New York Teachers Demand Tier Six Pension Reform

Pension Reform: Key to Attracting Public Servants in New York

Across New York State, unions representing various public sector employees are calling for pension reform, arguing that the current system creates important hurdles in attracting adn retaining younger generations.

Concerns over pension disparities became especially prominent recently when members of the New York State united Teachers (NYSUT) gathered in Rochester. Andrew Jordan, Co-President of Monroe One BOCES United Professionals, highlighted the issue, stating, “I shouldn’t earn more in my pension than my colleague doing the same job working as hard as I do every day for 30 years. It’s not fair and it’s not equitable. It should be.”

Unequal Retirement Benefits Across Tiers

Jordan, a member of Tier Four, explained that he can retire at 55 with a full pension. However, his colleagues in Tiers Five and Six, who joined the system after 2010 and 2012 respectively, face later retirement ages of 62 and 63. These tiers also come with higher contribution rates and reduced retirement benefits.

These disparities extend beyond educators,impacting recruitment efforts across various essential public services. Jordan emphasized, “It applies to more than just educators.Our municipalities are having a hard time hiring snow plow drivers and workers as again, our youngest minds are seeing what Tier Six will offer them in retirement, then taking themselves somewhere else.”

Legislative Action: Progress and Challenges

Assemblymember Josh Jensen, representing District 134, echoed the concerns, stating, “There’s been some reforms to try and make it more equitable between Tier Six and Tier Four, but there’s certainly more to do. When I talk to local governments, they’re struggling to attract workers.”

Governor Hochul’s 2025 budget proposal includes reforms aimed at adjusting pension calculations and employee contribution rates for Tier Six. While this represents progress, advocates argue for further action to ensure a fairer and more enduring retirement system for all public servants.

A Call to Action: Investing in Our Future Workforce

Addressing pension disparities is crucial not only for the well-being of individual workers but also for the future stability of essential public services. Implementing comprehensive pension reform that promotes equity, fairness, and financial sustainability will be vital in attracting and retaining talented individuals dedicated to serving the public good.

It’s time for policymakers, unions, and community members to work together to ensure that public service remains a rewarding and secure career path for generations to come.

New York Unions Push for Pension Reform

A Growing Crisis Threatens the Future of Public Service

Across New York State, a growing chorus of voices is calling for reform within the state’s pension system. Public sector unions are advocating for changes to address significant pension disparities that they say are hindering the recruitment and retention of younger generations of public servants.

The core issue revolves around the retirement benefits offered to different “tiers” of public employees.Those who joined earlier, such as members of Tier four, enjoy earlier retirement ages and more generous benefits. Though, those who joined after 2010 (Tier Five) and 2012 (Tier Six) face later retirement ages, higher contribution rates, and reduced benefits.

The Human Cost of Pension Disparities

Andrew Jordan, Co-President of Monroe One BOCES United Professionals, recently underscored the urgency of the issue.“It simply isn’t fair,” he stated. “I joined Tier Four and can retire at 55 with a full pension. My colleagues in Tiers Five and Six, who joined after 2010 and 2012 respectively, face later retirement ages of 62 and 63. They also face higher contribution rates and reduced retirement benefits. It sends a disheartening message to younger workers. Why would someone pursue a career in public service when their future looks less secure than those who joined earlier?”

Impact Beyond educators

Jordan emphasized that the issue extends far beyond educators. “This impacts every essential public service,” he said. “Our municipalities are struggling to hire snow plow drivers, sanitation workers, and other critical positions. Young people are seeing the less favorable terms offered to Tier Six and considering other career paths. It’s a looming crisis.”

Legislative Action and Political Bipartisanship

The call for pension reform reflects a broader concern about attracting and retaining qualified individuals in essential public service roles. Assemblymember Jensen, emphasizes the bipartisan support for addressing this crucial issue, stating, “We have to make sure our state workforce really serves our people as a whole and that it’s robust and vibrant.for that, you have to have employees, and for that, we have to make sure we have a way to attract those people into public service.”

A spokesperson for Governor Kathy hochul affirmed the Governor’s commitment to supporting Tier Six members, stating, “Governor Hochul remains committed to supporting Tier Six members, and she secured critical reforms to retirement benefits in the FY 2025 Budget. The governor will continue working to ensure every New Yorker receives the benefits they need and deserve.”

This commitment to finding a solution underscores the urgency of the situation and the potential consequences of inaction.

Addressing the disparities across retirement tiers is crucial for ensuring a strong and vibrant future workforce. Stakeholders across political lines are collaborating to find solutions that promote fairness and encourage young professionals to contribute their talents to public service.

Call to action

Meaningful and lasting change requires continued advocacy and public dialog.

Contact your elected officials to voice your support for pension reform that ensures a secure and equitable future for all public servants in New York State.

The Fight for Equitable Pension Reform in New York State

Pension reform in New York State remains a contentious issue, with disparities in benefits across different tiers of public service fueling ongoing debate. Andrew jordan, a prominent voice in this discussion, emphasizes the urgency for comprehensive reform to ensure fairness and attract talented individuals to public service.

Addressing the Gap

While acknowledging some legislative efforts to bridge the gap, Jordan stresses that much more needs to be done. “We need comprehensive pension reform that ensures fair treatment across all tiers,” he states.

A Vision for the Future

Despite the challenges,Jordan remains optimistic about the future of pension reform.He believes finding common ground is crucial for creating a system that supports both current and future generations of public servants. “We need a system that attracts talented individuals to public service,ensuring a strong and vibrant workforce for our state.Future generations deserve the same opportunities that past generations had,” he emphasizes.

The Stakes Are High

The lack of equitable pension benefits can have a profound impact on individuals and the state as a whole. It can discourage talented individuals from pursuing public service careers, leading to a decline in the quality of essential services. A sustainable and fair pension system is vital for attracting and retaining a strong and motivated workforce in the public sector.

moving forward, New York State must prioritize comprehensive pension reform that addresses existing disparities and secures a strong future for its public servants. This requires open dialogue, collaboration between stakeholders, and a commitment to creating a system that is both fair and sustainable.

What are the specific reforms proposed by Governor Hochul and how do they fall short of addressing the needs of public service workers?

Pension Reform: A Conversation with Andrew Jordan

The Urgency of Equitable Retirement for Public Servants

Andrew Jordan, Co-President of Monroe One BOCES United Professionals, has been a vocal advocate for pension reform in New York State. We sat down with him to discuss the challenges facing public sector unions and the need for a more equitable retirement system.

How have pension disparities within the state’s Tier system impacted recruitment and retention efforts in your union?

It’s a meaningful challenge. While I joined Tier Four and can retire at 55 with a full pension, my colleagues in Tiers Five and Six, who joined after 2010 and 2012 respectively, face later retirement ages of 62 and 63. They also deal with higher contribution rates and reduced benefits. This disparity sends a disheartening message to younger workers, making them question why they shoudl pursue a career in public service when their future looks less secure. it’s a growing problem, impacting recruiting efforts across essential public services, from educators to sanitation workers to first responders.

Beyond educators, how widespread is this impact on various public service sectors?

It’s impacting every essential public service. Our municipalities are struggling to hire snow plow drivers,sanitation workers,and other critical positions. Young people are seeing the less favorable terms offered to Tier Six and opting for careers with more attractive retirement packages. It’s a looming crisis for our state’s ability to provide essential services to its citizens.

Governor Hochul’s recent budget proposal includes some reforms aimed at addressing Tier Six disparities. What’s your assessment of these proposed changes, and what further action is needed?

While we appreciate Governor hochul’s efforts to address Tier Six concerns, the proposed reforms aren’t complete enough. we need to see fundamental changes across all tiers to ensure fairness and create a system that attracts and retains talented individuals for public service for years to come.

What message would you give to young people considering a career in public service?

Service to your community is invaluable, and public service holds many rewards. But we need to be realistic: the current pension system makes it a harder decision for young people. They deserve a secure and equitable retirement, and that means addressing these disparities head-on. We need to ensure that public service remains a viable and rewarding career path for future generations.