Union representative tells Hudson council Social Security field offices are losing staff; urges local advocacy

A union representative told the Hudson City Council that recent staffing cuts and buyout offers at Social Security field offices are straining local service and urged the council to support keeping the office operating robustly.

The commenter, identifying themself as the president of multiple field offices, described buyouts and voluntary departures that have reduced staff and increased workload, saying employers are "offering buyouts" and "they're very much trying to they're offering to gain people to leave." The commenter said offices are being consolidated and that some services now require in-person visits that previously could be handled by phone or online. "So the local community offices, they're trying to force many people into them as they can at once," the speaker said, adding that the changes are creating long lines and service problems for seniors and people who rely on Medicaid and Social Security.

The speaker said the local office has seen callers and visitors increase because nearby offices are undergoing renovation, and described the effect on parking and staffing. The commenter urged council members to consider sending letters to members of Congress and to support the local office. "Absolutely. That's the biggest thing is to get people to all their members of congress," the speaker said, urging local advocacy to stop further reductions.

The speaker identified the union as "AMGB local 33.3" and said the local represents multiple offices in the region. The council did not take action on the matter during the meeting; the comments were entered during the public-comment portion of the agenda.