Join Us

Helpful Member Resources

History of Alaska AFSCME Retiree Chapter 52

Alaska AFSCME Retiree Chapter 52 (AARC52) is the link to a powerful organization called AFSCME International (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees). Alaska retirees can count on the full support of AFSCME’s 1.6 million working and retiree members nationwide, including members of the Alaska State Employees Association (ASEA/AFSCME Local 52), the largest public sector union in Alaska.

No one understands the needs of retired public employees better than AFSCME. Its strength and know-how have achieved remarkable victories for public-sector retirees all across the country. AFSCME stands ready to use that knowledge and experience on behalf of Alaska’s public-sector retirees.

Our Alaska AFSCME Retiree Chapter was founded by a committee of PERS/TERS recipients from all across Alaska, also involving pensioners who had moved Outside. Over a period of months, the Committee discussed the need for a statewide organization to protect and improve pensions and benefits; they began to craft the AARC52 Framework. Thanks to the efforts of those concerned and dedicated members, especially the late Bill Brady, our founding Convention was held in Anchorage in February 2000. Delegates adopted our Chapter Constitution and established Policies and Procedures for governance and operations. Our Charter was approved by then AFSCME International President, Gerry McEntee. The International shared our major goal of reforming the GPO/WEP pension offset that lowers our earned benefits.

Although we continue with our primary mission to fight four and protect our earned state benefits, we have joined the fight to advance the concerns and issues of retirees on the national level. The size of AARC52’s membership is directly related to our strength and the impact we have whether we are fighting to reform GPO/WEP or improve Medicare drug or pension benefits. More members translate to more letters and calls to lawmakers, more signatures on petitions and more influence with elected officials. We have to demonstrate to our Governor and state legislature that we speak for a large group of voting State of Alaska retirees.

AARC 52 works to ensure that (1) all Alaska retirees continue to receive Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) so that our pensions maintain their purchasing power through retirement and (2) that our earned benefits are maintained and improved. While on the job, the State of Alaska paid for our dental, visual and audio benefits. However, upon retirement these benefits become retiree paid elected benefits, which is just when the coverage is more important than ever. As retirees, we must be vigilant and not take our hard-won benefits for granted.

On a lighter note, being a member of AARC52 also brings other advantages. You’ll receive our quarterly newsletter and are eligible for AFSCME Advantage programs, i.e. discounts ranging from cell phone/car rental/travel.