UNITY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2025

UNITY MAGAZINE

DEC 2025

COUNCIL Council 220 Executive Committee President – Jessica LaPointe Executive Vice President – Angela Digeronimo First Vice President – Edwin Osorio 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.

Happy

Holidays!

Spread love, joy & cheers this season!

Council C220 IN SOLIDARITY

Council C220

EDITOR’S NOTE

L. GREG DORSEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LOCAL 3184

Dear Members, As we close out this year, we want to reflect honestly on the journey we have shared together, acknowledging both the struggles we have faced and the remarkable resilience we have demonstrated as a united community.

This year has tested us in ways we could not have anticipated. The uncertainty surrounding federal funding created anxiety throughout our workforce, disrupting our daily operations at SSA and touching the lives of every member who depends on stability.

When the government shutdown arrived, it compounded pressures already straining our capacity to maintain normalcy. Our editorial team, like so many of you, navigated the stress and instability of political and budgetary turmoil while working to honor our commitment to this membership and the publication you deserve.

Throughout this year, we have endured budget uncertainties that left us questioning our financial security, operational disruptions that forced us to reimagine how we serve the public, and personal sacrifices that strained our families and wellbeing. We have carried the weight of serving the American people while our own futures felt uncertain, answering questions we could not answer for ourselves, providing stability we were not always sure we possessed. There were moments when the challenges seemed overwhelming, when the path forward was unclear and maintaining hope required conscious effort. We watched colleagues struggle, saw dedicated public servants question whether their commitment was valued, and felt the exhaustion that comes from giving everything while receiving little recognition. Yet through every setback, every disappointment, and every moment of doubt, we rallied together in unity. We supported one another through uncertainty, shared resources and encouragement, and reminded each other why we chose this work.

This edition represents that unity. We have captured not only the hardships we are facing but also the solidarity and determination that define us as union members and federal employees dedicated to serving the American people. Our strength has never come from avoiding difficulty but from facing it together and refusing to let external pressures fracture our bonds.

As we look toward the new year, we carry forward the lessons of resilience this year has taught us. Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and most importantly for your unwavering dedication to our mission even in the face of adversity.

We stand united, and this publication is a testament to that unity.

In solidarity!

PRESIDENT’S PRESIDENT’S JESSICA LAPOINTE CORNER CORNER

JESSICA LAPOINTE

Standing Together for the Service America Deserves The Reality We're Facing Sisters and Brothers, We are at a critical moment for Social Security and for every worker who serves this agency with dedication and pride.

Over the past year, you endured the largest government shutdown in history without meaningful recognition of your dedication. You've watched flexible work schedules suspended at Teleservice Centers. You're waiting for an arbitration decision on telework contract violations. Worker morale is low, stress is high, and our pay does not reflect the importance, volume, and complexity of the work we perform, nor does it meet the rising cost of living and health insurance.

And through it all, you've continued showing up for the 75 million Americans who depend on us.

But your commitment to public service does not mean accepting unsustainable, unfair working conditions.

SSA's FY26 plan fundamentally transforms how Social Security has operated successfully for 90 years. Leadership is explicitly moving away from field offices as "independent miniSSAs" toward centralized processing. The targets anticipate serving just 15 million inperson visitors—down from 31.6 million this year.

Our union believes community-based field office presence is vitally important. We the workers at SSA are part of the quality of life agenda in communities. Yet our work is being centralized away from field offices while we monitor alarming signs of field office closures.

Meanwhile, leadership celebrates cherry-picked statistics while many field office calendars are completely booked, wait lists grow, and timely earned benefit delivery is delayed—through no fault of the worker.

The agency keeps moving the goalposts—changing targets to accommodate declining capacity rather than building capacity to meet public need.

Why This Matters We're at a 58-year staffing low while serving record beneficiaries. In 1967, SSA served 480 beneficiaries per staff member. Today, you're attempting to serve 1,480 each—more than triple the workload. Between buyouts, reassignments, and projected cuts, we're looking at 7,000-10,000 workers lost in just over a year. You just witnessed the largest staffing loss in SSA history. And yet, you endure.

CONTINUED >

The public isn't being asked how they prefer service or if they're satisfied. We hear from them on the front lines, and we know many are not. Customer satisfaction metrics were stripped from SSA.gov. That feedback should be driving operational planning—but communities have no input as their local SSA presence is disappearing. Ironwood, Michigan; Hudson, New York; Logan, West Virginia; Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania; Bozeman and Havre, Montana are cautionary tales of offices that remain closed or are threatened with closing due to understaffing, commercial development, and other issues that are leaving communities without vital in-person SSA service that they have already bought and paid for.

National Day of Action: January 14th Social Security Workers United is holding a National Day of Action on January 14th. We are demanding: Proper staffing at levels that allow us to serve the public with dignity and keep field offices open in communities Pay justice – We face a 28% federal pay gap.

A 1% raise won't even cover health insurance increases, much less rising cost of living On-time government funding – No more shutdowns on the backs of federal workers

✊ ✊ ✊

Moving Forward Together We have expertise, institutional knowledge, and relationships built over decades in our communities. We know our customers, and they know us. No transformation will work without input from the workers who do the work and without treating us with the dignity, fairness, and respect we deserve.

Participate in the January 14th Day of Action. Talk to your members of Congress. Share your story. When you see service declining because of inadequate staffing, say so as a union member. If you can't save for a shutdown or even meet your monthly cost of living expenses, tell your story through your union. When field offices are threatened with closure, speak up for your community on behalf of AFGE. You are the safety net. You are the face of dignity in retirement and disability. You are part of what makes communities work.

Stand together. Speak out. Demand better.

In Solidarity, Jessica LaPointe

I would like to say that I was destined to work for Social Security; but in fact, it was a well-timed accident. Like many college grads in my area, I was thrown into a rural job market without a ton of options beyond teaching or skilled trades, and my college education was based on Social Security: An American Institution employment relations and sociology.

Between picking up some graduate credits and squeezing out any part time job hours I could, one of my coworkers handed me a catalog from a recent college job fair. One entry stood out on the page- Social Security. I was surprised that Social Security offices operated in my area, and then by chance my father spotted the catalog on my desk, which was followed by a lecture that it was a federal government job, and I would be applying for it.

Little did I know that a couple of weeks later that the lead up to my career in public service would coincide with the horrific events that took place on 9/11/2001. As the first couple of years passed, it became clear that the work that Social Security performs would be a pillar in the post 9/11 world. There was the thought that the Social Security card was a universal identifier that played a vital role in shoring up domestic security, which made the work important. And then there was the vital role that Social Security benefits played in rebuilding lives for the following decades- whether it was the disability benefits we pay first responders from injuries sustained on 9/11 or the survivor and disability benefits we pay military families through all the military conflict that followed.

SOCIAL SECURITY: AN AMERICAN INSTITUTION And then there are the millions of other people who rely on Social Security’s services every single day. The workers who have contributed FICA all their lives and finally looking to retire. The widows who are suddenly thrown into financial uncertainty after the death of their spouse. And then there are the sixteen-year-olds who are itching to get a replacement Social Security card so they can get their drivers’ permit or their first after-school job.

24 years into my career, I slowly discovered that there is an unwavering importance for the work that all of us do. Amongst the piles of work, never-ending phone calls, and never-ending days there are people like my mother who has lived comfortably because of the widows’ benefits she received from my late father and eventually the retirement benefits she draws from her years of hard work at a hospital. And then there are my former colleagues who are receiving benefits themselves or have disabled adult children in their family who thrive because of the benefits we provide. And every single one of us should take pride in knowing that the work we do is important to the people we serve every day.

BY: ROY PORTER

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the work that our entire Union does on behalf of all of us as members every day. Our workforce is facing unprecedented challenges and attacks, and Social Security as a program is facing existential threats as its long-term solvency comes into question. I take a tremendous amount of pride in the work that I do for you and your fellow members, as well as all the work I do on behalf of the American public to advocate for the program and our workforce. In the coming months and years, I hope that all of you will take collective action to ensure that the important American institution known as Social Security carries on for future generations.

Volunteer for Your Union BY: WITOLD SKWIERCZYNSKI

Federal employees have been subjected to unprecedented attacks by the Trump administration. Many have been unjustly fired. Others have left the government due to threats from their Agency that they would be fired if they didn’t take an early retirement or a buyout. Staffing cuts have forced SSA employees to try to process more work with less staff. That’s a prescription for failure. Unjust critics have called federal employees “leeches” and “parasites of American taxpayers”.

Hardworking SSA employees know that that’s untrue. However, such unfair criticisms can be demoralizing and result in an extremely stressful work environment.

This is a time when it is essential that federal employees and retirees respond to such bad policies and unjust criticism. The Trump administration wants to either eliminate most of the government or privatize it and use the savings to reduce the taxes of the rich. We cannot stand for that.

Retirees are uniquely situated to assist their brothers and sisters who are still working and to ensure that the benefit programs that they administered for years will continue to be available to the American public in a non-partisan manner.

Unfortunately, few retirees volunteer to help their union. Current SSA employees may be fearful of the consequences of protesting the deterioration of SSA service delivery and the working conditions of the workforce. Retirees can’t be disciplined or fired any more. They have the luxury of time to devote to assisting their union, their former colleagues and the public.

Retiree volunteers are especially needed to engage in political and legislative action and street protests regarding the current situation. Fighting back against the planned deterioration of SSA services is the only way that we can change the course of events.

Electing friends of Social Security, federal employees and labor unions is one way to respond. Calling and visiting Congresspeople and Senators and asking them to vote for legislation that your union endorses is another change action.

Attending protests, demonstrations, rallies and pickets will put pressure on elected officials to support our issues.

If you are willing to volunteer go to the AFGE website at www.afge.org. Click on: TAKE ACTION. Then click on: VOLUNTEER. Fill out the form and list the activity that you would be willing to do. AFGE will contact you about how you can help.

Alternatively, contact your Local President and offer your services. If you don’t know who that is or how to reach them, just contact me at witoldc220@gmail.com and I will send you the appropriate contact information. Just tell me your Local or, if you don’t know, where you last worked in SSA. There is one event coming up that should be mandatory attendance for you. That would be No Kings Day on October 18, 2025. Events are being scheduled throughout the country to protest what our current government is doing. Millions of people will be participating.

Google: No Kings Day. Click on FIND EVENT and enter your zip code.

You will receive a list of locations and times of events near you. Just make a sign and show up. You’ll be glad you did. Invite your family and friends to join you.

There are times in our lives when we must leave our comfort zone and stand up for our principles and our democracy. This is such a time.

RETIREES: Volunteer for your union, for SSA and your co-workers who are still working under terrible conditions. When we join together for a cause, we are powerful, and we will WIN.

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

CALLING TSC CALLING TSC

AFGE Fights Back: Union Takes Action on TSC Flex Time Suspension

By Shonda Johnson

Over the weekend in June, TSC workers nationwide received devastating news: their flexible schedules would end come Monday.

For thousands of dedicated Social Security employees, this abrupt change has turned their lives upside down.

The impact has been immediate and severe. A single mother was forced to withdraw her child from summer camp, losing money already paid, and now drives 25 miles each morning to drop off her child at a family member's house—all while using leave without pay because management refused accommodation.

Another worker now pays $2 per minute for late daycare pickup because it takes 20 minutes just to exit the parking lot at 5 PM. The financial strain has forced difficult choices: "Because of all the increased expenses for my household I have to sacrifice providing food for me and my child."

Workers caring for disabled children, elderly parents with dementia, and managing their own health conditions report increased stress and cancelled medical appointments. Over 2,000 TSC workers have signed AFGE's petition demanding restoration of their flexible schedules.

Union Response: A Comprehensive Grievance AFGE has filed a formal grievance challenging this action as a clear violation of the 2019 National Agreement. The union argues that: No proper notice was given: The announcement came at 7 PM on a Friday, affecting thousands of workers by Monday morning No operational justification provided: Management failed to articulate any bona fide operational need Contract violations: The suspension violates multiple articles Data shows harm: Average wait times actually increased from 695 seconds in May to 797 seconds in June after flex was eliminated

The Path Forward AFGE is demanding immediate restoration of flex time, credit hours, and alternative schedules.

The union has submitted operational data showing that flexible scheduling actually improves customer service by placing more agents during peak afternoon hours when wait times are longest.

Your union is fighting for you. We will not accept this treatment of dedicated federal employees.

JUST DO IT: HOW I TURNED FEAR INTO FUEL FOR CHANGE by: Cassandra Raine-Francis

Doing something new can arise fear, uncertainty, and anxiety surrounding the new task. For SSA’s 90th birthday, I had all of those feelings and then some. This was my first time planning a rally, I didn’t have anyone else in my area to assist me directly, and did I mention this was my first time? LOL. I felt nervous, anxious, maybe a little afraid in this climate, because I certainly didn’t want to violate Hatch Act in any way. Guess what, I’m still here, and it was a success. If there had been more time I do think it could’ve been more people in attendance.

However, I am happy with the outcome of what took place in my small town. I contacted the Retired Labor’s Union and a few members came out, community members, and even members from the local office participated on their breaks/lunches on one of the hottest days of the year.

Although our office didn’t have a high participation in the rally, they participated in the office pitch in. Nothing like food and cupcakes to boost the morale for a day. From the rally, there was an article featured in a local newspaper “Our Times Magazine” and I was able to have our State Congressman sign a Proclamation on behalf of AFGE. I say all that to say, I did it scared, I did it afraid, I did some parts alone, but I did it, and you can too. This new task that I felt I equipped to do initially created a fire within me to want to keep doing, talking, interviewing, or whatever needs to be done in hopes of creating change. As reps, it’s not always easy. We juggle agency work, union work, personal issues, and some may even suffer from disabilities themselves, yet we show up to fight another day. “Just do it” The thing that you are afraid of that you may not know how to, or don’t have the answers from A-Z, try it anyway. Remember the first time you stepped into a Weingarten, the first grievance or ULP you did, the first EEO case you represented, now look at you. You did it! Be active, get involved, search out resources, ask questions. Don’t allow fear to stop you from achieving something that you may be great at. You won’t know until you try. Just Do It!

FROM FEAR TO STRENGTH: A NEW MEMBER’S CALL TO UNION SOLIDARITY

by: Taylor Billings

Tierra Carter, AFGE Local 4156 member, spoke at the #SocialSecurityStrong August 14 day of action, and shared about her experiences organizing, standing up against retaliation in the workplace, and why you should always have Union Representation. Her responses have been edited for length.

Tierra, it’s great to meet you. Can you tell me about yourself?

I am a mother and a wife. I’m a co-author on a book about domestic violence called, “Breaking the Silence, Volume #2” and an active member at my church. I started with the Social Security Administration in May of 2023.

Tierra Carter

How did you get involved in the August 14 Day of Action; what was your role?

I spoke at the Virtual Event to hundreds of supporters. I had spoken on [public] platforms before about domestic violence, because my mom was a domestic violence victim and she lost her life from that. But, I’ve never spoken out against my employer so that was huge and exciting!

I was amazed to see how many people joined. Seeing that many people rooting for us and taking action was a breath of fresh air. It gave me an extra push to want to go back to work and enough juice to keep going.

Have you been a part of a Union before?

No, but I’ve always heard great things. I have ex-military and federal workers in my family, so I’d heard about AFGE. My family members always told me that if you get somewhere and they have a Union, get in it. Learn how you can help, learn how you can contribute, pay your dues, and be there.

What has being a part of AFGE and a Union Member meant for you?

For me, joining the union in the beginning was more so wanting someone to have my back when it comes to my disability. I was afraid of losing my job, so I wanted someone who can speak for me and stand up for me.

As 2025 got closer, I learned the Union is more than the limits that I had put on it. When coworkers tell me about the issues they’re facing in the workplace, I tell them to join the Union and talk to their Reps. Management is retaliating against me for that, but it’s the truth working with the Union worked for me and the Union is why I’m still here.

What would you say to other AFGE members who are facing issues in their workplaces?

I would say the same things I said on August 14: You cannot be afraid. You have to stand up for yourself. Don’t take anyone’s abuse, anyone’s retaliation, anyone’s threats and don’t listen to them when they say you don’t need a Union Rep, because you do.

I would encourage everyone who’s in the Union, is a Rep, to continue doing a great job. I know how big the fight is and appreciate each of them. Your time and your efforts are not wasted, you are so needed!

THE STRONGEST STEEL IS FORGED IN FIRE

by Amber A. Westbrook Through this shutdown, I have witnessed such extraordinary resolve that I've learned we are not passengers on the Titanic, playing violins while the ship goes down.

We are Braveheart in work boots standing shoulder to shoulder, staring down the storm, and declaring with unwavering conviction: "You cannot break us."

They can shut down the government, but they cannot shut down our resolve.

They can freeze our paychecks, but they cannot freeze our courage.

We have been tested before through budget cuts, bureaucratic chaos, and broken promises yet every single time, we emerged stronger. And my friends, this shutdown has revealed just how strong we truly are.

We are the ones buying groceries for each other, sharing gas money, splitting babysitting duties, and dropping off meals when someone is struggling. We have brought laundry detergent to work, stocked breakroom shelves with essentials, and stood side by side at food banks not in shame, but in solidarity.

We have sent late-night text messages just to ensure no one loses hope.

We have proven that when the system stops, the people do not.

Yes, we are tired. Yes, we are angry. But we are still here still showing up, still standing tall, still fighting for one another. This is not a tragedy; it is a transformation.

We are not victims of this shutdown—we are living proof that unity outlasts anything Washington can throw at us.

Because this is not about merely surviving until the next paycheck. It is about remembering that our strength has never come from a bank deposit it has always come from each other.

So let them test us. Let them underestimate us.

We will keep holding on, lifting each other up, and fighting like hell to make it through because that is what we do.

That is who we are.

And when this shutdown finally ends, we will rise stronger, prouder, and more united than ever before.

Life After the Shutdown: Building Resilience for an Uncertain Future BY: L.GREGORY DORSEY The government has reopened, paychecks have resumed, and on the surface it appears we have returned to normal operations. But those of us who lived through

the

shutdown

know

that

something fundamental has shifted. We experienced financial trauma, institutional betrayal, and the sobering realization that our stability can be weaponized beyond our control. The question now is not whether another shutdown could happen, but how we prepare ourselves so we are never this vulnerable again.

The

psychological

without

pay

or

scars

of

being

working

furloughed

indefinitely do not disappear with the arrival of backpay. Many of us are still processing the anxiety of watching bills pile up, the humiliation of explaining our situation to creditors, and the anger of being

treated

as

expendable

after

dedicating our careers to public service.

Healing from this experience requires acknowledging that what we endured was real trauma, not simply an inconvenience.

Give

yourself

permission

processing

these

operations

resume.

to

feelings

still

be

even

as

is

not

Recovery

instantaneous, and pretending everything is fine does not make us stronger.

Moving forward, we must make an attempt to build financial and emotional resilience that protects us if this happens again. Start by creating or rebuilding an emergency fund, even if you can only set aside small amounts each pay period. The goal is not perfection but progress toward a cushion that provides breathing room during future uncertainty. Review your budget and identify expenses that can be reduced or eliminated if necessary. Research which creditors and service providers offer federal employee hardship programs and keep that information accessible. Knowledge is power when a crisis strikes.

Equally important is strengthening our support networks. The colleagues who checked on you during the shutdown, the union representatives who advocated for resources, the friends who offered meals or childcare are your safety net. Nurture those relationships now, not just during a crisis.

Consider joining or deepening involvement with your union, where collective action provides protection individual employees cannot access alone. Document your shutdown experience and share your story with elected representatives.

Political memory is short, but our voices matter when we use them persistently.

Most critically, refuse to normalize what happened. This should not be a recurring feature of federal employment. We deserve better than to serve as political pawns. While we prepare practically for future uncertainty, we must also demand systemic change that prevents shutdowns from holding federal workers hostage. Our resilience should never be mistaken for acceptance. We survived, we will prepare, but we will not forget.

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

Life of Life of Service Service

A VETERANS’

PERSPECTIVE

Life After the Shutdown: A Veteran and Union Representative's Perspective by: Unknown Solider As a retired veteran and union representative at the Social Security Administration, I have witnessed what happens when systems fail the people they exist to protect. The recent government shutdown was not simply political disagreement but a failure of leadership that inflicted real harm on vulnerable populations, federal employees, and veterans who have already sacrificed everything for this nation.

During the shutdown, I watched elderly Americans anxiously await disability determinations while our agency operated with reduced capacity. I saw veterans face delayed claims processing and uncertainty about benefits earned through service. I witnessed federal employees, including veterans like myself, face financial insecurity while still reporting to work. We took an oath to support and defend the Constitution, yet our government failed to fund the essential services citizens deserve.

Now that operations have resumed, we face a critical question: How do we move forward knowing this could happen again?

First, acknowledge what we endured. This was institutional betrayal, and the trauma does not disappear because the crisis has passed. As veterans, we understand that acknowledging hardship is the first step toward readiness. Second, build financial resilience with military discipline. Start or rebuild an emergency fund, review your budget tactically, and research creditor hardship programs. Prepare for contingencies we hope will never occur.

Third, strengthen your support networks now. Deepen involvement with your union, where collective bargaining provides protections individual employees cannot secure alone. Veterans understand unit cohesion. That same strength exists within organized labor. Fourth, transform frustration into advocacy.

Document your experience and share it with elected representatives. Our voices carry weight when used persistently.

Finally, refuse to normalize what happened. We can prepare practically while demanding systemic change that prevents shutdowns from holding federal workers and citizens hostage. Our resilience should never be mistaken for acceptance.

As both a veteran and union representative, I know we will endure whatever challenges come next. But survival alone is not the standard we should accept. Our oath did not expire when we left military service. It continues in how we serve, how we prepare, and how we fight for the systems that protect those who depend on us.

w e ’ v e BEEN

G N I K WOR

C220 Achievements And Milestones Updates

MAJOR WINS

VICTORIES

MOBILIZATION

Here's What We've Achieved Together!

PENDING

AFGE Council 220 2025 Litigation Wins & Highlights MAJOR VICTORIES

Legislative Win: HR 2550 Status: Passed House of Representatives Achievement: Protected supplemental retirement benefits, High 3 annuity calculations, and new hire union protections Led by: Council 220 organizing efforts (February and July DC lobbying events, August district meetings) 5-Point Email System Status: TERMINATED - UNION VICTORY Filed by: Edwin Osorio, 1st VP C220 Achievement: Agency completely withdrew problematic system after grievance filed and arbitration invoked Saturday Overtime Telework at ADS Status: RESOLVED - UNION VICTORY Filed by: Edwin Osorio Achievement: Secured improved management approvals for Saturday telework across agency (December 2025) Episodic Telework Rights Status: Multiple Union Victories Achievement: Enhanced procedural language for written denials, improved guidance for illness-related telework, financial hardship approvals during shutdown in Field Offices/WSUs (not TSCs) EAP Session Clarification Status: UNION WIN - RESOLVED Lead: Jennifer Ramirez-Serrano Achievement: Confirmed six EAP sessions still offered; corrected EAP's misapplication of limits (July 2025) Agency Article 7 Notice (Articles 21 & 17) Status: RESOLVED - UNION VICTORY Achievement: AFGE declined to reopen negotiations; agency withdrew request to modify existing contract language Schedule F Implementation Status: UNION VICTORY - Agency Abandoned Achievement: Successful advocacy pressure resulted in SSA backing down from Schedule F implementation Phone Service Restrictions Status: UNION VICTORY Achievement: Agency walked back mandatory use to optional; expanded VSD MOU to TSC and PCs Shutdown AWOL Notices at TSC Status: UNION VICTORY Achievement: Agency agreed to rescind all AWOL notices; removed from 7b files for TSC workers Contractual Rights Preservation Status: ONGOING VICTORY Achievement: AFGE at SSA retained contractual rights while 70% of AFGE members elsewhere lost theirs

C220 Achievements And Milestones Updates

MOBILIZATIO N

Here's What We've Achieved Together!

PENDING MAJOR DECISIONS

(Awaiting Resolution) Return to Office (RTO) Litigation Status: Arbitration Decision in Progress Filed by: General Council (AFGE National and Angela Digeronimo as Technical Assistant (TA) for the GC.) Key Event: Arbitration hearing September 17, 2025 Update: Briefs due January 2026; awaiting arbitration decision TSC Flexible Schedule Suspension Status: Active Grievance Filed by: Shonda Johnson, 4th VP Timeline: Filed June 2025; 2,000+ signature petition delivered August 2025; working with AFGE National Attorney and private counsel Next Step: Awaiting agency decision, then arbitration invocation Article 30 Telework Usage (Union-Management Grievance) Status: Selecting Arbitrator Panel Filed by: Angela Digeronimo Issue: Challenges agency refusal to grant work-from-home for union representatives conducting official business Update: December 2025 arbitrator selection in progress CSR Field Office Details to TSCs Status: Partial Union Victory - Litigation Pending Lead: Monique Buchanan/Angela Digeronimo/Jessica LaPointe Achievement: Successfully negotiated rotational reassignments instead of fixed person reassignments (September 2025) Status: Grievance pending on entirety of issue Adjudication Time Expansion (Two Grievances) Status: Arbitration Invoked Filed by: Edwin Osorio, 1st VP C220 Issue: Challenges removal of dedicated adjudication time Common Calendar/Compressed Appointment Times Status: Arbitration Invoked Filed by: Roy Porter, 3rd VP Issue: Addresses reduction in appointment times, pre-interview prep, and post-interview processing Update: December 2025 awaiting impact statements and witnesses from regions OCREO Dismantling Status: Arbitration Invoked Filed by: General Council Issue: Challenges gutting of Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Update: December 2025 C220 voted to advance arbitration ICTU/WEP-GPO Bypass Status: Arbitration Invoked Lead: Shonda Johnson, 4th VP Issue: Challenges changes to Internet Claims Taking Unit and WEP/GPO workload implementation Stress Grievance Status: Arbitration Invoked Filed by: Edwin Osorio Issue: Addresses systemic workplace stressors affecting employee health and morale Shutdown Episodic Telework Denials at TSC Status: National Grievance Filed Filed: November 21, 2025 Issue: Blanket TSC episodic denials during 44-day shutdown Status: Awaiting agency decision

C220 Achievements And Milestones Updates

MOBILIZATIO N

Here's What We've Achieved Together!

MOU ACHIEVEMENTS Service Observations and AWS Features MOU Status: MOU REACHED - MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT Date: September 2025 Represented by: Angela Digeronimo (lead) and Melaine Brody for C220 Applies to: Field Offices/TSCs/WSUs VSIP/VERA Protections Status: BARGAINING COMPLETE Represented by: Angela Digeronimo for C220 Achievement: Secured protections for Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment and Early Retirement VSD MOU (Virtual Service Delivery) Status: EXPANDED AND IMPLEMENTED Achievement: Expanded to include TSCs for virtual direct deposit ID proofing; first training round in WSU completed FOSU (Field Office Support Unit) Status: BARGAINING IN PROGRESS - ALMOST COMPLETE Represented by: Angela Digeronimo and Jessica LaPointe Goals: Secure MOU allowing movement in/out of units, worker protections, improved training McNamara Building Health Services Status: BARGAINING UNDERWAY Represented by: Monique Buchanan (lead) and Bill Price for C220

UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES AWS Implementation ULP Status: PARTIAL RESOLUTION - UNION VICTORY Achievement: Settlement discussions resulted in Service Observations and AWS Features MOU Update: Remaining ULP charges dismissed by FLRA Parking Subsidies ULP Status: PENDING FLRA APPEAL AFS (Appointment Scheduling System) ULP Status: PARTIALLY DISMISSED; ARBITRATION INVOKED ON GRIEVANCE Update: Settlement discussions ongoing; arbitration invoked on core compression times issue Union Dues Withholding Section 10 UMG Status: UMG FILED Filed by: Angela Digeronimo Date: December 9, 2025 Issue: Challenges agency actions affecting union dues collection after shutdown PPM Changes to Admin Leave Status: WITH GC FOR ULP CONSIDERATION Update: DTB submitted and denied; submitted to General Council for ULP review

C220 Achievements And Milestones Updates

MOBILIZATIO N

Here's What We've Achieved Together!

TECHNOLOGY & SYSTEMS DEMANDS TO BARGAIN Badge In/Badge Out Timeline: Notice received November 25, 2025; DTB submitted same day; briefing December 9, 2025; RFI December 17, 2025 Concerns: Field office closure potential, employee safety, hyper-monitoring, contract violations Technology-Assisted Adjudication for Medicare-Only Claims Status: ACTIVE DEMAND TO BARGAIN Timeline: Notice December 15, 2025; DTB December 16, 2025; briefing requested Issue: AI/automated systems for Medicare claims M365 Co-Pilot Chat Status: ACTIVE DEMAND TO BARGAIN Timeline: Notice December 15, 2025; DTB December 16, 2025 Concerns: AI-powered workplace monitoring and data privacy Verient and Balance Scorecard Status: DTB SUBMITTED, BRIEFING HELD Timeline: Notice November 19, 2025; DTB November 21, 2025; Briefing December 11, 2025 Issue: Workplace monitoring and performance management system Universal Call Sharing/Claims Access/Calendar Status: GRIEVANCE IN DEVELOPMENT Lead: Roy Porter, 3rd VP Update: DTBs denied; C220 drafting grievance; universal calendar centralization on watch list

COURT LITIGATION VICTORIES Trump-Appointed Judge Denied White House Contract Termination Effort Status: MAJOR VICTORY Achievement: Protected collective bargaining agreements RIFs During Shutdown Status: AFGE VICTORIOUS Achievement: Won injunction and final ruling preventing RIFs during shutdown Initial DOGE Restraining Order Status: TEMPORARY VICTORY Achievement: Successfully blocked DOGE operations at SSA (later lifted by Supreme Court; case pending) Initial RIF/Reorg TRO Status: PARTIAL VICTORY Achievement: Secured 2-week TRO halting reorganizations (later lifted by Supreme Court; case pending in CA)

C220 Achievements And Milestones Updates

MOBILIZATIO N

Here's What We've Achieved Together!

MOBILIZATION & ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS SSSA 90th Birthday Celebration Advocacy Status: UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS Achievement: Over 1,000 members participated in 55+ member-driven nationwide events Media Coverage Status: UNPARALLELED Achievement: 1,170 news articles and broadcasts including NBC Nightly News, MSNBC, NY Times, Washington Post, ABC, AP Reach: ~2 billion people; 47 states reported on Council and affiliate local members Shutdown Town Halls Status: SUCCESSFUL MEMBER SUPPORT Achievement: GC-led shutdown town halls with nearly 500 members in attendance Next Mobilization Status: PLANNED Date: January 14, 2026 Goals: Advocate to prevent another shutdown, staff offices, and secure fair pay

ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTH C220 Robust Committee Structure Status: ACTIVE AND EFFECTIVE Committees: Communication, Legislative, Education, Health and Safety, Retiree, EEO, Organizing, TSC, WSU Achievement: Local members and leaders meeting regularly to provide recommendations and support Regular Member Engagement C220 Executive Committee: 3rd Tuesday monthly Local Officers Forum: 2nd Wednesday monthly at 2:00 PM ET Committee Meetings: Weekly (Communications/Litigation/Legislative) Annual Caucus: November 13-15, 2025 (virtual; postponed to December 7 and 18)

2026 PRIORITIES FOSU MOU: Complete negotiations for movement in/out of units, protections, training RTO Arbitration Decision: Expected early 2026 TSC Flex Grievance: Move forward post-shutdown with litigation 160-Item Field Operations Plan: Work with agency on centralization while ensuring staffing and pay justice Legislative Advocacy: Build on HR 2550 success; push for pay justice and staffing Maintain Agency Access: Continue regular COSS and leadership meetings

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