Labor & Employment Law

Iowa Labor 2010: Grassroots Outreach Among Retired Americans

By admin

Michael Uehlein, Field Communications director for the Iowa Federation of Labor, sends us this report.

In Iowa today, the Alliance for Retired Americans is on the ground talking with seniors and Iowans about issues that affect retired older Americans. A proud union partner, the Alliance works for the security of working families heading into retirement.

The organization is focused on trengthening Social Security as a safety net for those who have paid into it, and in Iowa and around the nation, are a valuable partner to the labor movement and working families.  The Alliance “has been a fantastic asset,” says Iowa AFL-CIO President Ken Sagar.

They’re working not simply for Americans who are currently retired, but for those who will be retired in the future.

Midge Slater is organizing seniors in key locations around the state to spread the word and educate seniors about the choices they face on Election Day. “We’re also working to advance public policy that protects the economic security of older Americans,” she added.

Over the past few weeks, the Alliance has held birthday parties for Social Security, which turned 75 just weeks ago. While congressional Republicans like Steve King and Chuck Grassley fight to kill Social Security, which makes up some 40 percent of the income of older Americans, the Alliance is talking with Iowans who want to preserve to program, which has never added a cent to the federal deficit.

The Alliance is hosting another Social Security party on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Waterloo Public Library. Special guest speaker Jonathan Schoeberl, an employee of Social Security. For questions, please contact Midge Slater at unionmaid42@gmail.com

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on August 24, 2010 (boomark / email).