AFSCME Retirees Advocate for Pension COLA Amid Rising Living Costs

As the cost of living continues to climb, retirees across the nation are feeling the pinch more acutely than most. With many relying on fixed pensions, the absence of cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) threatens their financial stability. This situation has led to mobilization efforts by AFSCME Retirees, who are advocating for necessary changes to ensure their pensions can keep pace with rising expenses.

Maryland

In Maryland, Shandala Richburg, who leads AFSCME Retiree Chapter 1, has taken up the cause by addressing a state senate committee. She emphasized the invaluable contributions of public service workers, stating, “The men and women I represent spent decades serving the people of Maryland.” She further highlighted the necessity of a COLA to match the actual cost of living.

Pennsylvania

The situation in Pennsylvania is particularly dire for those who retired before 2001, as they have not seen a pension adjustment in over two decades. AFSCME Chapter 13 Retirees are actively campaigning, both online and in person, to persuade the state legislature to increase their COLAs, with some retirees subsisting on less than $20,000 annually.

Texas

Rick Farias, representing AFSCME Texas Retirees Chapter 12, spoke at the Texas Capitol advocating for a one-time 13^th check to aid retirees. He noted that retirees have not received a boost since 2001, while living costs have surged by more than 75%. Farias remarked, “It would cost a small fraction of the available funds in the state surplus, but it would make a meaningful difference for retirees like me who dedicated our careers to serving Texas and Texans.”

Washington and West Virginia

In Washington and West Virginia, members of the Retired Public Employees Council of Washington, AFSCME Chapter 10, and AFSCME Retirees West Virginia Subchapter 77 are employing various strategies—including letters, lobbying, and press conferences—to advocate for COLA bills in their states.

Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota

Retirees in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota are also fervently working towards pension improvements. The Minnesota & Dakotas Retirees United, AFSCME Chapter 565, are collaborating with coalition partners to push for increased pension COLAs. Their persistent efforts have already led to a minor victory in Minnesota, where a small COLA was secured.

Click here to learn more about how AFSCME Retirees are fighting for retirement security.