News
Congress, Stand for Workers
Starting in January, a new group of lawmakers came to the House of Representatives. And the Teamsters are confident that they will get things done for the benefit of U.S. workers.
Teamsters are calling on Congress to quickly pass legislation that would provide a lifeline for faltering multiemployer pensions like the Teamsters’ Central States Pension Plan. As it stands, there are more than 300 multiemployer plans across the country in danger of failing.
The issue has real implications and millions of Americans could be devastated by pension failures.
Over the past several years, thousands of Teamsters have come to Capitol Hill to tell their elected officials about the struggles they and their families will face if proposed pension cuts become a reality. For some facing health issues, it is questionable whether they will be able to afford the procedures or medicine that they need. Others worry about whether they will lose their homes.
Workers and retirees are rightfully concerned about their future. Many worked for decades and contributed to their pensions under the understanding they would be supported in their golden years. That is now being called into question, and it’s not right.
Given the bipartisan support this issue received in the last Congress, this union is optimistic that a comprehensive solution can be hammered out quickly that will secure the retirements of some 1.5 million Americans at risk. Lawmakers must stand up for these workers who have done nothing wrong and played by the rules all their lives.
Of course, there are other concerns that must be addressed as well. For far too long, elected officials have ignored the infrastructure needs of this country.
As a result, roads, mass transit systems and other essential parts of the transportation network have fallen into disrepair. While discussions have gone on about making such improvements a priority, the time for talk is over. A substantial public investment of dollars is necessary. Infrastructure jobs, unlike those in other sectors, can’t be outsourced.
Taken together, there is plenty for this new Congress to do. Lawmakers must join together across the political aisle to pass legislation that helps working people. That’s what they were charged to do in November. Anything less is just more the same.