Social Security Fairness: CWA's View

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Post on Dec 22, 2024

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Social Security Fairness: The CWA's Perspective

The Communication Workers of America (CWA) is a powerful labor union representing workers in telecommunications, media, airlines, and other sectors. They've consistently advocated for a robust and equitable Social Security system, viewing it as a cornerstone of economic security for working families. Their perspective on Social Security fairness centers on several key principles: protecting existing benefits, expanding coverage, and ensuring adequate funding for future generations.

Why Fairness Matters:

The CWA argues that Social Security isn't just a safety net; it's a earned benefit. Years of contributions from workers fund the system, providing crucial support during retirement, disability, or the death of a breadwinner. Fairness, in their view, demands that the system fulfills its promise to those who have paid into it. This means:

• Protecting Existing Benefits: The CWA vehemently opposes any cuts to existing Social Security benefits. They argue that reducing benefits for current retirees and those nearing retirement is unjust and undermines the system's core purpose. They highlight the struggles many retirees face with rising healthcare costs and other expenses, making benefit cuts particularly devastating.

• Strengthening the System, Not Weakening It: The CWA advocates for strengthening the Social Security system to ensure its long-term solvency. They believe this requires a comprehensive approach that doesn't rely on cuts to benefits but rather on expanding revenue streams.

• Addressing Inequities: The CWA points out existing inequities within the system. For example, they advocate for addressing the lower benefit levels for women and workers in lower-paying jobs. These inequities reflect historical and ongoing gender and economic disparities and require proactive solutions to ensure fairness.

CWA's Proposed Solutions:

Instead of benefit cuts, the CWA promotes several solutions to bolster Social Security:

• Raising the Taxable Earnings Base: Currently, Social Security taxes only apply to earnings up to a certain limit. Raising this cap would significantly increase revenue without impacting the vast majority of workers.

• Strengthening Payroll Taxes: While acknowledging the impact on workers, the CWA suggests modest increases to payroll taxes as a way to address the long-term funding challenges. They emphasize the need for progressive solutions, where higher earners contribute a larger share.

• Closing Tax Loopholes: The CWA supports closing loopholes that allow high-income individuals and corporations to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. This would generate more revenue for Social Security and other vital social programs.

• Expanding Coverage: Currently, some workers, such as the self-employed and gig workers, lack adequate access to Social Security. The CWA argues for expanding coverage to include these groups, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable system.

The Fight for Fairness:

The CWA's advocacy for Social Security fairness is not merely a policy debate; it's a fight for the economic well-being of working families. They understand that Social Security is a critical component of retirement security and a vital safety net for millions of Americans. Their perspective emphasizes protecting existing benefits, addressing systemic inequities, and ensuring the long-term financial health of the system through robust and fair solutions. Their continued efforts to advocate for comprehensive reform demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding this vital social program.