UNITY MAGAZINE FEB/MAR APR 2025

FEB. MAR. APR 2025

UNITY MAGAZINE

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.

EDITOR’S NOTE

L. GREG DORSEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LOCAL 3184

Stronger Together: The Power of Unity in Times of Crisis In moments of hardship, adversity, and attack, our true strength is revealed—not in isolation, but in solidarity. History has shown time and again that when communities stand together, they withstand the storm with resilience, emerging not just intact but stronger. In a world that often seeks to divide, we must remember that unity is our most powerful defense and our greatest asset.

Calamities, whether natural disasters, economic crises, or social upheavals, have the potential to fracture us. Fear can turn us inward, making us believe that survival is an individual pursuit. But the reality is quite the opposite. It is in our collective resolve, in the hands stretched out to help one another, and in the voices raised together that we find true endurance.

History offers countless lessons in unity. When workers join hands in the face of injustice, they change the landscape of labor rights. When nations rally against oppression, they shape the course of history. When communities stand shoulder to shoulder after disaster, they rebuild not just homes but hope. These are not mere anecdotes; they are testaments to the power of standing together.

Union is not just a word—it is a force. It is the spirit that drives progress, the bond that strengthens communities, and the shield that protects us all. In times of attack, whether physical, ideological, or systemic, our response must be unwavering: we do not stand alone, we stand united.

Now more than ever, let us hold firm to this truth. Let us reject division and embrace solidarity. For together, we are not just stronger—we are unstoppable in UNITY!

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Standing United: Our Fight for SSA’s Future Dear SSA Union Family, As we face one of the most challenging periods in our agency’s history, I want to acknowledge the battles we’re fighting—and the victories we’re winning together. Your resilience and solidarity continue to inspire.

Recent Victories Worth Celebrating Thanks to our collective action and growing community awareness, we’ve achieved a critical legal victory. A federal judge recently issued a Temporary Restraining Order blocking DOGE operations at SSA. This is a significant first step in defending our ability to serve the public. This win belongs to each of you who raised your voice and stood strong for our mission.

Fighting on Multiple Fronts AFGE Council 220 and the General Committee are working around the clock: Litigation: We’ve filed numerous grievances—from returnto-office mandates and compressed appointment times to lack of employee training and dismantling of OCREO. Bargaining: We’re negotiating over VSIP/VERA offerings and demanding a seat at the table on restructuring efforts that threaten frontline services and jobs.

Congressional Advocacy: We regularly meet with lawmakers to push for funding, prevent office closures, and fight anti-union legislation that threatens pay, benefits, and rights.

Public Engagement: Through “Save SSA” and “Hands Off” rallies, and partnerships with advocacy groups, we’re educating the public on how harmful policies affect employees and the millions who depend on SSA services.

Your Voice Matters

Now more than ever, your engagement is essential. Here’s how you can help: Join a Rally: National attention starts with local action.

Visit afgec220.org for toolkits and event updates.

Share Your Story: Your real-life experiences are powerful advocacy tools. Submit yours on our website.

Take Surveys: Participate in the BUE Stress and AFS surveys—your input strengthens our legal and negotiation efforts.

Attend Events: Join our monthly Local Officers Forum and town halls, including sessions with supporters like actor Sean Astin.

Submit Resolutions: Propose office closure/staff reduction resolutions through Common Councils.

Contact Congress: Use our resources to speak up for SSA and your workplace.

Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for daily updates and calls to action.

Strategic Approach In the face of continued challenges, remember our core strategy: Breathe – Let’s respond thoughtfully, not reactively.

Educate – Knowledge is power. We’ll keep everyone informed.

Act in Unison – Our strength lies in solidarity and collective action.

Resources at Your Fingertips

Visit afgec220.org regularly. We’ve expanded our offerings to include: Mental health and workers’ comp support Tools for reps and activists E-dues instructions and more Looking Ahead

Though the road ahead is tough, I’m hopeful.

With our unity, we’re already seeing results— from court victories to nationwide rallies. The coming months will shape the future of SSA and our rights as workers. But if we stand together—breathing, educating, and acting in unison—I’m confident we will emerge stronger than ever.

PRESIDENT’S

Corner

In solidarity, Jessica LaPointe AFGE Council 220 President

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

UNITY MAGAZINE

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BREAKING BARRIERS WOMEN OF COLOR IN AMERICAN POLITICS BUILDING POWER

Collage courtesy of Msmagazine.com

by: L. Gregory Dorsey & Cassandra Raine-Francis

"Politics is personal when your rights are always on the line."

—Tanya Jackson, UNITE HERE Local 355, Florida

In recent decades, women of color have emerged as some of the most dynamic forces in American politics—shaping policies, building coalitions, and transforming the narrative of what leadership looks like. Their presence is not just a symbolic shift; it’s a strategic and cultural breakthrough in a system long resistant to their voices. Being the backbone and heart of the home to the energy and life force in our government politics.

A Legacy Resilience

of

Resistance

and

The political participation of women of color in the United States is grounded in generations of activism, organizing, and unwavering resistance. From civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer to labor leader Dolores Huerta, from Shirley Chisholm—who made history in 1968 as the first Black woman elected to Congress—to today’s trailblazing "Squad" of progressive lawmakers— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan—these leaders have carved a path by refusing to accept invisibility.

In that same spirit, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett has emerged as a bold advocate for change in the workplace.

Unafraid to challenge entrenched systems, she consistently champions policies that uplift everyday working people.

As conversations around labor rights intensify and more federal employees join unions, the leadership of Crockett— and other women of color in politics—remains critical to driving progress, equity, and justice within the labor movement.

Numbers Rising, But Not Fast Enough

Despite systemic barriers —voter suppression, underfunding, racialized media scrutiny—women of color have continued to run for office, win, and govern with a commitment to justice that resonates with working-class communities across the country.

We have to acknowledge and celebrate Stacey Abrams of Georgia for the diligent work in these issues.

Nevertheless, their growing influence is undeniable.

From city councils to Capitol Hill, women of color are leading efforts on issues like reproductive rights, climate justice, police accountability, immigration reform, and workers' rights—topics often informed by their lived experiences and the communities they represent.

The 2022 midterm elections marked a milestone: a record number of women of color were elected to Congress, yet they still represent only a small fraction of overall elected officials.

Black, Latina, Asian American, Indigenous, and Middle Eastern women often face double standards and intersecting forms of discrimination in the political arena, including from within their own parties.

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I grew up in the South, and my grandmother used to talk about how hard it was just to vote. I carry that history with me every time I organize hotel workers. The same voter suppression tactics are coming back today, and it’s women like Stacey Abrams who are fighting them. That’s leadership that understands what’s at stake.”

Union Values, Shared Struggles For unions, the rise of women of color in politics is not just a story of representation—it’s a call to solidarity. Many of these leaders come from working-class backgrounds. Some have been organizers themselves. Their policy priorities frequently align with the values of the labor movement: living wages, safe workplaces, health care access, and the right to organize. When women of color win, workers win.

Beyond the Ballot: Organizing Power While electoral politics gets the headlines, much of the real powerbuilding happens between campaigns—in grassroots movements, community organizations, and union halls.

Women of color are often at the heart of this work, mobilizing voters, leading strikes, demanding accountability, and connecting the dots between economic justice and racial justice.

Organizations like Black Voters Matter, Mijente, and She the People are reshaping the political landscape, amplifying voices that have long been sidelined. Their work, in many ways, compliments that of unions pushing for proworker legislation and equitable economic policies.

The Road Ahead As the U.S. confronts rising authoritarianism, economic inequality, and climate crisis, the leadership of women of color is not just welcome—it’s essential. These leaders bring not only representation, but also a reimagining of politics rooted in empathy, equity, and action.

It’s time to support them—not only at the polls but in the halls of power, in coalition spaces, and in the workplace. Because when women of color lead, the entire movement moves forward.

“Ain’t I a Woman?”

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table!”

RECORD NUMBER OF WOMEN OF COLOR ELECTED TO CONGRESS—YET STILL UNDERREPRESENTED ACROSS ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.

Women of color have never waited for permission to lead. Through the ballot, the picket line, the protest, and the podium, they continue to push American democracy to live up to its ideals. As union members and political leaders, they remind us: the fight for justice is not a moment—it’s a movement.

THINK PIECE

Stronger Than the Storm: Why We Fight

By Amber Westbrook, Chicago RVP | AFGE Local 3272 President

My friends, I know you’re tired. I know the weight of uncertainty is real—and heavy. The past few years haven’t been easy. We’ve faced budget threats, staffing shortages, and public criticism. But even through it all, I know who we are.

We are the ones who show up, day after day, serving the public with pride. We are the ones who carry the mission on our backs. We are the ones who keep this agency running. And yet, somehow, we keep hearing the same tired insults: “lazy federal workers.” Really?

In my house, there’s a rule: excuses—or saying “I can’t”— mean push-ups. Doesn’t matter where we are. If one of my kids says something is “too hard” or they “can’t do it,” they drop and give me ten. Yes, we’ve gotten some strange looks in grocery store aisles, but the message stuck: you don’t quit just because something is hard. You push through. That’s how strength is built.

So let them talk. Let them underestimate us.

We know the truth. We are dedicated, determined, and resilient. We work hard, but we fight even harder. Because real change doesn’t come from comfort—it comes from courage. It comes from standing up, speaking out, and refusing to back down.

Maggie Kuhn once said, “Speak even if your voice shakes.” And that’s what we do. Every day.

We speak. We stand. We fight.

Because we are more than just workers—we are a Union.

And that means something. It means solidarity. It means power. And it means that together, there is nothing we can’t do.

Stay strong. Stay loud. Stay united.

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1.

2.

3.

Grassroots

MOBLIZATION C220

Initiatives

RALLYING

AROUND

THE

U.S.A.

OP-ED

STANDING UP AGAINST THE ANTI-UNION AGENDA — IT’S TIME TO ACT

BY L. GREGORY DORSEY, EDITOR Across the country, unions are under attack — not

But we’re not going quietly.

through legislation debated in the open, but through

Union members are rallying, organizing, and demanding

backdoor policies, administrative fiat, and a deliberate

accountability. From the steps of city halls to Capitol Hill, we

campaign to erode public confidence in government

are lifting our voices — not just for ourselves, but for every

workers. From slashing staffing at the Social Security

person who depends on the vital services we deliver. We’ve

Administration, to quietly closing vital offices like the

seen overwhelming support from elected leaders like Rep.

one in White Plains, NY, and dismantling contracts at

Mark Pocan and Rep. Terri Sewell, and we must keep the

agencies like TSA, the writing is on the wall: some in

pressure on.

power want to weaken unions and privatize the services our communities rely on.

Here’s what you can do: 1. Call Congress: Demand full funding for SSA and other

Let’s be clear — this is not about efficiency or

federal agencies. Support the Keeping Our Field Offices

modernization. These actions are about breaking the

Open Act (HR 1876), Protecting America's Social Security

backbone of worker power and undermining our ability to

Data Act (HR 1877), and Social Security Expansion Act (S-

advocate for the American people. When you gut the

770).

federal workforce, you don’t just affect jobs — you hurt

2. Attend Union Actions: Show up. Whether it’s a rally, a

veterans trying to access care, seniors waiting on Social

town hall, or a press event, bodies on the ground send a

Security, families counting on safe transportation, and

clear message that we will not be ignored.

communities needing local service and the workforce

3. Share Your Story: Humanize the impact. Whether you’re a worker or a citizen who’s faced delays, speak up.

adding to America's economy.

Politicians listen when the consequences are personal.

We’ve seen this playbook before. Stir public frustration,

4. Fight Disinformation: Challenge the narrative. These cuts

cut services, and then point to the dysfunction as a

are not about trimming fat — they’re about silencing labor

reason to privatize. It’s a manufactured crisis with real

and handing over public resources to private interests.

consequences — longer wait times, unmanageable caseloads, and staff pushed to the brink. And make no

We are at a critical moment. The actions we take now will

mistake, these decisions come from the top. The creation

shape the future of labor, public service, and democracy itself.

of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE),

This isn’t just about saving jobs — it’s about defending dignity,

headed by Elon Musk, and it's quiet purge of SSA offices

service, and the belief that workers united can never be

without transparency or public input, is part of a broader

defeated.

strategy

to

sideline

unions

and

dismantle

public

institutions. Interestingly people outside of our country are making life altering choices for our country.. How patriotic is that?!?!

Solidarity is our strength. Let’s use it in UNITY!

MOBILIZATION

FEDERAL WORKERS UNDER FIRE: UNIONS PUSH BACK ON CUTS Federal employees across Wisconsin are sounding the alarm as the Trump administration pushes forward with plans to slash the federal workforce. At the heart of the fight: the Social Security Administration, where agency leadership has proposed cutting 7,000 jobs and closing regional offices nationwide.

Jessica LaPointe, president of AFGE Council 220, spoke out during a rally in Madison hosted by the South Central Federation of Labor.

“SSA operations have been historically understaffed,” she warned. “These cuts will lead to service delays, systems failures, and even benefit disruptions.” LaPointe added the administration’s goal is clear: “to turn the American people against Social Security.”

SSA, VA, FOREST SERVICE & TSA FACING MASSIVE WORKFORCE REDUCTIONS At the Madison Common Council meeting, LaPointe further emphasized the impact locally. “We’ve had a 50% staff reduction in the last three years. We’re under siege,” she said, urging the Council to adopt a resolution opposing SSA closures and cuts to Medicaid and Medicare — which passed unanimously.

Union leaders from the VA, TSA, and Forest Service echoed similar concerns: VA workers could see 80,000+ job cuts, threatening care for veterans.

TSA leadership under Trump announced they would cancel the 2024 union contract, prompting legal action.

24 Forest Service employees in Wisconsin were fired on Valentine’s Day, only to be reinstated by court order in March after the terminations were ruled illegal.

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) spoke at the rally, saying his office is receiving thousands of weekly calls from constituents outraged by the cuts. “People are pissed,” Pocan said. “They’re upset about the VA, SSA, Medicare, Medicaid — and they’re ready to fight back.”

Federal union leaders continue to organize and mobilize to defend their jobs, their agencies, and the communities they serve.

C220 SPOTLIGHT AFGE COUNCIL 220 FIGHTS BACK: Mobilization and Legislative Action in Challenging Times

THESE POWERFUL VOICES ARE RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND DRIVING MOMENTUM FOR REAL CHANGE.

MAKING OUR VOICES HEARD AFGE MEMBERS ARE STEPPING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT: Rennie Glasgow (VP, Local 3343) testified before the House Democratic Leadership Committee, shedding light on the service crisis within SSA. Laura Novakoski and Steve Kofahl (Local 3937) spoke at a press conference with Senator Patty Murray, spotlighting the struggles SSA workers face.

John Pfannenstein (President, Local 3937) was featured in a Wall Street Journal article highlighting the growing inaccessibility of SSA services. These powerful voices are raising public awareness and driving momentum for real change.

FIGHTING HARMFUL LEGISLATION COUNCIL 220 IS ACTIVELY OPPOSING THREE ANTI-UNION BILLS: H.R. 1210 – Would charge unions for using agency resources.

H.R. 2249 – Would let new presidents cancel union agreements.

H.R. 2174 – Would ban paycheck deduction of union dues.

VISIT WWW.AFGEC220.ORG TO STAY CONNECTED, TAKE ACTION, AND HELP LEAD THE FIGHT.

OUR LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY: HR 2550 The Protect America’s Workforce Act (HR 2550) is a bipartisan bill to restore bargaining rights stripped by executive order. With 64 cosponsors, it’s gaining traction—but we need more support.

CALL CONGRESS DAILY (OFF-DUTY AND OFF AGENCY EQUIPMENT). SCRIPTS AND NUMBERS ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR WEBSITE.

Additional Pro-SSA Legislation Council 220 also supports: HR 1876: Keeping SSA Field Offices Open Act HR 1877: Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act HR 1700 / S.770: The Social Security Expansion Act

MOBILIZING BEYOND LEGISLATION

Council 220 urges all members to:

Submit resolutions supporting SSA offices at local councils Partner with Central Labor Councils to build union solidarity .

Join the Federal Unionists Network (FUN) for coordinated organizing Follow us on social media for updates and actions Stay Engaged “We are in unprecedented times,” says Roy Porter, Acting C220 3rd VP. “But through solidarity and coordinated action, we will defend our rights and protect the services we provide to the public.”

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BY ROY PORTER Local 3342 EVP, Member- C220 Legislative Committee It goes without saying that we are living in uncertain times. We have seen an ad hoc government agency carry out unprecedented layoffs and eliminations of entire Federal agencies. We have seen things happening at SSA that would have been unimaginable in the prior eight or so decades of the program’s existence.

Many of us have gone through a whole gambit of emotions while dealing with all of that has transpired over the past month.

Anxiety about our jobs, anger over the insulting rhetoric being slung regarding our workforce or feeling powerless and out of control of this entire situation. It’s also very well possible that you think all this stuff is correcting the ship and you have no opposition to what is happening.

Let’s take a pause and talk about one of those feelings- powerlessness. The irony is that powerlessness is a powerful emotion.

However, if you were to Google/ChatGPT/CoPilot how to deal with powerlessness, one of the many suggestions you will find is “Empowerment Through Action”. Most of the great movements in history were started by the decisive actions of a few in conjunction with the small contributions of many. That is how the American Labor movement was founded, which led to the Union we have today.

There is no more important time to act than the present, and you may be asking yourself how you can act to push back against everything that is going on. If you are looking to become more involved with the Union, talk to your Local Presidents about filling board vacancies or how to become a Local steward. Or take simple steps like attending Local meetings or conference calls when they come up. And if you don’t have time for any of that, please make sure you are making phone calls to your members of Congress (on non-duty time and nongovernment equipment) and clicking on Action Alert emails that come from AFGE.

There are also many more opportunities to be involved as activists outside of our normal Union channels.

Central Labor Councils (CLCs) normally meet once a month and are comprised of various Unions in your area and are a powerful means of delivering messages for our cause to the greater community of labor.

Talk to your Local executive boards about becoming involved with these councils and consider being a delegate to your Local CLC. The Federal Unionists Network (FUN) is a group of rank-and-file Unionists from various government agencies and other Federal Unions who are embracing grassroots activism through rallies and other actions. They have been responsible for organizing a lot of the anti-DOGE and pro-worker rallies that you may have seen in the news lately. To become part of the network, you can go to federalunionists.net for more details and to sign up.

URGENT! stop federal union busting Tell Congress to: Vote YES on bi-partisan bill H.R. 2550 Protect America’s Workforce Act. H.R. 2550 will nullify the Executive Order exclusions to collective bargaining imposed on 70% of the federal workforce and restore workers’ rights!

Call 507-707-7883 IMPORTANT: Do not take action using government equipment, on government property or during duty time. Do not use your government email address or government phone in contacting your Member of Congress.

ARTICLE

From Inside SSA: These Cuts Are a Betrayal — But the Union Stands Strong As a veteran and current employee at the Social Security Administration, I know what it means to serve. I wore the uniform proudly, and now I serve my country in a different way—by helping Americans access the benefits they’ve earned. But today, it feels like that mission is under attack.

The drastic staffing cuts, office closures, and topdown mandates coming from this administration aren’t just damaging—they’re demoralizing. We are being asked to do more with less, forced to work through impossible backlogs, and given little support from leadership. And at the end of the day, it’s the American people—especially our most vulnerable—who pay the price.

Life after Service PERSPECTIVE

BY UNKNOWN SOLIDER, VETERAN AND SSA EMPLOYEE

This Is Not “Efficiency”—It’s Sabotage When you work on the front lines of SSA, you see the real-world impact of federal cuts. Delayed claims, overwhelmed workers, and customers walking away frustrated. We entered this work to help people, but every day the tools we need to do our jobs are being taken away.

It’s not just about resources—it’s about respect. We’ve been left out of decisions that impact our work and our health. Changes are pushed without proper training, guidance, or consideration for how they affect the public we serve.

The Union Is Our Lifeline Thankfully, we’re not facing this fight alone. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Council 220 and it’s 34 affiliate locals are stepping up in a big way. They are our voice when management won’t listen. They are our shield when policy threatens to harm both employees and the public.

AFGE has filed grievances against unfair mandates, demanded negotiations on restructuring efforts, and taken legal action to protect our rights. They’re calling out the unsafe work conditions and working tirelessly to get us the resources and respect we deserve.

They’ve also led public campaigns like “Save SSA” to help the American people understand what’s really happening behind the scenes. They’re making it clear that these cuts don’t just hurt workers—they hurt every person who depends on Social Security.

Veterans Like Me Are Watching As someone who has served in uniform, I can say this without hesitation: morale at SSA is the lowest I’ve ever seen it. We’re dedicated. We care. But we’re exhausted. We need leadership that values service—not just slogans. The union is the only entity consistently fighting for our mission and for the people doing the work.

Now Is the Time to Act To my fellow SSA employees: stand with your union. Join a rally, attend meetings, share your story. Your voice matters.

To the public: this isn’t just a government worker issue—it’s a national issue. If SSA fails, millions suffer.

And to lawmakers: stop treating federal employees like liabilities. We are veterans, caretakers, and everyday Americans doing our best to keep this country running. Fund us. Respect us.

Together—with the union at our side—we can still protect the mission, the workers, and the people we serve.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Finding Hope in Career Grief

By Jennifer Ramirez-Serrano Whether you’re almost out the door, thinking about it, or staying to see what happens, many of us are feeling something real: career grief.

Maybe you just started at SSA and you’re thinking, “I didn’t sign up for this!” Let me take a moment to validate you: Your feelings are real. You are not alone. This is not your fault.

Our union is unique because we are not just advocates— we are your coworkers. We are service reps, TSC employees, claims specialists, and technical experts.

We’re in this together.

Society often ties our identity to what we do. So when our work environment becomes unstable, unpredictable, or overwhelming, it hits hard. With rapid changes, constant uncertainty, and colleagues leaving, many of us feel like we’ve lost our motivation, optimism—even our purpose.

Living in a constant state of “brace for impact” can be physically and emotionally draining.

But there is hope.

Even in uncertainty, I encourage you to hold on to these truths: Feel your feelings—but know you don’t have to stay in them.

Your worth and identity are not defined by this agency or your position.

Though things feel out of control, it is not over.

You are brilliant, kind, valuable, and important.

There is life and joy beyond SSA. Career grief is real. And if you’re feeling it, you’re not weak—you’re human. We see you. We stand with you. And we move forward together.

Born in New Mexico in 1930, Dolores Huerta changed the lives of countless farm workers while breaking down barriers for women in leadership.

Dolores Huerta: A Champion for Workers' Rights by:Delia Trevino

From Teacher to Organizer Dolores started as a schoolteacher but couldn't ignore that her students - children of farm workers - often came to class hungry. "I couldn't keep teaching hungry kids," she said. "I needed to help their parents earn fair wages instead." This realization pushed her to leave teaching and start organizing farm workers in the fields.

Partnering with Cesar Chavez In 1962, Dolores joined forces with Cesar Chavez to create what would become the United Farm Workers union. As the union's main negotiator - unusual for a Latina woman then - Dolores proved herself time and again. Farm owners often dismissed her because she was a woman, which she later called "their mistake."

The Grape Strike Victory During the famous 1965 Delano Grape Strike, Dolores traveled across America, convincing people to boycott grapes until workers received fair treatment. The strike succeeded in 1970 when growers finally signed contracts improving conditions for thousands.

All while raising 11 children - often bringing them along to rallies and meetings - Dolores showed that women could lead both at home and in the movement.

DECEMBER 2022 | ISSUE 10

Changing Laws, Changing Lives Beyond protests, Dolores helped create lasting change through legislation: - Getting farm workers disability insurance in 1963 - Helping pass the 1975 law giving farm workers the right to unionize - Fighting for immigration reforms that helped agricultural workers gain legal status Breaking Stereotypes When told women shouldn't lead, especially Latina women, Dolores responded by creating the famous rallying cry "Sí, se puede" ("Yes, we can do it"). This simple phrase gave hope to workers and later even inspired a presidential campaign.

Still Fighting Today Now in her nineties, she continues her work through the Dolores Huerta Foundation. When President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012, he recognized how her work had opened doors for both workers and women.

Through simple but powerful tactics - organizing communities, challenging unfair practices, and believing change is possible - Dolores Huerta showed that ordinary people can create extraordinary change when they stand together and refuse to back down.

HEALTH & SAFTEY

Recharge Your Mind: Everyday Habits for Mental Strength

Strategies for Managing Stress Promoting Mental Well-Being

and

HEALTH & SAFTEY CONTINUED

dbgs

Labor Lines

PROTECTING THE SYSTEM. CONFUSING THE PEOPLE.

RETIREMENT CORNER

SSA OFFICE CLOSURES – WHITE PLAINS NY HEARING OFFICE President Trump’s Executive Order on 01/20/2025 established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, aiming to “modernize federal technology” and reduce government space usage. As part of this initiative, SSA identified “underutilized office space” for lease termination, including the White Plains, NY hearing office.

The White Plains office serves 7 counties and 2.4 million residents. If closed, residents would have to travel 25 to 135 miles to reach other hearing offices.

This is especially burdensome for disabled and elderly individuals and will disrupt employees who face long daily commutes. The office currently has a 2,000-case backlog and an 8-month hearing wait.

Local legislators and union leaders, including Congressman George Latimer and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, have expressed outrage at the closure. The county even offered alternative space, which SSA rejected. A rally on 03/22/2025 featured AFGE President Everett Kelly and other prominent figures who condemned the decision.

SSA’s office closure policy mandates an analysis of transportation impacts, public transportation availability, and advance notification to Congress and local leaders, which was not followed in this case. AFGE Council President Rich Couture noted that although virtual hearings have increased, faceto-face hearings are still a statutory right, and the White Plains office is essential for such services.

SSA Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek stated that no permanent field office closures had occurred in 2025, but only the White Plains office is slated to close. However, DOGE’s website lists 22 additional SSA lease terminations, contradicting Dudek’s claims.

The closure of the White Plains office is seen as part of a broader effort by Trump and Musk to discredit SSA services and move toward privatization.

The union urges members of the public to contact their legislators to demand that SSA’s administrative expenses be fully funded, a moratorium on office closures be enforced, and privatization of SSA be prevented.

Support for the Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act (HR 1876), Protecting America's Social Security Data (HR 1877), and Social Security Expansion Act (S-770) is encouraged.

Call the Capital switchboard at 202224-3121 to voice your support.

By: Witold Skwierczynski

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