

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has

They

been

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represent

Greg Dorsey

LISTEN LISTEN TO P TO OUR OUR t t s s i i l l y y a a Pll CLICK AN ICON TO LISTEN

UNITY MAGAZINE

MUSIC

1941-2026

REV. JESSIE JACKSON

HIS WORK HEAVILY INFLUENCED THE INTERSECTION OF WORKER DIGNITY AND ECONOMIC EQUALITY, LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY ON THE AMERICAN LABOR MOVEMENT.

STANDING FOR EVERY WORKER If you want to understand the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., do not start with the speeches. Do not start with the presidential campaigns or the television appearances or the famous phrases that became anthems for a generation. Start where he always ended up on the picket line, standing shoulder to shoulder with workers who were fighting for their dignity, their livelihoods, and their futures. That is where you find the truest summary of a life that shaped the American labor movement in ways that will outlast all of us.

Rev. Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84. And while the tributes that followed rightly celebrated his historic presidential campaigns, his towering oratory, and his foundational role in the civil rights movement, we in the labor movement have a particular obligation to say clearly and loudly: this man was one of ours.

His relationship with working people was not incidental. It was the spine of everything he built.

Long before he became a household name, Rev. Jackson was appointed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to lead Operation Breadbasket, a campaign designed to create jobs and economic opportunity for Black workers by pressuring corporations through boycotts and negotiation. That work secured thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in new income for Black communities at a time when the doors of opportunity were firmly shut. He understood then what too many still resist today: that racial justice and economic justice are not separate fights. They are the same fight wearing different shoes.

That truth guided him for the rest of his life. He walked picket lines with striking workers. He marched with janitors demanding living wages. He stood in the coalfields and in hospital corridors with healthcare workers who needed someone to amplify their voices.

When IAM members walked off the job at Eastern Airlines, Rev. Jackson was there on the picket line — wearing a strike sign and lending the full weight of his moral authority to workers who needed to know the world was watching. When Enron workers were stripped of their livelihoods overnight, he joined the AFL-CIO to organize those workers and fight for fair severance. He did not send a statement. He showed up.

That is the through line of his legacy, he showed up.

His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 were, at their core, labor campaigns. The Rainbow Coalition he built was a workingclass movement one that dared to imagine a political party and a nation that centered the needs of those who labored, not those who profited. He helped expand who was welcome at the bargaining table, insisting that women, people of color, and the most vulnerable workers be fully included in union protections.

He pushed the conversation on healthcare, on wages, on the right to organize, decades before those became mainstream political platforms.

He reminded us again and again that the American worker is not asking for charity. They are asking for parity.

For those of us who carry union cards, who sit across tables from management, who file grievances and walk picket lines and fight every day for the dignity of the workers we represent, Rev. Jackson's life is both a challenge and a charge. A challenge to never separate the fight for racial justice from the fight for workers' rights. And a charge to keep showing up for our members, for our communities, and for every working person who needs someone in their corner.

The labor movement has lost one of its most powerful and improbable champions. A preacher who understood economics.

An activist who grasped the power of collective bargaining. A dreamer who was also a strategist.

We honor him not only in memory, but in action. We honor him every time we show up.

Rest in power, Reverend. The train is still moving.

ARTHUR "ART" JOHNSON JUNE 26, 1932 — MARCH 8, 2026

A PIONEER OF FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS Arthur Johnson, a towering figure in AFGE's history and a beloved member of Council 220's retiree community, passed away on March 8. Art's legacy spans five decades of tireless activism on behalf of SSA workers and the broader federal labor movement.

We are better union members, better advocates, and better people for Art's example. We will miss him deeply.

Rest in power, Art. Thank you.

Jessica LaPointe- C220 National President

All who worked with Arthur are saddened by his passing. He spent his life in service to his union. I met Art back in 1978 while preparing to negotiate the first national contract for SSA workers and to establish a new structure for the union that was splintered into hundreds of autonomous locals.

There were many large egos involved. After more than two years of grueling bargaining with vast disagreements with management, as well as, among the union negotiators, we ended up in 1982 with a new National Agreement and a consensus leader of the new General Committee. Arthur was the only choice as Spokesperson then, and for the next twenty plus years. Steady , unflappable, fair to all, he led us through brutal defeats and joyous victories. He was our rock. Puffing on his pipe, never raising his voice, respectful to all , his example was utterly crucial to the union advancements over the years.

During one of the long bargaining sessions ,I talked Art into playing in the nasty 9 man flag football league in Baltimore. I vividly remember him at defensive end smashing through and nailing the ball carrier with a flat out diving tackle! He loved his football.

So thank you Arthur. You held us together. Rest in peace dear leader. Rest in peace union brother.

John Gage -National President Emeritus

I have sad news. Art Johnson died on March 8. Art served as the Spokesperson for the AFGE/SSA General Committee from its inception in 1980 until 1997. He's the only person who could keep headstrong AFGE leaders unified in our efforts to negotiate good contracts, maintain an effective partnership with SSA during the Clinton administration, and keep the union focused on our representational responsibilities. Art was the longtime President of Local 1336 in Kansas City. He worked in the KC PSC. He had the vision to organize field offices in Missouri and Kansas. He also organized ODAR offices in the KC region and KC Region OQA. Besides being a pioneering SSA union leader, Art was a good man.

Art negotiated the first AFGE-SSA national contract, which became effective in 1982. He also was a negotiator for the 1990 contract, chief negotiator for the 1993 contract and a negotiator for the 1996 contract I'll never forget when former SSA Commissioner, Dorcas Hardy went to her first labor - management meeting in 1986 shortly after

she

was

confirmed

as

Commissioner.

She

asked

management to set up a podium at the end of the table where both the union and management sat. The presence of the podium puzzled us. She walked in arrogantly, stood on the podium and lectured to us. This introduction shocked us. After completing her lecture, she sat on management's side of the table and swiveled her chair sideways to avoid looking at the union leaders. Art got up, walked to the end of the table, climbed onto the podium and lectured Dorcus that union and management were equal at this meeting, and using a podium was inappropriate. Dorcus stormed out of the room angry about the union's intemperance.

Art was usually mild-mannered but did not accept insults.

He and Don Jones of Local 1395 in Chicago were leaders in the Minority Coalition that was the first organized group within AFGE that fought for minority rights in the union. The Minority Coalition's primary accomplishment was creating the Women's and Fair Practices Department, which would be led by an elected Vice President. They succeeded in passing a constitutional resolution at the 1976 AFGE convention to create the department and the elected position. That was my first AFGE convention.

Art was an active member of the Council 220 Retiree Committee

until

his

death.

His

lifetime

of

activism

is

astounding. He fought the good fight until his last breath.

May we all remember his dedication and union service. We'll miss you Art. Thanks for your outstanding leadership.

Witold Skwierczynski, President Emeritus AFGE C220

JOSEPH N. COOKE SR. SEPTEMBER 30, 1948 – FEBRUARY 27, 2026 Our Union has lost a giant in the movement. In addition to his career as a Claims Representative with SSA, which began in 1973 with the advent of the SSI program, Joe dedicated his time, talent, and energy to representing bargaining unit employees.

Beginning in 1983 and spanning more than four decades, his commitment to the union movement never wavered. He was a voice for those who otherwise may not have a voice. He believed in and was committed to fair and equitable work conditions and fought vigorously to achieve this ideal throughout his career and beyond. Joe retired from SSA in 2005 and continued to hold positions of leadership with Local 2369, including his last position as Executive Vice President.

Joe lived by a simple motto "there's no crying in union." And yet he understood better than most that behind every grievance, every negotiation, and every fight for fair treatment was a real person with real struggles. His quick wit and dry humor often facilitated resolutions in negotiations with management. His ability to put difficult matters into perspective made him someone people trusted completely, on both sides of the table. A master researcher, Joe, had an extraordinary ability to uncover and utilize information that proved decisive in negotiations and litigation, giving the union the foundation it needed to prevail. His ability to connect with employees while relating to the opposing side will forever be the gold standard for his Local.

He had a rare gift for recognizing leadership potential in others and dedicated himself to mentoring those around him, leaders who went on to careers with AFGE National and positions within our Council. His influence and impact extended well beyond Local 2369 and throughout the NY Region.

He was an asset to all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

Our sincerest condolences to Local 2369 and the NY Region. May they be comforted by the knowledge that Joe lived his life with honor and courage to take on what was difficult. In the end, he died the way he lived, fighting, believing, and never giving up. Always believing that the impossible is possible, his message to us would be "keep moving forward." Local 2369 will keep the legacy Joe Cooke helped build alive.

PATRICIA HAYES CHICAGO, ILLINOIS JANUARY 30, 1950 - FEBRUARY 2, 2026

Patricia Hayes was a dedicated union member for 44 years and a dedicated advocate for employees as a TSC union steward for AFGE Local 1395 for over 25 years.

Patricia Hayes was a elected repeatedly as delegate to AFGE National Convention/7th District Caucus and Council 220 Convention.

Patricia Hayes was our secret weapon, managers would often concede after she talked rings around them, she did not have to be right just the best at presenting her position.

‘There is no substitute for hard work” -Thomas A. Edison Cheryl Bellamy-Bonner, President Local 1395

The Lineage of Solidarity Before us, there were women with factory lint in their lungs and ink on their fingers, who stood anyway.

Before us, there were women whose names history sometimes whispers instead of shouts – but whose footsteps we are still standing in.

Mother Jones with her black dresses and wildfire voice, telling coal barons they did not own the bones of boys.

Rose Schneiderman warning the powerful that working women were not kindling for profit’s flame.

Rosina Corrothers Tucker who refused the invisibility of domestic labor, who stitched women into power.

Dolores Huerta teaching that organizing is an act of devotion, that “si, se puede” is not optimism – it is discipline.

Women built unions in kitchens and boarding houses, in spaces no one thought to call political – where dignity does not wait for permission to exist.

Women whose names were never printed in bold.

The ones who stayed up all night to write that grievance.

Who passed the hat.

Who brought coffee.

Who learned workers’ rights line by line until it felt like scripture.

They were told to be grateful.

They were told to be quiet.

They were told this is just how it is

They said no.

Not always loudly.

Not always safely.

But persistently.

Women still carry the ledger of what is fair and what is not.

We carry empathy like our own heartbeat.

We carry rage like a second spine.

We carry each other.

When we speak at meetings and our voices shake, we are not weak.

We are connected to every woman who swallowed fear and spoke anyway.

We are not being difficult – we are being historical.

We are the echo of every picket line held in bitter winter wind.

We are the proof that solidarity is not a moment – it is a lineage.

To the women in the union: You are not an addendum.

You are not support staff to someone else’s revolution.

You are the architects.

The strategists.

The ones who remember the details.

The ones who remember the people.

And one day, when another generation stands in a fluorescent-lit room wondering if they are brave enough – They will be standing in your footsteps.

Because you stayed.

Because you organized.

Because you refused to shrink.

Because you knew that solidarity is another word for love.

-J

MOUNTAINS AND MOUNTAINS AND THE THE VIEW VIEW FROM FROM WHERE WHERE YOU YOU STAND: STAND: REFLECTIONS FROM THE 2026 AFGE LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE BY: ANGELA DIGERONIMO

Each year, locals send union representatives to Washington, D.C. for the AFGE Legislative Conference. Each year, we return to the Hill to do what union officials have always done; represent our members.

After nearly two decades of making this trip, I have my routine. I know which buildings to go to, which hallways to navigate, and which offices require a little extra patience. However, if you ask me what I look forward to most, other than being a fierce advocate, it is a few quiet minutes in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building. It is home to one of the most striking pieces of public art in Washington, Mountains and Clouds. It is a massive sculpture created by artist Alexander Calder. It fills the ninestory atrium with black steel mountains anchored to the floor. The sculpture was originally designed with a sweeping mobile of clouds hanging above but the clouds have since been removed. I am not even sure I ever saw the sculpture with the clouds mobile. What remains are the mountains alone, standing in that vast open space.

I find that significant. Even art changes in Washington.

What draws me back every time is the way the sculpture changes depending on where you stand. On the ground floor, looking up, the mountains rise above you with quiet authority. From the upper floors, looking down or across, the scale and relationship of the peaks shift entirely. One of the mountains even has a circle carved through it, an opening that lets in light and offers a glimpse beyond. Same sculpture. Completely different experiences.

To me, that is Washington in a nutshell.

Every member of Congress brings their own vantage point to the work they do. Their background, their district, their lived experience; all of it shapes what they see when a bill lands on their desk. That is not inherently a flaw. Perspective is human. However, here is the thing about those mountains, the sculpture rewards the people who are willing to move.

To walk around it. To take the elevator or stairs and look again from somewhere new.

That is exactly why we go to the Hill. We are there to make our members' perspectives impossible to ignore. When we sit across from a member of Congress or a staffer and share what federal workers are experiencing, the threats to our jobs, our benefits, our rights, we are asking them to look from where we stand. To see what we see.

When we come home, our job is not finished. We carry the same responsibility back with us, to stay engaged, to hold our elected officials accountable, and to make sure our voices reach Washington all year long, not just in February.

We are the people in the atrium - but together our voice can move mountains.

On the Hill: LegCon and Young Worker March STEPHEN HULETT In February, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) brought together rank-and-file members, union leaders, activists, and staff from across the country for its annual legislative conference, a concentrated push to build relationships on Capitol Hill and secure support for policies that protect federal employees and the services they provide. Although this is an annual event, this year’s gathering felt different: energized and more urgent than ever before. In attending this event, I had the privilege to work alongside seasoned union leaders and first-time attendees and see how things only work when everyone comes together.

The core of the conference is attending meetings on the Hill, where union reps meet with members of Congress and their staff to represent the bargaining unit at SSA. The most impactful moments during these meetings are when everyday federal employees share their experiences on how their working conditions and personal lives are affected. C220 leadership created talking points on the most pressing issues facing all of us, including pay equity, honoring contractual agreements (including telework), and staffing levels that protect the public and government missions. The lawmakers and staff who listened in those brief sessions received valuable feedback from the workers on the ground through their union representatives.

What made meetings especially effective was preparation. AFGE equips delegates with clear ask and reps come armed with districtspecific data and stories, turning abstract policy into local priorities. That combination of personal testimony and tactical, achievable asks is why many offices pledge to follow up.

The Power of Lobbying as a Collective Individual meetings matter, but so does scale. AFGE’s coordinated presence saturates the Hill with a consistent message: federal employees are facing systemic challenges that demand legislative action. That visibility matters with committee staff and leadership offices alike. But this is just a start—it is important that everyone reach out to their congressional representatives in their district and set up in-district meetings if you are able. This will remind them that we are not only federal employees, but also constituents of their district that deserve support.

visit our advocacy hub at afgec220.org for ways to take action today! https://www.afgec220.org/advocacy-hub

This year’s conference was extra special for me personally because, as a member of the National Young Committee, we hosted the first-ever Young Workers March on Washington—a historic demonstration that brought together recent hires, early-career specialists, and young union activists from not only different agencies across the government, but the private sector as well.

The march was raw and compelling. Banners read “Future Federal Workforce” and “Invest in Public Service.” Speakers highlighted student loan burdens, limited upward mobility, and workplace cultures that push young workers out. Their presence reframed the narrative: federal workforce issues aren’t only pension and retirement debates— they’re about recruiting and retaining the next generation who will carry out public services for decades.

Remember, lobbying can’t occur one week a year. It is all of our jobs to continue pressing this message every day by contacting Congress, setting up meetings, and persuading others to make their voices heard.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: HONORING THE WOMEN OF AFGE Renata Davis

During Women's History Month, we proudly recognize the women of the American Federation of Government Employees who continue to lead, advocate, and serve with dedication and strength.

Across the nation, women in AFGE play vital roles as leaders, stewards, representatives, and mentors. They work tirelessly to protect workplace rights, strengthen our union, and support the federal workforce.

Their commitment to advocacy, service, and solidarity continues to shape the labor movement and ensure that the voices of federal employees are heard.

This day, every day and in particular the Month of March, we honor the women whose leadership, courage, and determination help move AFGE and the labor movement forward.

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception.” — The late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (1993-2020)

a busy day @ SSA

DBS

LABOR LINES

YOU COULD LOSE YOUR UNION MEMBERSHIP UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION

A new administration is threatening to stop taking union dues out of your paycheck. If management stops taking union dues out of your paycheck, you will lose your union membership and benefits.

The only way to make sure you keep your union membership and benefits no matter what happens is to sign up today on AFGE E-Dues.

The process is secure and confidential. You can conveniently pay by credit card or bank draft, making the process easier, faster, and more secure.

ACT NOW: SWITCH TO AFGE E-DUES AND KEEP YOUR UNION MEMBERSHIP

Sign up at: https://join.afge.org

w e ’ v e BEEN

G N I K WOR

AFGE COUNCIL 220

Q1 2026 LITIGATION REPORT

Representing Approximately 25,000 Social Security Administration Bargaining Unit Employees Field Operations | Teleservice Centers | Card Centers, WSUs and FOSUs

TELEWORK/FLEX SCHEDULE RELATED LITIGATION Union Management Grievances (UMGs) National Return to Office Grievance FILED BY

GC / AFGE National

Q4 2025 Status

Briefs due January 2026;

Q1 2026 Status

Arbitrator decision received March 11 – sustaining the union’s grievance

Next Steps

Agency filed an appeal to the FLRA in April

TSC Episodic Telework Denials During Shutdown FILED BY

Shonda Johnson

Q4 2025 Status

Contractual right being enforced case-by-case. National grievance filed for TSC shutdownrelated denials.

Q1 2026 Status

Settlement talks unsuccessful

Next Steps

Awaiting Agency Decision

Overtime at ADS on Saturday FILED BY

Edwin Osorio

Q4 2025 Status

AFGE C220 UMG filed - Arbitration invoked

Q1 2026 Status

RESOLVED - securing telework flexibility for Saturday overtime. Union monitoring

TSC Flexible Schedule Suspension FILED BY

Shonda Johnson

Q4 2025 Status

Denial of UMG; arbitration invoked

Q1 2026 Status

Working with Union attorney to move arbitration forward.

WORK ASSIGNMENTS, OTHER CHANGES. CSR Field Office Limited Detail/Permanent Assignment to TSC FILED BY

Monique Buchanan/Jessica LaPointe

Q4 2025 Status

2 separate grievances filed and 1 ULP filed

Q1 2026 Status

Litigation settled

Next Steps

Bargaining will be in April

AFGE COUNCIL 220

Q1 2026 LITIGATION REPORT

Representing Approximately 25,000 Social Security Administration Bargaining Unit Employees Field Operations | Teleservice Centers | Card Centers, WSUs and FOSUs

CS/TE Field Office assignments to TSCs FILED BY

Jessica LaPointe

Q1 2026 Status

UMG filed - Litigation settled

Next Steps

Bargaining will be in April

Common Calendar / Compressed Appointment Times FILED BY

Roy Porter

Q4 2025 Status

Agency denied grievance; arbitration invoked. Awaiting impact and implementation statements and witnesses from regions.

Q1 2026 Status

Requesting abeyance pending outcome of ASC/WLM bargaining

Badge In / Badge Out FILED BY

AFGE GC

Q4 2025 Status

DTB submitted 11/25/25. Briefing held 12/9/25. RFI submitted 12/17/25. No agency response to DTB as of December 2025.

Q1 2026 Status

Agency denied Union DTB; UMG filed

Key Q1 Development No Agency decision yet

For expansive list of litigation filed by AFGE at SSA visit: afgec220.org/members-only For AFGE wide litigation visit:

AFGE | Summary of AFGE Lawsuits

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