Executive Director Henderson testifies in favor of public sector OSHA, COLA for retirees
On March 20 and 21, 2023, AFSCME Council 13 Executive Director David Henderson urged lawmakers to pass policies that would improve safety and security for both Pennsylvania’s current and retired public workforce.
Executive Director David Henderson testifies in favor of public sector OSHA in PA on March 20, 2023, before testifying the next day in favor of a COLA for public retirees.
The March 20 PA Joint Democratic Policy Committee hearing focused on the issue of OSHA protections for public employees. Henderson joined PA AFL-CIO President Angela Ferritto and PA American Federation of Teachers President Arthur G. Steinberg to make the case for OSHA-level safety standards for public employees working for state and local governments in Pennsylvania – protections that many people are surprised to learn do not currently exist.
“We need a vote. Our members need a vote. Every public sector worker needs a vote on this legislation,” Henderson testified.
“Our folks deserve the same level of respect and dignity as those in the private sector.”
Watch the March 20 hearing here
Henderson was joined by SEIU Local 668 President Steve Catanese at the March 21 hearing focused on the issue of a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for public retirees, which can only be granted through legislative action, and has not occurred for over 20 years, despite ever-rising costs.
“When are we going to do something to help retired state workers and teachers? If we don’t offer a cost-of-living adjustment now, then when?”
Watch the March 21 hearing here
Retirees need our help, and current public service workers need to know they will be taken care of when they retire from a career of serving the people of our commonwealth.
Both the issues of public sector OSHA and a COLA for retirees are long overdue, and Council 13 is prepared to take lawmakers to task to get these matters resolved so public employees and retirees are no longer treated like second class citizens.
Find your legislator here and make your voice heard in favor of passing public sector OSHA and a COLA for public retirees in Pennsylvania!
