Action Center targets Tier 6 proposal:
NYSUT is urging its activist members to contact lawmakers and tell them to oppose the proposed new pension Tier 6. The union has materials for members so they can explain to legislators -- and their own friends and family -- how pensions strengthen the middle class and the state economy.
Become a MAC e-activist and take action:
http://mac.nysut.org/
NYSUT officers reached out to activists and local presidents this week via emails and telephone calls. Union members can contact legislators and the governor on the AFL-CIO action line at 877-255-9417.
Here's the basic message we need you to share:
You do not support the creation of a sixth pension tier.
Tier 6 is being considered just two years after the creation of the money-saving Tier 5.
Public service workers have already negotiated new contracts with concessions that saved millions of taxpayer dollars and rescued important programs.
Moving to a defined contribution plan (like a 401k) places all pensions at the mercy of the stock market.
This plan also guts the optional retirement plan that covers most higher education members, which will make it more difficult to attract and retain top faculty.
In addition, NYSUT's polling center is making "patch-through" calls to members that allow them to transfer directly to their state representatives.
Allies
The AFL-CIO this week launched a statewide radio and print ad, supported by NYSUT, to criticize and respond to the Tier 6 plan.
The state Teachers' Retirement System has prominently criticized the defined contribution proposal as not secure for retirement.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who oversees the state pension systems, has boldly challenged the concept of a Tier 6 as unnecessary and unwise.
NYSUT is urging its activist members to contact lawmakers and tell them to oppose the proposed new pension Tier 6. The union has materials for members so they can explain to legislators -- and their own friends and family -- how pensions strengthen the middle class and the state economy.
Become a MAC e-activist and take action:
http://mac.nysut.org/
NYSUT officers reached out to activists and local presidents this week via emails and telephone calls. Union members can contact legislators and the governor on the AFL-CIO action line at 877-255-9417.
Here's the basic message we need you to share:
You do not support the creation of a sixth pension tier.
Tier 6 is being considered just two years after the creation of the money-saving Tier 5.
Public service workers have already negotiated new contracts with concessions that saved millions of taxpayer dollars and rescued important programs.
Moving to a defined contribution plan (like a 401k) places all pensions at the mercy of the stock market.
This plan also guts the optional retirement plan that covers most higher education members, which will make it more difficult to attract and retain top faculty.
In addition, NYSUT's polling center is making "patch-through" calls to members that allow them to transfer directly to their state representatives.
Allies
The AFL-CIO this week launched a statewide radio and print ad, supported by NYSUT, to criticize and respond to the Tier 6 plan.
The state Teachers' Retirement System has prominently criticized the defined contribution proposal as not secure for retirement.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who oversees the state pension systems, has boldly challenged the concept of a Tier 6 as unnecessary and unwise.