UNITY MAY-JUNE 2025

UNITY

MAY/JUNE 2025

MAGAZINE

HONOR, SERVICE & PRIVILEGE

HONOR, SERVICE & PRIVILEGE

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

To My Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings, In Celebrating Public Service Appreciation Week last month, I want to speak directly to you—the dedicated members of our union who serve in our ever changing Social Security Administration. You are the voice that answers the call, the hands that process critical benefits, and the heart behind the safety net millions of Americans rely on every day.

Your work is not just technical or transactional—it’s transformational. Every claim you process, every question you answer, and every person you help represents the promise of dignity in retirement, support during disability, and security for survivors. You carry out this mission under enormous pressure: rising workloads, outdated systems, and constant political scrutiny. Yet, you show up with integrity, professionalism, and care. You continually stand in the gap.

Let’s be clear—appreciation is not enough. You deserve more than a pat on the back. You deserve respect in the form of fair pay, safe staffing levels, meaningful training, and a voice in how the agency operates. As your union, we are fighting to make sure that your value is recognized not just with words, but in policy and practice.

This month, take pride in your work and know that it matters.

Your commitment keeps Social Security Administration strong, and your union stands firmly behind and with you. Together, we will continue to demand better—not just for ourselves, but for the people we serve.

In Solidarity,

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Dear Members, Thank you for your membership and unwavering advocacy. Your commitment gives us strength in these challenging times.

The Reality We're Facing The data is clear - our agency faces serious challenges. From FY 24 to FY 25, RSI completion rates dropped from 94.4% to 88.7%, pending claims surged 72% to nearly 600,000 cases, and we're handling 42 million calls compared to 30 million last year, yet only 46% of callers reach a representative. Current wait times average nearly 3 hours or more on the National 800 number.

You're experiencing compressed appointment times, eliminated prep time, reduced adjudication time, suspended hybrid telework, and impossible workloads after losing 4,147 colleagues in FY 25 alone. When our 800 number busy rate jumped from 0.9% to 8%, we're seeing the human cost of understaffing.

The Budget Reality

Building Hope Through Partnerships

Commissioner Bisignano's FY 2026 budget requests $494 million more than current funding, but proposes cutting an additional 3,573 positions leaving us with 7,720 fewer workers than FY 2024.

That's nearly half a billion more dollars, but fewer colleagues to handle 500 million annual customer interactions.

Commissioner Bisignano has committed to "optimize and empower the workforce" and recognizes placing "highly qualified professionals in direct-service positions." These are openings for real solutions.

Meanwhile, restrictive policies like the 3-day RSI hold caught only 256 potentially fraudulent cases out of 33,708 processed - less than 0.8% - yet delayed legitimate benefits for over 33,000 Americans. Fraud rates remain minimal across all services: 0.22% in field offices, 0.63% on phones, 0.30% online.

We're advocating for immediate critical needs: restore hybrid telework, adequate processing time, stop staff cuts and hire tens of thousands more workers, implement helpful technology, and develop real staffing assessments based on community workload demands.

PRESIDENT’S

Corner

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Our Commitment to Partnership AFGE Council 220 wants to be part of SSA's success story. We bring solutions, not just problems. Our members have specific ideas about improving operations and serving the public better. We understand Commissioner Bisignano inherited significant challenges and recognize rebuilding takes time and partnership.

What We Need: Regular consultation on policies affecting working conditions, union inclusion in field office visits, collaborative technology implementation, and recognition that AFGE Council 220 and its 34 affiliate locals represent SSA frontline workers. Our representatives have the right to approved time and private space to do so, and we need the restoration of our contractual rights to hybrid telework.

What We Offer: Frontline expertise, constructive collaboration, support for smart modernization that enhances rather than replaces skilled workers, and partnership in rebuilding public trust.

Your Voice Matters We serve Americans who depend on Social Security after paying in their entire working lives. When completion rates drop 6 points and pending cases increase 72%, we're witnessing real hardship for real families and the workers tasked with the mission of SSA. The Social Security Administration pays $1.7 trillion with administrative costs under 1% - we're already incredibly efficient. But we can prevent fraud AND ensure legitimate beneficiaries get benefits promptly with adequate staffing and smart policies.

What You Can Do Sign up for E-Dues to strengthen our independence as an activist organization. Continue your advocacy efforts and document your workplace experiences in the members-only section at afgec220.org. Stay informed by visiting afgec220.org and afge.org, and follow us on social media at FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM Look for advocacy opportunities with Congress and in your communities. Support your fellow union members, actively engage with your union leadership, help grow our membership, and remember to take care of yourself during these challenging times.

Together, we can build the Social Security Administration America deserves - one that serves people efficiently and treats workers with respect.

PRESIDENT’S

In solidarity and hope, Jessica LaPointe President, AFGE Council 220 Representing 25,000 Frontline Social Security Administration Workers

Corner

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

To the tireless union members of AFGE Council 220: rd, for a h ’s it n e h w howing up s r o f choosing u r o o y f d k n n a , r Tha la ’s unpopu it n e h t to n w e m m it ir f m g m o in c d n s a s st r relentle u o Y . e c n the ile s is r e c la p k r o w e solidarity ove tice in th s ju d n a , y it n ig for. fairness, d t h ig f e w g in h eryt backbone of ev orkers, w o c g in t a c u d e grievances, g n ili f e ’r there for u o g y in e b ly p im Whether s ssroots, or a r g e h t t a eason our r g e h t e r a organizin u o support y s d e e n power o m h e w u o e Y n . s t h someo ig nd our r e f e d u o Y . vement s o e iv m r u o f o union thr y c y the lega r r a c u o Y . s e ic new vo le day. g in s y r e v e d r forwa om the r f , s r e t n e c e teleservic o t s e ot go ic n f s f o e o d ld ie k f r o m w o r F l Hill your o it p a C o t le b rence. a e f if d a s e k bargaining t a And it m . s r e t t a m It . unnoticed your r o n o h e w , e in y Magaz it n U a better f o in lf f a lie h e e b r u o On b ncy, and y e t is s n o c r u o y courage, kers. r o w l a r e d e f ll future for a

WITH DEEP APPRECIATION, The Staff of Unity Magazine

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

ARTICLE

A LEGACY A LEGACY OF OF RESILIENCE RESILIENCE AND AND A A CALL CALL TO TO ACTION ACTION

By: Renata Davis What began as a delayed realization of liberty has become one of our nation’s most profound symbols of resilience, hope, and the continued pursuit of justice. Juneteenth is not just a historical milestone, it’s a living reminder of strength and perseverance. It’s a time to reflect on how we, as individuals and as federal government employees, can continue to promote equity, inclusion, and dignity in both our professional and personal lives.

At the Social Security Administration, we are committed to ensuring that the programs we administer are accessible, equitable, and effective for all. Juneteenth reminds us that we take the time to reflect and build upon how we can strengthen that commitment. Whether it’s through advancing culturally competent service, addressing disparities of access, as well as fostering an inclusive workplace; each one of us play a vital role in ensuring that our mission reflects fairness for the communities we serve.

Resilience, unity, and transformation are deeply aligned with SSA’s vision of service and equality. Let’s not just honor the past, let’s push through the present and look to the future continuing the important work in making our agency a model of inclusion, justice, and integrity. Together, we can help ensure that the promise of Juneteenth is not just a memory of the past, but continuously acknowledged in the service we provide to the community.

ARTICLE

BY: CHRIS DELANEY

WHEN LOCAL VOICES SPEAK LOUDLY

In the quiet chambers of the Hudson City Council last month, something remarkable happened. As a resolution to protect local Social Security offices came up for a vote, council members—regardless of party—stood together. The unanimous vote wasn’t just procedure. It was a powerful message: this community stands with its most vulnerable.

Soon after, Albany followed suit, affirming what we’ve always known—Social Security is not just a federal program; it’s a lifeline woven through the heart of every town and city.

These victories matter. They show democracy in action—where local councils use their authority to defend essential services. They remind us that when cities pass resolutions supporting Social Security offices, it's not just symbolic. It’s a meaningful step toward protecting a program that touches nearly every American family.

Local Social Security offices are more than just buildings. They are where a widow finds guidance after the loss of her spouse. Where a disabled veteran begins the difficult process of accessing benefits they’ve earned. Where a first-time retiree confirms they’ll have enough to cover rent and groceries.

When these offices close or lose staff, it’s not a line in a budget—it’s hardship for real people. The elderly woman who once walked three blocks now must navigate a two-hour bus ride to the next county. The man with cognitive disabilities, who depends on in-person help, now waits months for a callback that may never come.

Our goal is clear: we need all 14 cities served by Local 3343 to pass resolutions. This isn’t about politics. It’s about people. Each city that adds its voice builds momentum. After city councils act, county legislatures are next—multiplying pressure and amplifying our message even further.

The successes in Hudson and Albany prove this strategy works. When we organize and clearly communicate what’s at stake, elected officials listen. They understand their constituents— seniors, veterans, working families—rely on these services. They recognize that decisions made in Washington have deep consequences at home.

That’s why silence is not an option. We cannot afford to accept office closures and staff reductions as inevitable. Our communities deserve better. And we have the power to demand it.

Every resolution passed is a crack in the narrative that these cuts are necessary. Every city council vote sends a message that reaches all the way to Washington: these services matter.

These offices matter. These people matter.

For those who haven’t yet taken action—now is the time. Call your city council members.

Attend public meetings. Share your stories. Help leaders understand how Social Security and its local offices impact real lives every day.

The victories in Hudson and Albany didn’t happen by chance. They happened because people stood up. Because someone like you took a step. Change doesn’t start in Washington—it starts in rooms just like the ones in Hudson and Albany.

This is our moment to stand tall. To speak for those who rely on Social Security today and those who will depend on it tomorrow. To defend a promise made generations ago—that no American should face poverty in old age, disability, or loss without support.

The path ahead is clear: cities, then counties, then a movement too powerful to ignore. But it all begins right here—with us, refusing to be silent

DON’T MAN UP, SPEAK UP

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Men are more than just providers and protectors. Let’s teach our young men early that it is ok to have feelings, express emotions and talk about their problems. Showing emotion, seeking help, and being vulnerable does not mean a man is weak. In fact, it shows true strength. Men have 3x higher amount in committing suicide, because many don’t feel they have a safe space to share or talk. Men hurt, men cry, men have feelings. It’s not always about being hard on the surface or talking strong. Men, do what you need to do to heal. You are not alone. Some early warning signs that you may need to seek assistance are as follows: Chronic irritability or anger Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue Withdrawing from coworkers, friends, or family Using alcohol or other substances to cope Loss of motivation, focus, or job satisfaction Physical symptoms like headaches, chest tightness, or digestive issues.

Here are some practical tips for taking care of your mental health.

By Cassandra Raine-Francis

Seek professional help early. Don’t wait for a breaking point. Just like you'd treat high blood pressure, treat mental health proactively.

Check in with yourself regularly. Take time to assess your emotions, energy, and mindset—daily if possible.

Talk to someone you trust. This could be a peer, spouse, or counselor.

Move your body. Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and boost mental clarity.

Unplug after hours. Boundaries are critical to avoid burnout.

NOMADIC

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24

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.

FEDERAL WORKERS ARE

Winning

H O W U N I T Y T U R N E D C R I S I S I N T O C O M E B A C K Just months ago, federal workers faced an unprecedented assault on public service. DOGE's sweeping cuts to the Social Security Administration threatened to gut an agency that millions of Americans depend on. The goal was clear: replace experienced workers with automation, cut services, and fundamentally reshape how the government serves its people. But something remarkable happened. Instead of retreating, federal workers fought back and we are winning.

The turnaround has been nothing short of extraordinary. Through strategic legal action, union advocacy secured preliminary injunctions protecting sensitive data and halting mass layoffs. Thousands of jobs that seemed certain to disappear are now protected. That is not just good news for workers; it is a victory for every American who depends on Social Security services.

Policy victories are quickly following. New ID requirements created unnecessary barriers for legitimate benefit recipients, organized worker advocacy forced swift reversals. Remember the three-day hold on phone claims that delayed thousands of cases? That is now GONE; after our union exposed how fighting minimal fraud was hurting all honest applicants.

Congressional support has been equally impressive. Proposed pay cuts that would have devastated federal families? Defeated. Pension changes that threatened retirement security? Rejected. Lawmakers who once ignored federal worker concerns now actively defend them, recognizing that attacking public servants is both wrong and politically costly.

Under new leadership, the Social Security Administration is demonstrating renewed commitment to its workforce. Buyout pressure has ended.

System reliability is improving. Harmful policies are being slowly reversed. Most importantly, there's genuine discussion about investing in workers rather than replacing them.

This transformation is not happening by accident. It is the direct result of federal workers refusing to accept that public service does not matter.

When we organize, speak out, and stand together, we prove that experienced professionals deliver better results than algorithms ever could.

Every successful case resolution, every problem solved with human expertise, every citizen served with dignity reinforces why this fight matters.

Federal workers are not just processing paperwork; we are demonstrating that good government requires good people.

The broader implications are profound. Every victory, big or small, shows that when public servants unite behind their mission, they can overcome even the most determined opposition. It proves that Americans value human expertise over automation when it comes to essential services.

Our challenges are not over, but the momentum is undeniable. Public trust is slowly being restored. The public we serve is appreciating the challenges that federal workers face every day to deliver quality service. Most importantly, federal workers have rediscovered their collective power.

What started as an existential threat has become a testament to the strength of organized public servants. We will not just survive an unprecedented assault—we will emerged stronger, more united, and more determined than ever to serve the American people.

Our message is clear: Public service matters, experienced workers deliver results, and when we stand together, we win.

UPDATE

Current Status Arbitration Process Underway As you may know, Union leadership has filed a grievance challenging the Agency's suspension of telework. After the Agency denied the grievance, we invoked our right to binding arbitration as provided under our collective bargaining agreement.

An arbitrator has been selected through the established process.

Both parties have received the arbitrator's available hearing dates.

We are currently coordinating with the Agency to select a hearing date that accommodates all necessary witnesses.

The arbitration hearing is expected to take place in the near future.

What This Means This arbitration will provide a neutral forum to present our case regarding the telework suspension. The arbitrator will review evidence, hear testimony from witnesses, and issue a binding decision on whether the Agency's actions violated our contract.

Next Steps We will provide updates on the arbitration hearing schedule. Union leadership remains committed to protecting telework rights as negotiated in our Contract.

By Angela Digeronimo I will not sugarcoat where we are right now. As federal employees at SSA, we are facing challenges that test our resolve daily. Budget constraints, staffing shortages, limitations on work/life balance, and mounting public service demands create pressures that ripple through every office and every workday.

Many of us are carrying heavier workloads, dealing with frustrated claimants who need our services, and wondering if anyone in SSA leadership understands what is happening on the ground.

The truth is, we have more power than we sometimes realize. When we stand united as union members, when we speak with one voice about the resources we need to do our jobs effectively, people listen. It may not happen overnight, and the progress may feel slow, but our collective action creates waves that eventually reach the decision-makers who control our working conditions and our future.

But here is what I know about federal employees, we did not choose this work for the easy days. We became federal employees because we believe in serving the American people, in the programs that provide security and dignity to millions of our fellow citizens.

That calling does not disappear when times get tough, it becomes more important.

Yes, we may be walking through a difficult period right now. But remember we have weathered storms before, and we have emerged stronger because we weathered them together. Our persistence, our solidarity, and our unwavering commitment to both each other and the mission we serve; these are the forces that will carry us forward.

I have seen what we can accomplish when we organize, when we refuse to accept "that's just how it is" as an answer. Every time we file a grievance together, every time we attend a rally, every time we contact our representatives as a unified group, we are proving that federal workers matter. We are demonstrating that the services we provide are essential, and that we deserve the support and respect necessary to deliver them well.

Please do not grow weary. Keep showing up. Keep speaking out. Keep standing with your fellow union members. The work we do matters. We matter. You matter!

We honor the current employees and retirees of AFGE Council 220 whose years of service laid the foundation for our continued fight. We also shine a light on the everyday champions, workers going above and beyond, and locals who show up, organize, and take bold action. Their dedication fuels our union's strength and reminds us that the power of progress lies in both legacy and leadership.

FELECIA TAYLOR:

HOWARD EGERMAN

BARBARA HARMON

After 52 years of service with the agency, Howard Egerman retired as a proud AFGE member since 1977.

With 25 years at the Tampa WSU, Barbara Harmon of AFGE Local 4156 has been a dedicated force in federal service.

His decades of commitment stand as a powerful example of loyalty, leadership, and union pride.

Her commitment continues to strengthen the voice of workers across Tampa and beyond.

SHARONA GUZMAN With 44½ years of federal service, Sharona Guzman of AFGE Local 2014 has been a steadfast advocate for workers.

Marine Corps veteran and SSA employee since 2014, Felecia joined AFGE the same year.

Now interim 1st VP of Local 3571, she brings passion and purpose to the fight for workers’ rights.

As the Local’s LPC in Tampa, she continues to lead with experience, dedication, and unwavering union spirit.

ANA ARIZONA

LINERY PICHARDO A steward of AFGE Local 4156 and C220 N8NN member, Linery is a tireless force in lobbying, organizing, and advocacy.

Her leadership strengthens our union and inspires action across SSA.

BERNICE WATTS As 1st VP of AFGE Local 4156, Bernice has spent over two decades fighting for workers—resolving grievances, defending EEO rights, and empowering members every step of the way.

Her leadership continues to strengthen the voice and power of the union in Tampa and beyond.

ESTHER MOLENA

GREG BACHINSKI With 51 years at SSA and 43 in AFGE, Greg led Local 1346 since 2017.

A mentor, advocate, and expert in Title 16, he retires from SSA but continues as Local President.

His legacy is one of quiet strength, deep knowledge, and unwavering dedication to workers’ rights.

AFGE Local 1164 is the Vocal Local!

Stewards, Executive Committee members, Rich Couture, Council 215 President & member of local 1164, and our volunteer Sue Jerome have all been in the fight.

We represent the states of New England with hearts afire. We have rallied with Senators, Representatives, AFL-CIO, organizations and stakeholders to save Social Security and the Civil Service.

We wear #RedForFeds every Wednesday and speak up about the Social Security state of emergency! We have two hands, one to help ourselves and one to help another. We are at the ready, to gather, to join or to lead.

Camillie Pineiro AFGE Local 1164 President

Brothers and Sisters, As I write this, I’m filled with both pride and determination. The past two months have proven once again what we can accomplish when we stand united, act strategically, and refuse to back down.

Despite unprecedented attacks on federal employees and our union rights, AFGE Council 220 members and the Americans we proudly serve have delivered victory after victory.

Protecting Our Contract Rights We successfully fended off management’s attempt to weaken our contract by reducing Opportunity to Perform Successfully (OPS) plans from 60 to 30 days.

This would have stripped critical due process rights from our members. We stood our ground and declined bargaining. The agency has now withdrawn its request, preserving the 60-day OPS standard and our hard-fought contract protections.

Legislative Breakthroughs on Capitol Hill Our voices were heard in Congress. The House removed a dangerous 3.4% pay cut tied to increased FERS contributions and defeated the attempt to change retirement calculations from “high-three” to “high-five.”

Even more historic: we secured bipartisan support for HR 2550 – the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which would repeal President Trump’s March 27, 2025, executive order attacking federal worker bargaining rights. The growing list of co-sponsors shows that worker dignity transcends party lines when we speak out with clarity and unity.

Fighting for the Public We Serve Our victories don’t just protect us they protect the public.

We eliminated the 3-day hold on RSI tele-claims and defeated new in-person ID requirements, making it easier for Americans especially the most vulnerable to access their Social Security benefits.

We also successfully updated the Video Service Delivery MOU, balancing increased field office traffic with our commitment to quality service and working conditions.

Winning in the Courts Our legal strategy is working. Courts issued preliminary injunctions halting agency RIFs and reorganization plans affirming that sweeping changes to government structure require Congressional approval, not executive fiat.

In another landmark case, federal courts in D.C. and the 4th Circuit have protected the privacy of Social Security data, blocking unwarranted DOJ access. The courts affirmed that the injunction protects millions of Americans’ personal information.

Litigating on Every Front AFGE Council 220 and the SSA General Committee are aggressively pursuing justice through every available legal channel.

At the FLRA, we’re seeking relief on: Appointment Focus Service disruptions AWS phone system inefficiencies Through arbitration, we’re challenging: Loss of adjudication time Suspended telework policies OCREO’s disbandment And other contract violations We are also taking on: Unilateral ICTU implementations Compressed appointment times Restrictive internal communications Overtime denials Merit promotion abuses Unauthorized AI chatbot rollouts Our message is clear: we will challenge every violation. No attack will go unchecked.

Building Power, Growing Stronger While we celebrate our wins, we’re also investing in the future.

E-Dues enrollment is up, strengthening our union’s foundation.

Town hall participation is rising.

Local resolutions are protecting SSA field offices from closures and layoffs.

National media coverage is amplifying our cause.

From Capitol Hill testimony to town halls with celebrity allies like Sean Astin, we are raising awareness, building solidarity, and showing America who we are and what we fight for.

The Road Ahead These victories are no accident. They’re the result of strategic planning, fearless organizing, and the unwavering will of our members.

As one union leader recently said, we are facing “the largest unionbusting effort in modern history.” But in April and May 2025, we’ve shown the country: AFGE does not back down.

We will not be silenced.

And we will not be broken.

Every action you take—joining the union, attending a town hall, calling Congress—makes a difference. We’re not just defending jobs. We’re defending the principle that all working people deserve dignity, respect, and a voice.

The fight continues. But so does our strength.

In solidarity and power.

PRIDE AND SOLIDARITY: HONORING THE HISTORIC ALLIANCE BETWEEN LABOR & THE LGBTQAI+ COMMUNITY

Every June many of us celebrate Pride and take the time to reflect on the contributions of the LGBTQAI+ community to our society. While attending the glitzy parades and drag shows, it’s easy to focus on the contributions of celebrities and to overlook the historic partnership between the queer community and the labor movement.

The gay rights movement was jump started in 1969 after the Stonewall Riots made international news. For the first time and on a continuing basis, LGBTQAI+ individuals were standing up and demanding better treatment from society at large. Some of the earliest supporters of this movement were labor unions.

At the time, there were no codified protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender people. They could be arrested at whim for so-called “morality” violations. There were also no protections for queer individuals at work. Exactly zero states had laws prohibiting people from being fired for being queer. Labor unions were the first to try to obtain protections for their queer members in contractual language. As early as the 1970s unions like the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO began to recognize that discrimination against queer siblings was unfair and weakened the Union in general.

During the same time period, non-union members of the gay rights movement worked in tandem to protect the interests of unions. It was in 1974 that the queer community of San Francisco partnered with the Teamsters to boycott the Coors Brewing Company for their anti-union policies. Across the pond in England, LGBTQAI+ members of the community formed Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, a group that worked to support the National Union of Mineworkers during their year long strike of 1984-1985.

Despite all the advancements that queer people have seen over the last fifty odd years, the fight is far from over. Workplace discrimination against transgender workers is growing daily, and the fight for our queer siblings’ rights is raging on. Renewed animus against gay, lesbian, and bisexual workers is a real problem in this new political climate and many organizations are working hard to pull back the hard-won protections that are now in place.

Pride Month is a wonderful time to reflect on the past and also to rededicate ourselves to the continuing fight for equality and queer workers’ rights.

By: Heather Holloway

LEGISLATIVE LEGISLATIVE ACTION ACTION

By Roy Porter

As the adage goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

That saying holds true for being a federal worker and the challenges that we face. When I started my career at SSA 23 years ago, I remember the alarm being sounded for everything we are experiencing at this moment, although it was not laid out in such unimaginable fashion. There were discussions about hiring freezes, mass attrition, and the potential of contracting out the work that SSA does. Years of chronic underfunding and the current political climate have made what was being discussed decades earlier become our new reality.

Legislative action, combined with litigation, are the best tools we have at our disposal to deal with the continuing crisis we face. The Council 220 legislative committee has been working in conjunction with our partners in labor and communities to bring to light the assault on our workforce. So far, the combined efforts have partially removed potential FERS cuts from the reconciliation process in the House, but we have much more work to do.

Council 220 will be sending a delegation to Washington DC in July to meet with lawmakers to address the remaining harmful provisions of the reconciliation bill, which now sits in the Senate for their markup. We will also be discussing agency funding, and how additional staffing cuts will have dire consequences for the services that all of us provide to the public daily.

Council 220 is formulating plans for suggested legislative actions within your Congressional districts throughout the month of August to continue the work being done on Capitol Hill in July. The Council 220 webpage www.afgec220.org is your resource to find ways to get involved with legislative action, and information about current actions will be added to page as they become available, including Congressional talking points. There are actions that any Union member can take, no matter how much time we all have available to act. AFGE also has information for members at https://www.afge.org/take-action/legislative-resources. Also consider speaking with your Local leadership to find ways to become involved, whether it be making calls to your members of Congress or learning how to attend congressional meetings or townhalls.

CELEBRATING C E L E B R A T I N G AANHPI A A N H P I HERITAGE H E R I T A G E MONTH MONTH THROUGH T H R O U G H A LENS L E N S OF O F LABOR L A B O R AND A N D SOLIDARITY SOLIDARITY Honoring the Legacy of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and P a c i f i c I s l a n d e r U n i o n Wo r k e r s Each May, we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. A time to recognize the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of AANHPI communities to the fabric of our nation. As union members, it's also a time to reflect on the enduring impact AANHPI workers have had in shaping the American labor movement.

From the railroads to the shipyards, garment factories to agricultural fields, Asian American and Pacific Islander workers have long been on the frontlines of labor. Their stories are often untold but they are stories of strength, sacrifice, and an unwavering fight for dignity on the job.

AANHPI workers brought with them a deep tradition of mutual aid, collective strength, and intergenerational resilience. Many were among the earliest to unionize in industries where exploitation was rampant. From the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) on the West Coast to the culinary and hospitality workers in cities across the country, AANHPI members have been and continue to be essential to the labor movement’s heartbeat.

But like so many others, AANHPI workers have not been immune to discrimination. From exclusionary immigration laws to pandemic-fueled xenophobia and rising anti-Asian hate, our siblings in the AANHPI community have faced ongoing challenges both in and outside the workplace.

In the late 1800s, Chinese railroad workers risked life and limb to build the Transcontinental Railroad—while facing brutal conditions, wage disparities, and xenophobic violence. In Hawaii, Native Hawaiian and Japanese sugar plantation workers organized across ethnic lines, laying the groundwork for multiethnic labor unity in the early 20th century. Filipino farmworkers, alongside Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, played a pivotal role in the Delano Grape Strike, demanding fair wages and better working conditions.

These moments weren’t just about wages—they were about respect. They were about refusing to be invisible.

As unionists, we know that an injury to one is an injury to all. That’s why this month is not only a celebration— it’s a call to action. We must stand with our AANHPI siblings in the fight against racism, exploitation, and economic injustice. We must amplify their voices, honor their labor, and ensure their histories are never erased.

AANHPI Heritage Month reminds us that the labor movement is strongest when it embraces all of us— when it lifts up the diverse communities that build, teach, cook, care, drive, and protect this nation every single day.

Let us carry forward the spirit of solidarity and commit to building a labor movement that is as inclusive as it is powerful.

Remembering Our Fallen, Strengthening Our Bond, This Past Memorial Day, as we honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, I reflect on how their service connects to our mission as union members. The men and women we remember didn't just die for abstract ideals, they died believing that working people deserve dignity, security, and a voice in their own destiny.

Life of Life of Service Service PERSPECTIVE

When I served alongside my brothers and sisters in uniform, we understood that our strength came from unwavering commitment to one another. "Leave no one behind" wasn't just a slogan—it was the sacred bond that held us together. We knew that survival depended on solidarity, on the understanding that an injury to one was an injury to all.

Today, as proud union members, we carry forward that same spirit and bond of collective responsibility. The fallen we honor understood that freedom means creating a society where every person can build a decent life through honest work. They fought for workers' rights to organize, bargain collectively, and stand together against exploitation.

Our union principles echo the values our fallen comrades died defending. When we fight for fair wages, peace in the workplace, higher standards with management/employee relationship, we honor their belief in standing for our workers. When we demand safe working conditions, we uphold their conviction that no one should be overworked or stressed out just to earn a living. When we stand in solidarity with workers facing retaliation, we embody their courage.

Service doesn't end with military discharge. Those of us who returned home carry the responsibility to continue fighting—not with weapons, but with the tools of democracy and collective action. Every grievance we file, every contract we negotiate, every picket line we walk continues their service to the American promise.

Our fallen brothers and sisters knew that true patriotism means demanding our country live up to its highest ideals.

They understood that loving your country sometimes means fighting to make it more just and equitable.

As we honor their memory, let us recommit ourselves to union principles they would recognize: solidarity over division, collective strength over individual weakness, justice over profit, and dignity for all workers.

Their sacrifice calls us to be better union members, better citizens, better guardians of the democracy they died to preserve. We honor them through our continued struggle for an America where working people have a voice, where solidarity triumphs over exploitation, and where no one fights alone.

In unity and remembrance, -The Unknown Solider

Standing with 5,000 Voices:

How I Found My Voice to Defend Social Security I never imagined I'd be standing on the steps of the Texas State Capitol, speaking into a microphone before 5,000 people. Public speaking terrifies me—I'm much more comfortable behind my desk helping Social Security beneficiaries than I am in front of crowds.

But on April 5, 2025, something bigger than my fear drove me to step far outside my comfort zone.

When I was invited to speak at Austin's "Hands Off!" rally alongside Congressmen Greg Caesar and Lloyd Doggett, I almost said no. But then I thought about what I witness every day as a Social Security Administration employee and a AFGE union member—the systematic dismantling of the agency I've dedicated my career to serving.

Standing there, hands trembling slightly as I gripped the microphone, I told the crowd what I see every day: Social Security operating at a 50-year staffing low while serving more Americans than ever. My voice grew stronger as I explained how the administration is cutting another 7,000 jobs—reducing my colleagues from 57,000 to 50,000.

I shared how field offices around us are closing, how our wait times have doubled, and how my remaining colleagues are overwhelmed and breaking down. The personal stories hit me hardest—telling 5,000 strangers how we're receiving policy changes without training, how we're being incentivized to abandon careers we love, how I watch experienced coworkers leave daily.

Social Security operates at less than 1% of benefit outlays for administrative costs—compared to 10-20% for private insurance.

Yet DOGE wants to contract out services at higher taxpayer costs.

The strategy appears deliberate: undermine effectiveness, then use failures to justify privatization. Officials have discussed outsourcing customer service—despite Social Security's 99.7% accuracy rate and 90-year record of never missing a payment.

This administration refuses to lift the earnings cap—a simple fix extending Social Security's solvency for decades. Instead, they promote privatization schemes costing more while providing less security. DOGE advisor Elon Musk calls Social Security a "Ponzi scheme." The playbook is clear: create chaos, undermine confidence, then offer privatization as the "solution."

Why We Fight Standing before that Austin crowd, I was reminded that Social Security isn't just a program—it's a promise. The nationwide protests drew 3-5 million participants, proving Americans won't stand by while this vital safety net is dismantled.

The choice is clear: defend the system that has provided security to generations, or watch it be sold to the highest bidder. On April 5th, 5,000 voices in Austin and millions nationwide declared: Hands off our Social Security.

By Delia Trevino

By: Cassandra Raine-Francis Am I sad or depressed?

As we navigate daily changes, constant e-mails, increasing workloads, and a mass exodus of employee’s leaving willfully or unwilfully, we can experience sadness, grief, even depression. The question is, “Which one is it?”

Sadness and depression can be very similar. However, if it starts to affect your everyday life and well-being, there may be more to it than just feeling sad. Sadness is a normal part of life and typically passes with time, depression is a serious mental health condition that requires attention and support.

Sadness is a natural emotional response to situations such as grief and loss, disappointment, or challenges. It is a temporary feeling that typically fades as time passes or as circumstances improve. While usually short-lived, and can often be explained by a specific cause, (such as a job loss, break-up, or loss of a loved-one), it does not necessarily disrupt your ability to function in daily life long term.

Depression, on the other hand, is a clinical mental health condition that goes beyond temporary sadness. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness, and deep sadness that lasts for weeks, months, or even longer. In addition, simple tasks can become overwhelming. Although every person’s symptoms may vary, you can experience lack of sleep or insomnia, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, loss of interest, or even thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can interfere significantly with a person’s ability to function in work, school, and social settings.

When to Seek Help If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional.

Depression is a manageable condition, and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by sadness that doesn't improve or if you experience thoughts of self-harm, it's critical to reach out to a mental health professional immediately.

In conclusion, as we are dealing with issues outside of our control, it is important that we take our mental health seriously. We may suspect that we are “o.k.”, yet things may be happening internally, externally, emotionally and physically that can be linked to something more or other than just temporary sadness. Understanding the differences between the two can help you recognize when emotions are affecting your mental health and when it’s time to take action to seek help.

By: Witold Skwierczynski

HELP YOUR UNION AFGE faces significant challenges due to a recent Executive Order that excludes 20 Federal Agencies from coverage under the Federal Service Labor Relations Statute (5 USC 71). The order was issued under a provision of the statute that permits exclusion of agencies or subdivisions where the primary function involves intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative or national security work, and where labor relations coverage may conflict with national security requirements.

This Executive Order immediately excluded approximately two-thirds of AFGE members from coverage under the statute. Affected employees are prohibited from union coverage or participation and are ineligible for payroll deduction of union dues.

These members are no longer covered by contracts and other agreements previously negotiated by AFGE. AFGE has filed suit in federal court arguing that the affected bargaining units do not pose security threats and that excluding them from coverage under the statute lacks proper justification.

Supporting Affected Members AFGE is asking retirees and supporters to contact affected members whose agencies have stopped withholding union dues and help them switch to edues. E-dues is a program allowing union members to pay dues through personal checking accounts, debit cards, or credit cards. Converting from dues withholding to e-dues requires individual discussions with every member.

Phone banks have been established and volunteers are needed to make these calls to members in the 20 affected agencies. While the lawsuit proceeds through the courts, AFGE needs dues revenue to continue paying staff salaries for those waging the legal battle.

Training Schedule: AFGE has scheduled live call center training for E-Dues phone banking: Every Tuesday from 5 – 6 PM Every Thursday from 12 - 2 PM This effort is part of defending union rights, benefits and job security.

Registration link: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Legislative Concerns The House-passed Reconciliation bill contains three provisions that would impact federal employees: FERS Supplement Changes: Elimination of the FERS supplement for those who retire before age 62.

New Employee Contribution Structure: New hires would face a choice between: Paying standard 4.4% FERS contribution as at-will employees without traditional civil service protections.

Paying 9.4% FERS contribution (standard 4.4% plus 5% penalty) to retain federal civil service rights including bargaining unit coverage and negotiated agreement protections MSPB Filing Fee: $350 filing fee for Merit Systems Protection Board appeals (the appeal board for adverse actions such as terminations and suspensions over 14 days).

Take Action: Contact your Senators at the Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) and urge them to oppose the Reconciliation bill. Beyond federal employee impacts, the bill includes significant cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs affecting working families.

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