AFSCME Retirees Secure Key Cost-of-Living Adjustments in Two States

Amid rising living costs, retirees from two AFSCME Retiree chapters have achieved significant victories in their fight for better cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). These changes offer substantial relief to retirees grappling with financial challenges.

In Maryland, a new bill signed by Gov. Wes Moore offers clarity on the calculation of COLAs for the State Retirement and Pension System. This legislation specifies the Consumer Price Index measure to ensure a standardized approach to annual pension increases. The success of this bill is largely attributed to the dedicated efforts of Maryland AFSCME Retirees Chapter 1 members.

Shandala Richburg, leading the AFSCME Retiree Chapter 1, advocated for this measure, emphasizing the essential services provided by Maryland's retirees: “The men and women I represent spent decades serving the people of Maryland,” Richburg stated. “In retirement, we need a cost-of-living adjustment that keeps pace with the real cost of living.” Her statement underscores the challenges of rising expenses in housing, child care, and health care, which continue to burden retirees.

Meanwhile, in Washington state, Gov. Bob Ferguson enacted a bill granting a one-time 3% COLA, a measure pushed forward by the AFSCME Retired Public Employees of Washington Chapter 10. Clair Olivers, President of the Retired Public Employees Council (RPEC), celebrated the achievement, describing it as a “hard-earned victory for Plan 1 retirees across Washington.”

However, Olivers noted that this relief is temporary, as retirees still face a significant loss in purchasing power since the removal of their permanent COLA in 2011. “Our fight to restore a permanent COLA is not over. This moment, however, shows the power of collective action, and it sends a clear message that retirees will continue to fight for the security and respect they deserve,” Olivers affirmed.

These developments highlight the ongoing commitment of AFSCME retirees to advocate for their rights and secure financial stability in their retirement years. Those interested in joining their efforts can find more information here.