United Aerospace Workers Local 848 includes aircraft workers at Lockheed, Raytheon, and Vought. Our offices are at 2218 E. Main Street, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050

Retirees Discuss Social Security

Local 848's retirees discussed the ins and outs of the fight to save Social Security during the March 10 luncheon. They welcomed Dr Peggy Wildman of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as speaker. Dr Wildman said she didn't agree with AARP on last year's prescription drug bill. "We were blindsided," she said. "The law that was enacted was not the one we thought it was."

On the Social Security issue, AARP and organized labor are in agreement. Wildman said, "We must, must stop this private account business. Social Security is not in crisis. She said that President Bush's proposals were deliberately left unclear: "The only thing he has come out and said is that he wants private accounts. Private accounts and solvency of Social Security are not even in the same area. His proposals have nothing to do with improving the solvency or continuing the guarantee of Social Security!"

She said that there are four "basic pillars" of retirement:

Insurance, which is Social Security
Savings
Salary
Health care

Of those 4, "The only one that is guaranteed is Social Security." Wildman asked everyone to call 1-800-846-8610. They give the operator their zip code, and then they will be connected to their own congressperson's office. "I'm begging you to call that number," Wildman said. She had recently spoken several times with Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Dr. Peggy Wildman was introduced by Gene Cates

Several retirees rose to speak in agreement or to ask questions. President Reecie Giesecke had already recommended that union members stand strong against privatizing Social Security. He had also invited retirees to attend the next union meeting and to help with the upcoming union elections. He also gave the retirees an update on issues in the Texas legislature.

Retiree Chairman Gene Cates announced the CAP ticket drive and the UAW Region 5 Retiree Seminar on April 12.

Retirees were pleased because Reverend and Mrs M.C. Shelton returned after a long absence. Reverend Shelton was wheeled in by his grandson, George Allen.