Social Security Fairness Act: A Victory for Public Sector Workers
2min read On January 5, 2025, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, marking a significant victory for public sector workers who have long been advocating for the repeal of two decades-old provisions that reduced their Social Security benefits. The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) played a crucial role in championing this legislation, which aims to provide security for workers who dedicate their lives to their communities.
For years, APWU members have been fighting to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which unfairly penalized Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) postal retirees and many federal and state employees by severely reducing their earned Social Security Benefits for recipients and surviving spouses despite meeting the requirements for Social Security benefits and paying their fair share into the program.
APWU President Mark Dimondstein, Legislative and Political Director Judy Beard, and Retiree Director Nancy Olumekor were present at the signing to witness this historic achievement and the result of decades-long advocacy by the APWU to end the injustice faced by so many of our retirees and their families.
"The passage of this legislation is a testament to what we can achieve when we fight together," said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. "As a coalition of unions, affected individuals, and community organizations, we have shown that when we join together on a cause for the common good, we win."
While many in Congress have championed Social Security Fairness throughout the years, the APWU would like to give special thanks to Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), as well as Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA).
In 2003, Senator Collins held the first-ever Senate hearing to address the unfair WEP and GPO provisions that impact so many postal workers. As one of his first acts after becoming a Senator in 2007, Senator Brown co-sponsored the legislation to repeal WEP and GPO. Together, they never faltered in achieving justice for millions of retirees.
In the House, Representatives Spanberger and Graves achieved a historic, bipartisan coalition that overcame the many obstacles to passage.
"Thank you to every member of Congress who advocated for, and voted in favor of, the Social Security Fairness Act," said Legislative and Political Director Judy Beard. "And thank you to all of our APWU members who made phone calls, sent emails, wrote letters, and visited with their elected leaders to educate them on the critical impact this legislation will have."
Now that the bill has been signed into law, the Social Security Administration is tasked with implementation. While details are still being worked out, the APWU is committed to updating our members with information as we receive it. Please click here to read updates.
This victory is a culmination of a 40-year fight to provide security for workers who dedicate their lives to their communities. The Social Security Fairness Act is a testament to what can be achieved when we fight together for the common good.