A Message from Linda Waldbaum, Newsletter Editor
Nothing says solidarity like the energy that filled the MVP Arena in Albany on March 8th. Labor Unions across New York State converged for the “Fix Tier Six” rally, sending a clear message to the New York State Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul that it is time to rectify the gross inequalities for the members of tier six. With the state budget deadline looming, the question remains, will the Legislature and the Governor finally include the necessary fixes to ensure a fair future for public employees?
The number of attendees at the rally would be hard for state officials to ignore. NYSUT spearheaded this massive gathering, drawing over 15,000 people across various labor organizations, completely selling out the arena. It was an historic display of “union strong” brother and sisterhood, bringing together members from NYSUT, NYS AFL-CIO, CSEA, PEF, NYS Nurses and the Professional Fire Fighters Association. Union leaders, such as Melinda Person (NYSUT President), spoke emphatically to attendees, reminding them that public service is a noble path. She poignantly noted that “teachers don’t get stock options” to make up for pension gaps. Randi Weingarten (AFT President) emphasized that pension reform is a matter of survival for the profession in order to retain veteran educators and recruit the next generation of teachers. Michael Mulgrew (UFT President) demanded an end to high contribution rates, early retirement penalties, and the 63-year retirement age.
Prominent politicians who have legislative power to invoke pension reform also spoke at the rally. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Steward-Cousins delivered a video message noting Senate Democrats are “receptive” to tier six reforms. Governor Hochel closed out the rally stating, “A fair pension is about dignity”. She encouraged the attendees to “keep fighting to make sure you get what you deserve”. The Governor highlighted the changes that have already been made to tier six which occurred under her governorship, specifically reducing the vesting period from 10 years to 5 years and amending the FAS calculation from the highest 5 years to only 3 years. While she did not explicitly say which aspects of tier six she would like to change, she addressed the importance of continuing to recruit people into public service. She acknowledged that a stronger pension system would help “protect you from burnout.” This is an election year for her seat as New York State governor, and hopefully the 15,000 “Fix Tier Six” rally New York State Union attendees impressed upon her the importance of including significant revisions to tier six in the State’s upcoming budget.
Last but certainly not least, the Plainedge Federation of Teachers made a remarkable showing with over 45 members making the long trip to Albany. What was most inspiring wasn’t just the tier six members fighting for their own future, but the massive wave of tier 4 members, and even some retirees, who showed up in support. When asked why they spent their Sunday on a bus to Albany, the responses were heartfelt. Tier six members expressed frustration of working longer and paying more for a smaller return. Tier 4 members spoke of the moral obligation to stand by their younger colleagues, recognizing the inherent unfairness of the current structure. Retirees, such as former PFT Treasurer Scott Orland, said, “I am here to fight for my kid who just started out as an educator and all his colleagues!" Tier 4 members are also keenly aware that the benefits they enjoy today were won through active participation of those who came before them.
As Albany prepares to vote on next year’s budget, it cannot be denied that the “Fix Tier Six” rally proved we are not just a collection of individuals, but a unified force committed to equity across generations. We have shown our strength; now we must keep the pressure on our representatives to ensure “dignity in retirement” is a reality for every public employee - not just a campaign slogan. Together we move forward, because we know that the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
In solidarity!
