(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) joined Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) in sending a letter signed by more than 150 colleagues calling for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to abandon their anti-union policies and bad-faith negotiations with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

“At every turn, President Trump continues to attack hardworking federal employees at the SSA who are dedicated to the public good. Despite his repeated pledge to defend Social Security, this Administration’s continued attacks on the workers who assist Social Security beneficiaries will weaken agency operations by worsening customer service and lengthening call wait times,” Congresswoman Schakowsky said. “I cannot believe I have to send another letter asking Acting SSA Commissioner Berryhill to come back to the bargaining table and change her extreme bargaining position, which recent court cases show is illegal. I urge the Commissioners to resolve the impasse and get back to having a sufficient number of staff that is adequately serving the hard-working Americans who are just trying to access the benefits owed to them.”

Congressman Elijah Cummings (MD-07), Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, added “I am deeply troubled that Social Security Administration management appears to be falling short of its legal obligation to bargain in good faith and is undermining the collective bargaining rights of federal workers, many of whom are my constituents."

Congressman John Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee, stated, “The federal employees serving at the Social Security Administration work tirelessly day in and day out to help Social Security beneficiaries, under stressful circumstances and in under-staffed offices. I urge the Social Security Administration to return to the table and resume collective bargaining with AFGE to ensure that these workers’ voices are heard.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY-17), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, added, "the Trump Administration’s actions to pursue anti-worker policies will harm the men and women at the Social Security Administration who are working to ensure seniors receive their benefits. This blatant attempt to circumvent the decisions of a federal court must not stand. I urge the SSA to resume collective bargaining agreements without delay."

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, shared, “public servants who are members of AFGE deserve a fair contract negotiation process with the Social Security Administration—not one that is rigged against them. Collective bargaining is a fundamental right for workers, and that right must not be undermined.”

You can find a link to the letter here.

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