SSA BACKLOG, FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE CONTRACTOR SECURITY CONCERNS TO BE ADDRESSED ON AFGE RADIO S

Service delivery issues and the significant claims backlog at the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be discussed this week on the American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) “Inside Government” radio show. The show will air on Friday, May 7 at 10 a.m. ET nationwide on Federal News Radio at www.federalnewsradio.com and 1500 AM in the Washington, D.C., area. AFGE National Council of SSA Field Operations Locals President Witold Skwierczynski, who recently testified before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, will examine SSA’s service delivery problems as well as the significant claims backlog at the agency. Skwierczynski will make the case for increased staffing at SSA and congressional oversight of the agency’s service delivery practices. AFGE Federal Protective Service (FPS) Local 918 President David Wright then will address the possibility FPS could federalize its 15,000 contract security guards, a move the union supports. Wright also will discuss reports of contractor failings and strategies to reform FPS, which is responsible for securing federal buildings. Lastly, AFGE Labor Relations Specialist Milly Rodriguez will detail the toxic lead contamination at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters in Washington, D.C. The contamination is believed to be caused by a Secret Service shooting range in the building’s basement. Rodriguez will discuss EPA’s response to the situation, the cleanup process, and protective measures for employees.