CWA Statement On Social Security

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Post on Dec 22, 2024

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CWA Statement on Social Security: Protecting America's Retirees

The Communication Workers of America (CWA) has a long and strong history of advocating for the protection and expansion of Social Security. We believe Social Security is a vital cornerstone of America's social safety net, providing crucial economic security for millions of retirees, disabled workers, and their families. Our position is clear: Social Security is not a problem to be fixed; it's a program to be defended and strengthened.

Why Social Security Matters to CWA Members

For CWA members, many of whom work in demanding jobs with demanding schedules, Social Security represents a promise kept – a promise of a secure retirement after years of hard work and dedication. It's a system built on the principle of shared responsibility, where contributions from workers today support beneficiaries today, and future workers will support future beneficiaries. This intergenerational solidarity is essential to maintaining a strong and vibrant society.

Threats to Social Security

However, this vital program faces ongoing threats. These threats stem from several sources:

• Privatization Efforts: Proposals to privatize parts or all of Social Security are fundamentally flawed. These plans would jeopardize the guaranteed benefits retirees rely on, exposing them to the unpredictable nature of the stock market and leaving them vulnerable to financial losses. CWA strongly opposes any efforts to privatize Social Security.

• Benefit Cuts: Some argue that Social Security needs to be "reformed" through benefit cuts. This is unacceptable. Cuts would disproportionately impact low- and middle-income retirees, who depend most on Social Security for their survival. CWA vehemently opposes any cuts to Social Security benefits.

• Funding Shortfalls: The long-term funding of Social Security is a legitimate concern, but the solution is not to cut benefits or privatize the system. Rather, we must address this challenge through common-sense solutions such as:

  • Increasing the Social Security tax base: Expanding the portion of income subject to Social Security taxes to include higher earners.
  • Adjusting the taxation of Social Security benefits: Reexamining the taxation of Social Security benefits to ensure a more equitable distribution of the tax burden.
  • Raising the full retirement age gradually: This is a complex issue, but a gradual adjustment could contribute to the long-term solvency of the system.

CWA's Call to Action

The CWA believes that securing the future of Social Security requires a collaborative effort. We urge policymakers to:

• Reject any proposals to cut benefits or privatize Social Security.
• Explore and implement solutions that strengthen the system, such as increasing the tax base, adjusting the taxation of benefits, and gradually raising the full retirement age.
• Engage in an open and transparent dialogue about the long-term sustainability of Social Security, involving all stakeholders in the discussion.

Social Security is not merely a government program; it's a social contract. It represents a fundamental promise to the American people that their hard work will be rewarded with dignity and security in retirement. CWA will continue to fight tirelessly to protect and expand this vital program, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same benefits that current retirees rely on. We will continue to advocate for policies that ensure the long-term solvency and strength of Social Security and support the retirees who have earned it.

Conclusion

The future of Social Security is too important to be left to partisan politics. It requires a collaborative approach that prioritizes the needs of retirees and working Americans. CWA is committed to ensuring that Social Security remains a strong and vibrant program for decades to come. We call on all Americans to join us in this fight to protect this vital cornerstone of our nation's social safety net.