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:

Sep 23, 2022 | News Story

Our 2022 Labor Day Parade highlights video is here! Check out all your favorite unions and union members below!

Sep 23, 2022 | News Story

Union members from Communications Workers of America Local 1101 rallied with supporters outside Con Edison headquarters near Union Square Wednesday as the energy giant is reportedly planning to drop a union contract in favor of cheaper labor.

Sep 23, 2022 | News Story

The AFL-CIO is partnering with the Permission to Dream program, created by the Chris Gardner Foundation, to put students on the path to good careers through the security of a union job.

Sep 23, 2022 | News Story

With this week’s bipartisan Senate introduction of the American Music Fairness Act by Senators Padilla and Blackburn, it’s time to end the loophole that has allowed Big Radio to rob artists of their fair share for far too long.

Sep 16, 2022 | News Story

Thank you to all who joined us last Saturday! The 2022 Labor Day Parade and March was a joyous return to Manhattan's famed Fifth Avenue after three long years, and a fitting commemoration of the first American Labor Day Parade right here in NYC 140 years ago.

Sep 16, 2022 | News Story

On Thursday, rail companies and union leaders reached a tentative deal that will avert a strike

Sep 16, 2022 | News Story

On Wednesday, unionized workers at the New School marched for respect! Jazz instructors at the New School first won a union contract with the help of Local 802 in 1998. in 1998.

Sep 16, 2022 | News Story

On Friday, Condé Union won their card count and is now officially recognized as a union. The era of “prestige paying the bills” is over.

Sep 16, 2022 | News Story

For the first time since Branch Rickey developed the modern farm system, minor league baseball players will be represented by a union.