Schakowsky Leads Letter to SSA Demanding the Abandonment of Anti-Union Policies

This month, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, led a letter signed by 70 of her colleagues calling for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to abandon their anti-union policies and bad-faith negotiations with AFGE. The Congresswoman, along with a few members who signed the letter, released the following statements:

“Despite President Trump’s repeated campaign promises to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, he has allowed his Administration to attack Federal workers at the Social Security Administration at every turn in an effort to make customer service for hardworking Americans worse,” Rep. Jan Schakowsky said. “Acting Administrator Berryhill’s posture during collective bargaining is not only illegal, as we have seen adjudicated in recent court cases, but it also reflects another broken promise by President Trump. Even before his ill-advised shutdown, President Trump demonstrated how little regard he has for the working men and women who strengthen our communities through public service, as evidenced by this bad faith negotiating posture. I urge Acting Administrator Berryhill to reconsider her position and come back to the bargaining table in good faith.”

“Workers at the Social Security Administration have dedicated their careers to public service, ensuring seniors in every community receive their Social Security checks,” Rep. Mark Pocan said. “It is outrageous that Commissioner Berryhill would undermine workers’ rights to unionize and collectively bargain. AFGE’s repeated attempts to negotiate on behalf of their members have been met with hostility and union busting actions from the Commissioner. We encourage the Social Security Administration leadership to follow the law and show respect for basic workers’ rights.”

“The Trump Administration must stop its attacks on unions and the fundamental rights of working people,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro said. “Collective bargaining is essential to raising wages for American workers. That is why I am proud to sign this letter with my Democratic colleagues to ensure Social Security Administration workers’ labor rights are protected.”

“It is extremely disturbing to hear that the Social Security Administration is engaging in anti-labor, anti-worker practices during contract negotiations with employees being represented by AFGE,” Rep. Mark Takano said. “We are urging Commissioner Berryhill to stop undermining SSA employees and respect their right to demand workplace fairness and seek the benefit of union representation. Under this administration, unions have faced continued attacks and workers’ rights are being trampled. This lack of respect for workers shows contempt for the work that SSA employees do every day. Enough with the union-busting, anti-worker practices — federal employees are working tirelessly for the American people, they deserve better treatment.”

You can find a link to the letter HERE.