Historic Victory for OAPSE Members

We are overjoyed to share a monumental achievement for public service workers and retirees across the nation. After decades of dedicated advocacy, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have passed the Social Security Fairness Act, fully repealing the unjust Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). With this critical legislation soon to be signed into law by President Biden, we are ensuring fairness and dignity for millions of retirees.

OAPSE’s Leadership in Action

This victory stands as a powerful testament to the perseverance and unity of OAPSE members and leaders. Our Executive Director, Joe Rugola, has dedicated almost 35 years to championing this cause, mobilizing our members, and amplifying their voices to effect change. Joe has also testified before Congress several times, advocating vigorously for the repeal of these unfair provisions.

Retired OAPSE leader Barb Ward’s personal story, courageously shared on Capitol Hill and highlighted by Senator Sherrod Brown during the final weeks of this legislative session, became a pivotal symbol in our campaign for repeal. Barb, a 73-year-old bus driver from Fairland Local Schools in Ohio, detailed the devastating financial impact of GPO on her and over 100,000 Ohioans. Barb receives a reduced survivor benefit from Social Security due to GPO. Her testimony underscored the harsh realities faced by low-wage workers, particularly women, who are disproportionately affected by these provisions. Thanks to the repeal, Barb is now expecting her monthly Social Security survivor benefit to increase from less than $600 to approximately $2,100, reflecting a significant boost to her retirement income and providing her with the financial security her husband intended. Like Barb, thousands of Ohioans and OAPSE members saw devastating reductions in their Social Security payments. With these reductions now repealed, some retirees will see more than $10,000 a year in benefits restored!

Alongside Barb, key figures such as OAPSE State President Lois Carson, Vice President Mike Lang, and Secretary Sheila Dawkins-Flinn played crucial roles. Their regular visits to Washington to pressure Congress were instrumental in securing this victory. “Sheila chaired our committee that led to this effort,” said Carson. “She and Mike worked tirelessly to finally win the repeal of these awful laws.”

Acknowledging Our Champions

This victory would not have been possible without the steadfast support of champions like Senator Sherrod Brown, who has been a tireless advocate for public service workers. Notably, Senator Brown has historically co-sponsored several attempts to repeal these unfair provisions, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to correcting this injustice. His remarks capture the essence of this triumph: “This is a victory for fairness, dignity, and respect for public service workers. We have demonstrated the power of solidarity and persistence in the fight for justice with union leaders like Joe Rugola, Barb Ward, and Lois Carson.”

AFSCME President Lee Saunders added, “This historic victory for public service workers resulted from relentless advocacy and perseverance. Thanks to the broad coalition of union members and the unwavering support of allies like Senator Brown, over two million public service workers will now rightfully access the Social Security benefits they have earned throughout their careers.”

The Power of Collective Action

The repeal of GPO and WEP is the culmination of decades of effort by OAPSE members and our international union, AFSCME. In the past year alone, union members nationwide made over 8,000 phone calls and wrote over 28,000 letters to Congress, with OAPSE members at the forefront of this effort.

This law is a testament to our union’s strength, our members’ determination, and the power of collective action. It proves that together, we can achieve transformative change.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this historic moment, let it inspire us to continue advocating for equity and justice for all public service workers. As President Saunders reminded us, “When we organize and persevere, we win. Let’s carry this momentum into 2025 and beyond.”

Thank you to every OAPSE member who contributed to this incredible accomplishment. This victory is yours, and it reflects the resilience and unity that define our union.

In solidarity,

The State Officers, Executive Board and Staff of OAPSE