Retirement Security

Fewer employers today provide defined-benefit pensions for their workers—and among those that do, many are offering “defined-contribution” (like 401[k]s) rather than traditional “defined-benefit” pension plans.

That’s why Social Security insurance is essential for millions of retirees. Nearly two-thirds of retirees count on Social Security for half or more of their retirement income and for more than three in 10, Social Security is 90 percent or more of their income. It is a safety net that keeps retirees out of poverty.

It’s also important to figure out what you will need to retire. Talking a look at how much Social Security will provide, whether you have another form of pension and how much you spend are all components in determining when you can retire.

For decades, workers achieved retirement security because their retirement income flowed from a combination of employer-provided pensions, Social Security and personal savings. But the recession has exposed the severe deficiencies in our retirement system. We need to develop a new way to provide workers with lifetime retirement security beyond Social Security.

More about this issue:

Nov 30, 2018 | News Story

Have you ever been in trouble with the boss and asked your union steward to stand up for you? No one ever needed the union’s support more than New York City sanitation worker Kevin Carroll.

Nov 15, 2018 | News Story

Before you put together your Thanksgiving dinner shopping list, check this list of union-made in America food and other items that are essential to a traditional family Thanksgiving feast.

Nov 9, 2018 | News Story

This Tuesday, union members across the nation turned out in droves to vote for candidates that have committed to standing with working families. Here in New York, NYS AFL-CIO-endorsed candidates overwhelmingly won their Congressional, Statewide, and State Legislative races.

Nov 9, 2018 | News Story

This week's news that Amazon may be planning to open part of its HQ2 in Long island City has sparked concerns for some about gentrification, strains on existing infrastructure, and using taxpayer subsidies to help a massively profitable private business set up shop.

Nov 9, 2018 | News Story

In case you missed it, check out NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez's Letter to the Crain's Editor asking why Washington, DC political operative Richard Berman refuses to disclose who is funding his shady

Nov 2, 2018 | News Story

More than 400 SAG-AFTRA members rallied yesterday in front of ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty, LLC (BBH), which is trying to illegally abandon its union contract after almost 20 years. The rally took the form of a mock bake sale to raise funds for BBH. Thousands of baked goods were handed out.

Nov 2, 2018 | News Story

During GWC-UAW Local 2110's strike in April, over 1,500 graduate workers withdrew their labor and marched on the picket lines, and when the strike ended, they knew what their next steps would be.

Nov 2, 2018 | News Story

Google employees are fed up with the search giant’s lack of transparency when it comes to handling sexual harassment and misconduct allegations. Yesterday morning, thousands of Googlers from San Francisco to Dublin walked out in hopes of bringing real change to the company.

Nov 2, 2018 | News Story

Yesterday, content creators at Al Jazeera English, based in the United States, voted overwhelmingly to recognize SAG-AFTRA as their union ̶ with 97 percent voting in favor. The election was conducted by mail ballot and votes were counted this afternoon by the National Labor Relations Board.

Oct 26, 2018 | News Story

Workers in United Airlines’ catering kitchens in five cities have voted overwhelmingly to unionize with UNITE HERE. In a National Mediation Board election lasting five weeks, 72% of United catering workers voted to join the union.