Congress Passes HR 82: A Victory for Retirees and Public Sector Workers

The North Shore Federation of Labor is celebrating a historic victory with the passage of HR 82, the Social Security Fairness Act. This long-overdue legislation repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), unfair policies that reduced Social Security benefits for millions of public-sector workers, including teachers, firefighters, and union members. By eliminating these provisions, Congress has taken a crucial step toward ensuring that retirees receive the benefits they have rightfully earned.  

For decades, labor unions have fought tirelessly to bring attention to the unjust impact of WEP and GPO. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown led the fight over the last decade. These provisions penalized workers who dedicated their careers to public service, often slashing their Social Security payments by hundreds of dollars a month. The passage of HR 82 is a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and the collective strength of labor unions advocating for economic justice.  

As we celebrate this victory, we must also remain vigilant. Ensuring fair retirement benefits for all workers is a cornerstone of our fight for dignity and respect on the job. HR 82 is a reminder of what is possible when working people stand united, and it sets the stage for future progress in protecting and expanding Social Security. Together, we will continue to build a better future for all working families.