July, 27 2012, 12:56pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Ali Jost, 202-730-7159,Mark McCullough, 202-730-7283,Kawana Lloyd, 202-730-7087
It's Time to Restore Retirement Security to American Workers
WASHINGTON
Mary Kay Henry, President of the 2.1 million member Service Employees International Union, issued the following statement in response to a new report released today by Senator Tom Harkin (D_IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, that examines and proposes solutions to America's retirement security crisis:
"We commend Senator Harkin for his leadership in sparking a national conversation about the retirement security crises in America.
"Far too many Americans are living in poverty after a lifetime of hard work and playing by the rules. Their economic insecurity will only trickle down to future generations as seniors are forced to rely on their families or social services for support. This will put a further strain on those who are already stretched too thin by the boom and bust economy we have been experiencing for the last twenty years and the lingering effects of the Great Recession.
"It's time to renew the American Dream by ensuring that all working people have the promise of economic security in their golden years. Policy makers, employers and workers must come together to find comprehensive solutions to our looming retirement crisis. Senator Harkin's analysis and proposals are a strong step in the right direction. We must use his proposal as a jumping off point for a national dialogue to explore new retirement models and strengthen Social Security."
With 2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy.
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